Poverty Alleviation Fund
Direct, measurable poverty relief
Routes donations to evidence-backed organizations that deliver direct, measurable relief to people living in extreme poverty.
How your donation is allocated
Every dollar is split across these organizations.
Direct cash transfers to people living in extreme poverty
Group therapy for depression in sub-Saharan Africa
Scaling proven poverty interventions including deworming
Why we chose these charities
Charities selected based on GiveWell and Founders Pledge research. Combines direct cash transfers as a benchmark with high-evidence supplementary programs.
GiveDirectly
Direct cash transfers to people living in extreme poverty
Why we chose this
GiveDirectly gives cash directly to people living in extreme poverty, letting recipients decide how to spend it. Rigorous research including randomized controlled trials shows cash transfers improve food security, assets, and psychological wellbeing. It also sets a benchmark — if a charity can't beat direct cash, it should reconsider its approach.
cost to deliver $1,000 directly to a person in extreme poverty. GiveWell November 2024 update found this program 3–4x more impactful than previously estimated due to economic spillover effects.
Impact estimates involve uncertainty. Click the source to read the full methodology.
StrongMinds
Group therapy for depression in sub-Saharan Africa
Why we chose this
StrongMinds delivers group interpersonal therapy for women with depression in Uganda and Zambia. Founders Pledge rates them as the most cost-effective mental health charity they have evaluated. Depression affects over 300 million people globally with very limited treatment access in low-income countries.
approximate cost per person treated for depression. 75% of clients become depression-free by end of the 6-week program.
Impact estimates involve uncertainty. Click the source to read the full methodology.
Evidence Action
Scaling proven poverty interventions including deworming
Why we chose this
Evidence Action runs Dispensers for Safe Water and the Deworm the World Initiative, both GiveWell top charities. Deworming children costs roughly $1 per child treated and improves school attendance and long-term earnings. Their model focuses exclusively on interventions backed by strong evidence.
estimated cost per child dewormed
Impact estimates involve uncertainty. Click the source to read the full methodology.