EconTalk Elie Hassenfeld on GiveWell
Oct 2, 2023
Elie Hassenfeld, Co-founder and CEO of GiveWell, shares insights from his journey in philanthropy after leaving the finance world. He discusses the importance of rigorous data in evaluating charities, emphasizing the balance between local and global giving. The conversation dives into GiveWell’s recommendations for high-impact charities tackling global health issues, and the complexities of measuring charitable success. Hassenfeld also explores the nuances of altruism, donor behavior, and the role of transparency in enhancing philanthropic efforts.
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GiveWell's Origin
- Elie Hassenfeld and Holden Karnofsky, working at a hedge fund, wanted to donate to charity effectively.
- Frustrated by the lack of data-driven impact information, they started GiveWell.
GiveWell's Focus
- Early on, GiveWell picked specific areas to research deeply, starting with clean water initiatives in Africa.
- They later realized that the needs and opportunities to help people in low-income countries differ significantly from those in developed areas.
Top Charity Recommendations
- GiveWell primarily recommends four charities: two focused on malaria, one on vitamin A supplementation, and one on immunization in Nigeria.
- They estimate that roughly $5,000 can avert a death through these programs.