On point 1:
I can confirm that members of CEA have done quite a lot of awareness-spreading about existential risks and long-run considerations, as well as bringing FHI, MIRI and other organisations to the attention of potential donors who have concerns in this area. I generally agree with Will’s point, and I think it’s very plausible that CEA’s work will result in more philanthropic funding coming FHI’s way in the future.
On point 2:
I also agree. I need to have some discussion with the founders to confirm some points on strategy going forward as soon as the Christmas period’s over, but it’s likely that additional funds could play a big role in CSER’s progress in gaining larger funding streams. I’ll be posting on this shortly.
I should clarify that when I said “I think it’s hard to tell whether donations do more good at MIRI, FHI, CEA, or CFAR,” I didn’t mean that to be an exhaustive list. CSER could also be on the list, precisely because it’s not just some random organization talking about how they want to reduce x-risk, but in fact is tightly connected to FHI.
CSER could also be on the list, precisely because it’s not just some random organization talking about how they want to reduce x-risk, but in fact is tightly connected to FHI.
For bystanders, note that opinions differ on whether CSER being tightly affiliated with FHI is a pro or a con. (Personally, I’m inclined to think that any the Great Filter is either behind us or impossible to subvert, given bonobos.)
On point 1: I can confirm that members of CEA have done quite a lot of awareness-spreading about existential risks and long-run considerations, as well as bringing FHI, MIRI and other organisations to the attention of potential donors who have concerns in this area. I generally agree with Will’s point, and I think it’s very plausible that CEA’s work will result in more philanthropic funding coming FHI’s way in the future.
On point 2: I also agree. I need to have some discussion with the founders to confirm some points on strategy going forward as soon as the Christmas period’s over, but it’s likely that additional funds could play a big role in CSER’s progress in gaining larger funding streams. I’ll be posting on this shortly.
It sounds like CSER could use a loan. Would it be possible for me to donate to CSER and to get my money back if they get $500k+ in grants?
I should clarify that when I said “I think it’s hard to tell whether donations do more good at MIRI, FHI, CEA, or CFAR,” I didn’t mean that to be an exhaustive list. CSER could also be on the list, precisely because it’s not just some random organization talking about how they want to reduce x-risk, but in fact is tightly connected to FHI.
For bystanders, note that opinions differ on whether CSER being tightly affiliated with FHI is a pro or a con. (Personally, I’m inclined to think that any the Great Filter is either behind us or impossible to subvert, given bonobos.)