Let me note that there is some truth to what the Straw Man says below. There is very little information that you can get and compare across all charities, and looking at the Straw Ratio (program expenses / total expenses) is probably the single quickest, easiest way to spot the worst of the worst (i.e.,…
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I found a number that tells you everything you need to know
Hi there. I’m the Straw Man, and the purpose of my life is to say things that Holden disagrees with, in exaggerated ways so that Holden can tear me apart. It might not be the most glamorous job, but I’ve come to terms with myself. So, guess what? I’m really into intelligent giving. It isn’t…
Recommending Population Services International
I understand that a lot of you have been sitting on the edge of your seats, wondering when GiveWell is going to recommend an organization for fighting diarrheal illness. Your wait is over. My research on diarrhea began as an interest in the cause of “water.” It’s a very popular cause, and a very marketable…
Limits of generosity
So, I gave around $9000 ($5000-$6000 actual cost, factoring in taxes) to charity this year. Was it enough? I’ll be the first to admit that wasn’t all I could afford to give. It was as much as I wanted to. And you know what else I’ll admit? Earlier in the year, when the baseball playoffs…
Chocolate-covered broccoli
All right! Some of those Christmas bonuses Elie talked about are going to charity, after all! This is awesome–not only are those Wall Street dudes super rich, but they’re super smart too, right? I bet they’re all thinking really carefully about how to accomplish the most good, and focusing on evidence and accountability, like these…
The 2006 Holden Awards
OK, maybe I got a little carried away in my last post, as Elie is more than happy to point out. I’ve been screaming about “low prices,” when the truth is that curing an obstetric fistula or cleft can be worth the extra $-per-person for a variety of reasons. Something you’ll see a lot of…