Apply to CEEALAR
Accelerating AI Safety and other EA Cause Areas through a residential community
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GRANTEE RESIDENCY
For Researchers & Builders
Working on existential risk reduction
Subsidized accommodation and vegan food (£0-900/month, sliding scale contribution)
Initial stay: up to 6 weeks, extendable to 12 months
Community of 15-20 aligned researchers and changemakers
Decision timeline: 7-14 days (or up to 8 weeks before arrival for cohort matching)
Who this fits: You're working on AI safety, longtermism, or global catastrophic risk reduction and need focused time + community to accelerate your work.
PATRON STAY
Supporting the Mission
For aligned individuals
Market-rate accommodation and vegan food (£30+/night)
Up to 6 weeks initial stay; flexible durations available thereafter
Your payment directly subsidizes grantees
Decision timeline: 7-14 days (or up to 8 weeks before arrival for cohort matching)
Access to the same community and facilities
Who this fits: You value the mission, want to be part of the community, and can fund your own stay.
How It Works
The application process from start to residency
Apply (~30-60 minutes)
Share your project, timeline, and why CEEALAR matters to your work. We want to understand your goals and how our community can accelerate your impact.
Review (7-14 days typical)
Our team reviews applications for strategic fit, project viability, and community alignment. You'll hear from us within two weeks.
Cohort Matching: For optimal cohort composition, we may hold off on decisions until 8 weeks before your proposed arrival. Why? We're building synchronized cohorts for better collaboration and impact. If you require a decision earlier, contact@ceealar.org.
Onboarding (Once Accepted)
Receive welcome materials, logistics information, and community introduction. We'll make sure you're set up to hit the ground running.
Residency (6 weeks initial)
Focus on independent work with optional community programming. Apply for extensions up to 12 months total based on your progress and needs. Extension Policy →
Selection Criteria
What we look for in applicants
Strategic Clarity
You know what you're building/researching and why it matters for reducing existential risk
Self-Direction
You'll thrive with autonomy and light structure, driving your own progress
Counterfactual Impact
CEEALAR unlocks something you couldn't achieve elsewhere—time, community, or resources
Community Contribution
You'll engage authentically with fellow residents and enrich the collaborative environment
We don't require credentials. Early-career researchers, career transitioners, and unconventional paths are welcome. If you're uncertain whether you're a fit, apply—we'll give you honest feedback upon request.
What to Expect
Life at CEEALAR
Location
Blackpool, UK — 60-90 minutes from Manchester & Liverpool, 4 hrs to London; accessible and affordable
Facilities
Private or shared (max 2 people) bedrooms, shared workspaces, communal kitchen, high-speed internet
Food
Vegan communal dinners (residents rotate cooking), self-serve breakfast/lunch
Community
15-20 residents working on aligned causes, social and community activities
What to Bring
Your laptop, work materials, weather-appropriate clothes (UK = wet, regardless of season; cold in the winter)
Visa Support
Most grantees visit visa-free or on standard visitor visas. We provide immigration support letters on request
FAQ
Can I extend my stay beyond 6 weeks?
Yes! Extensions are granted in up to 3-month increments, for up to 12 months total. We evaluate extensions based on your progress, community contribution, and continued strategic fit. See our Extension Policy for detailed criteria and process.
Why might my decision be delayed up to 8 weeks prior to arrival?
We're building cohort-synchronized programming to maximize collaboration and impact. If you're applying with a start date more than 8 weeks ahead of your requested arrival date, we may hold your decision to ensure strong cohort composition that benefits everyone. This is part of our intentional community design.
What's the stipend situation?
Some grantees qualify for financial support covering living costs beyond food & accommodation. This is need-based and evaluated during application review based on your financial situation and the strategic importance of your project. Not everyone receives a stipend, but most can access subsidized housing.
What if I'm not sure I'm "EA enough"?
We care about your work's impact, not your EA Forum karma. If you're genuinely working to reduce existential risk or improve the long-term future, apply. We've supported researchers from diverse backgrounds and career stages—what matters is strategic alignment and dedication to the work.
Check-In Times
9am-6pm, Monday-Friday. Our team needs their sanity (and sleep). Please coordinate your arrival within these hours.
Can I visit a current resident?
Yes! This is a great way to experience the community before applying for a full residency.
Click here to book your visit
End of Stay Report
We continually aim to track and improve our impact. As such, an end of stay survey is mandatory for all of our guests. The extent is dependent on whether you're a parton or a grantee. We recommend that you prepare for it throughout your stay, so that it's not overwhelming at the end. Check it out here.
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