What was it like finding out about GiveWell—what was your initial impression? Did you think it was weird that these people were trying to evaluate charities? I’d also be interested to know what lead you to think they were worth interacting with.
I was interested and pleased to hear from GiveWell when they first contacted us (in 2009⁄10 I think) as it was obvious straight away that we shared a similar attitude to impact, transparency and accountability. I remember in particular reading at the time that they had two recommendations (and I paraphrase): ‘Do give money to these 3 charities. Don’t give money to these 132.’ I liked those numbers. It said to me that they really valued data and evidence and not stories. I didn’t think it was weird at all that they were evaluating charities. On the contrary, I thought ‘Hallelujah!’ as in many ways I am quite cynical when it comes to charity and feel it is very important that charities are held to account.
What was it like finding out about GiveWell—what was your initial impression? Did you think it was weird that these people were trying to evaluate charities? I’d also be interested to know what lead you to think they were worth interacting with.
I was interested and pleased to hear from GiveWell when they first contacted us (in 2009⁄10 I think) as it was obvious straight away that we shared a similar attitude to impact, transparency and accountability. I remember in particular reading at the time that they had two recommendations (and I paraphrase): ‘Do give money to these 3 charities. Don’t give money to these 132.’ I liked those numbers. It said to me that they really valued data and evidence and not stories. I didn’t think it was weird at all that they were evaluating charities. On the contrary, I thought ‘Hallelujah!’ as in many ways I am quite cynical when it comes to charity and feel it is very important that charities are held to account.
Exactly! I loved that too when I first discovered it as a teenager. Thx for the reply.