This is a great point. There’s an important distinction though between evaluating new programs led by early-stage NGOs (like those coming from Charity Entrepreneurship) versus established programs directing millions in funding. I think RCTs make sense for the latter group.
As far as I can tell ~0% of nonprofits are interested in rigorously studying their programs in any way, RCTs or otherwise
There’s also a difference between the typical NGOs and EA-founded ones. In my experience, EA founders actively want to rigorously evaluate their programs, they don’t want to work for ineffective interventions.
This is a great point. There’s an important distinction though between evaluating new programs led by early-stage NGOs (like those coming from Charity Entrepreneurship) versus established programs directing millions in funding. I think RCTs make sense for the latter group.
There’s also a difference between the typical NGOs and EA-founded ones. In my experience, EA founders actively want to rigorously evaluate their programs, they don’t want to work for ineffective interventions.