Scott's monthly links roundup covering AI progress, the coming flood of philanthropic funding to effective altruism from AI companies, new research on persuasion and forecasting, and various scientific and cultural topics ranging from dementia prevention to Romanian politicians' embarrassing quotes. Longer summary

This is the second part of Scott Alexander's monthly links roundup for July 2026, covering a wide range of topics including AI developments, effective altruism funding waves, healthcare research, and cultural curiosities. Major themes include Chinese AI models catching up to the US (though still 6-12 months behind), the coming "third wave" of American philanthropy from AI company equity donations potentially flooding effective altruism with $40 billion/year, AI systems now outperforming humans at persuasion in specific contexts, and various scientific findings from dementia prevention to infinite ethics. The post maintains Scott's characteristic style of jumping between serious technical analysis, historical oddities, and humorous observations, with extensive linking to sources and ongoing debates in the rationalist and effective altruist communities. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander introduces an impact market for unfunded ACX Grants proposals, allowing investors to crowdfund projects with potential returns in Manifund dollars. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the implementation of an impact market for ACX Grants proposals that were not initially funded. This market allows investors to crowdfund projects, with the potential to profit if the projects succeed. The post outlines the current state of the market, including challenges faced, and provides examples of available projects. It also explains the technical details of how the impact market works, potential risks and benefits for investors, and provides links for participation. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander announces the 2024 ACX Grants program, detailing its structure, funding, and new optional 'impact market' component for charitable and scientific projects. Longer summary

Scott Alexander announces the 2024 ACX Grants program, a microgrants initiative to fund charitable or scientific projects. He explains the program's structure, including a partnership with Manifund, the funding amount ($320,000 total), timeline, application process, and types of projects likely to be funded. This year introduces an optional 'impact market' component, allowing unfunded projects to seek alternative funding through impact certificates. Scott also discusses the benefits of winning a grant beyond the monetary aspect and touches on tax implications. Shorter summary