Research Partner

GiveWell is an independent non-profit organization based in the USA that has been developing evidence-based recommendations for donors since 2007. GiveWell's goal is to identify organizations that achieve the greatest possible impact per euro donated. GiveWell does not run its own aid programs but focuses exclusively on research and advice on the allocation of funds. Donations to recommended organizations or the All Grants Fund managed by GiveWell are based on these independent analyses.

GiveWell follows a systematic, multi-stage evaluation process. First, potential organizations are identified based on publicly available data and initial indications of impact. Organizations that pass this pre-selection undergo a comprehensive review: GiveWell requests access to internal monitoring data, evaluation reports, and financial information. An individual cost-effectiveness model is created for each organization, which compares interventions and expresses the impact in 'multiples of cash'—relative to the impact of direct cash transfers to people in extreme poverty. In addition to quantitative analyses, qualitative assessments of scalability, organizational performance, and sustainability are included. All results, assumptions, and uncertainties are openly documented and regularly updated.

GiveWell is financed primarily by voluntary contributions from donors and by funding from partners such as Open Philanthropy. Donations that are passed on to evaluated organizations are strictly separated from the funds for its own operations. This clear separation minimizes conflicts of interest and ensures the independence of the recommendations.

GiveWell applies exceptionally high scientific standards. The recommendations are based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and robust impact measurements. Uncertainties are systematically analyzed and transparently communicated in all cost-benefit models. Method documents, critical assumptions, and potential sources of error are disclosed and continuously updated. Due to this methodology, GiveWell is considered one of the world's most reliable sources for evidence-based donation decisions in the effective altruism community.

Wealth for the World e.V. does not make its own funding decisions, but follows the analyses of GiveWell. Every year, 2% of our fund's assets are donated to organizations that GiveWell has identified as particularly effective. By default, these funds flow into the All Grants Fund, which flexibly supports the most urgent and cost-effective projects.