Last updated: December 15, 2020
All contributions will always and only ever be used to advance the vision, mission, and programs consistent with the Montreal AI Ethics Institute’s (MAIEI) obligations as a registered Canadian non-profit organization.
MAIEI funders, sponsors, and donors will in no instance have control or decision-making authority around MAIEI’s vision and mission, program implementation, events such as panel discussions, meetups, and workshops, or published content, including but not limited to research summaries, public consultation reports, newsletters, The State of AI Ethics Report series, or projects such as The AI Ethics Living Dictonary. All MAIEI funding discussions, agreements, and partnerships will reflect this principle without exception.
MAIEI does not accept grants or contributions to lobby for specific legislation anywhere in the world, and will never promote a candidate for political office.
MAIEI’s preference is for unrestricted contributions. The generosity and trust of an unrestricted contribution enables the organization to put the funds towards their best and highest use and to respond directly to unique challenges and opportunities as they arise and evolve. Nevertheless, MAIEI does accept contributions for specific programs and purposes provided that such contributions are consistent with the MAIEI’s mission, vision, priorities, and corporate charter and are not unreasonably restrictive.
In the unlikely event that funds are granted in support of a particular MAIEI initiative that changes course significantly or is no longer pursued, funds will be allocated to a similar initiative consistent with the agreement under which the funds were received.
Contributions to MAIEI at $10,000 and above will generally be publicly acknowledged on MAIEI’s website unless specified as anonymous, in which case all information concerning the identity of donor or prospective donors will be kept strictly confidential by MAIEI unless disclosure is required by law.
MAIEI agreements, contracts, trusts, and other legal agreements will be reviewed, negotiated for compliance as needed, and approved by MAIEI’s co-Directors and legal counsel. Any contribution agreements that do not meet the principles of MAIEI’s Contributions Policy will not be accepted.