Preview Release
We've been researching hundreds of charities.Now we're starting to share what we find, to help you help others.
Useful? Could be useful? We need to know. Please tell us what you think.
Summary of research and charity recommendations
In our first year, we researched charities in five broad causes:
- Developing world (overview of findings):
- Developed world (overview of findings):
The strongest organizations we found are listed below; if you would like to donate to one, you can do so using the appropriate "Donate now through Network for Good" link. Please note that the entire donation process is handled by Network for Good, a service that has processed over $100 million in donations since 2001. GiveWell has no involvement in the donation process, and collects no fees on it.
Developing world
Population Services International stands out for its commitment to thorough, consistent self-monitoring and evaluation; by marketing life-saving and –improving materials such as condoms, bednets, and water purification kits, PSI appears to be improving quality of life with great cost-effectiveness. Donate to Population Services International through Network for Good
Partners in Health is another standout organization that builds comprehensive community health programs, staffing full-service hospitals and health centers with trained local staff. Unlike many international charities, which focus on a particular disease or problem at a time, PIH is notable for its emphasis on serving people’s needs holistically and turning no one away. Donate to Partners in Health through Network for Good
United States
The Nurse-Family Partnership program consists of sending registered nurses to perform regular visits to low-income mothers, both during and immediately after pregnancy (up until the child’s second birthday), in order to counsel them on issues such as birth spacing, child nutrition, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment. Repeated studies of this program have shown lasting differences between those who did and didn’t participate in the program (even when participants were chosen by lottery). Donate to Nurse-Family Partnership through Network for Good
The 
Knowledge is Power Program is a network of charter schools across the U.S. focusing on improving academic outcomes for disadvantaged youth. All students in a school's vicinity are eligible for admission, and tuition is free. KIPP takes the position that disadvantaged students are behind from the day they enter, and need schools that are focused on going above and beyond a “normal” education. Our analysis implies that KIPP is having a real effect on academic outcomes, showing significant gains throughout KIPP’s national network of schools. Donate to the Knowledge Is Power Program through Network for Good
What do you get for your dollar? An overview
| Top recommended organizations | Cost | Impact | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developing-world health | - Population Services International - Partners in Health |
$100-3,500 per life saved | Improve health, save lives |
| Developing-world poverty | None | - | Unclear of any |
| Early childhood care and education (U.S.) | Nurse-Family Partnership | $10,000 per child served | Increase academic performance and reduce criminal behavior |
| K-12 Education (U.S.) | Knowledge is Power Program | $20,000 per student (including state education funds) | Improve academic performance |
| Employment Assistance (NYC) | The HOPE Program | $10,000 per client served | Unclear of any |
