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OpenAI has told current and former staff that they may once again donate eligible equity to charity, ending a prolonged halt that frustrated many employees who had been waiting for the program to resume.
A memo reported by The Verge outlined the renewed opportunity, arriving roughly 18 months after workers were first told a donation round would follow the company’s share sale to SoftBank.
Some employees received six-figure equity grants in 2019, which means the latest decision could translate into millions of dollars flowing to charitable causes. A source familiar with staff feedback said the lag created concern because charitable equity donation had previously been used to attract talent during a period of intense competition for AI expertise. They noted that AI rival, Anthropic, promotes an optional 1:1 donation matching for up to 25% of an equity grant.
The turnaround time is reportedly much shorter than the minimum period required for other forms of equity liquidation, such as the 20 business days mandated for a tender offer. Some employees are finding it difficult to take part because the company strongly recommends that workers consult a tax or financial adviser, and some hold fewer units due to the pause and uncertainty around past plans. OpenAI did not respond to a request for comment.
Staff voice concerns as valuation rises
Employees have aired concerns for years about how the company manages equity as OpenAI’s valuation climbs and its corporate structure evolves. The source highlighted past fears that vested equity might be at risk if workers violated non-disparagement terms. The pause also extended the period since the last donation rounds in 2021 and 2022, deepening frustration among current and former employees who had expected a new opportunity after last year’s SoftBank tender.
The program was put on hold while OpenAI completed a broad restructuring. The company recently finalized that process after negotiations with the attorneys general of California and Delaware. OpenAI was founded in 2015 as a non-profit research lab, and an important open question is whether the non-profit entity will continue to control the development of emerging technologies such as artificial general intelligence.
Share value jumps ahead of donation plan
OpenAI’s share price has risen sharply in recent months. Employees sold equity last month for about $430 per unit in a tender offer. Each share is now valued at around $483 in fair market terms. The increase may stem partly from OpenAI owing less to its non-profit arm in potential future profits.
