The GiveWell Blog

Hangover

That last post was a doozy, wasn’t it. Please read it, though, if you get a chance, because this is really important. It’s my first attempt in a while to do what I’ve been saying forever that we can do: put the reasoning behind our decisions in writing, so that you can see the basis…

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Our business is your business

The Clear Fund has no secrets. If I’m ever being a jerk about disclosing information, you can quote me on that. I’ve just added a Board records section to the Clear Fund website. It includes a link to the full minutes and audio recording for our last Board meeting, along with all the written materials…

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Diving in

As quickly and efficiently as I possibly can, I’m now trying to read up on our five causes, and ask the question: “What is the evidence – independent of particular nonprofits – for and against different methods of helping people?” Given the enormity of the topics and how little time I have, this is difficult,…

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Go time

A lot has changed since the release of our business plan. Back then, the Clear Fund was an idea; we had a broad sketch of what we expected to do and what we expected it to cost, and we didn’t yet have funding. Now, the Clear Fund is a project with an approved budget and…

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Alternative visions

Last week, I shared my ideal vision for where we’re ultimately headed. Many of GiveWell’s biggest fans and supporters – including Jason – think it’s totally unrealistic. That’s OK. I’d be happy with about a hundred other possible chains of events, including: Donors give directly to charities rather than through clear funds, but they still…

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