GiveWell

GiveWell is a nonprofit charity evaluator founded in 2007 by former finance industry professionals. The organization conducts rigorous, transparent research to identify outstanding giving opportunities in global health and development. Its approach is evidence-based, publishing detailed assessments that cover both strengths and concerns about each evaluated organization.

The scale of GiveWell's work is substantial. Its research team invests tens of thousands of hours annually into evaluations. Since 2011, the organization has directed over $2.6 billion in donations to its recommended charities, an amount it estimates has saved more than 340,000 lives.

A defining feature of GiveWell's operating model is its funding structure. The organization takes zero fees from donations to its recommended charities, meaning 100% of donor funds go directly to programs. This commitment to extreme transparency extends to all aspects of its research and recommendations, a practice central to its identity since its founding.