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James Rayton

Over 10,000 people have taken Giving What We Can's 10% Pledge, donating $50M in 2024 alone to high-impact charities tackling global problems.

10,000 pledgers and the impact of strategic giving

Hello, and welcome to our August newsletter!

Two weeks ago, you may have seen a special message from Sjir Hoeijmakers (our CEO) celebrating an incredible milestone:

10,000 people around the world have now taken Giving What We Can’s 🔸10% Pledge!

Giving What We Can Celebrates 10,000 10% Pledges

I’m so inspired when I think about what this number truly means. Every pledge is both an individual commitment to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems 

 part of a collective story of generosity. That generosity carries astonishing power.

In 2024 alone, pledgers donated more than $50 million, enough to save over 10,000 lives. If we keep going at this pace, our pledgers could (collectively) prevent a death approximately every hour. That’s an extraordinary thing to be a part of.

From reducing animal suffering, to protecting families from deadly diseases, to tackling some of humanity’s biggest risks, pledgers are making a real and visible difference.

Thank you for being part of this community – whether by pledging, exploring our charity recommendations, sharing our resources, or simply following our work. Together, we’re growing the number of people who are committed to meaningful, strategic giving: the kind of giving that’s reshaping what’s possible.

Here are some of our favourite responses from people who took a pledge last m

What motivated you to take a pledge with Giving What We Can?

 blogs, announcements, & news from Giving What We Can

As mentioned above, we reached 10,000 active 10% Pledgers!

If you’ve been to our website recently, you may have noticed that things look a little different – check it out and 

Our research team has started work on our annual 

evaluations of impact-focused charity evaluators

, with reports and updated charity recommendations expected in time for giving season.

We interviewed one of the bloggers behind 

 – who also happens to be a 10% Pledger. Read about his family’s interesting take on giving and living in our new blog post: 

Highlights from our community & the wider effective giving ecosystem

Bentham’s Bulldog🔸 explored some of the ethical reasons to take the 10% Pledge in his new post: 

Why I just took the Giving What We Can Pledge

. We thought it was a compelling, provocative reflection and highly recommend giving it a read!

recently included in TIME’s “The 100 Best Podcasts of All Time

”. In this “Trolleyology” episode, Josh talks about moral psychology, effective charitable giving, bridging political divides, and more. 

Pablo Melchor🔸, co-founder and president of 

, has written a Spanish-language book exploring the principles of effective giving and the 10% Pledge! You can 

read more about the book and preorder here

Fauna Connections: September 18th, online

Faunalytics is proud to present Fauna Connections, a free, virtual research symposium designed for animal advocates. This event brings together academics and scientists from the social and behavioral sciences and related fields to share original research with direct applications to animal advocacy. You can 

EA Global: New York City, 2025: Oct 10th-12th, The Sheraton, Times Square

EA Global is coming to New York for the first time! The conference is a great place to meet experts working on some of the world’s most pressing issues across animal welfare, global health & development, AI safety, biosecurity, and more. There’s an event app to make 1-on-1 networking easy – plus talks, workshops, and targeted meetups. With both DC and Boston just a train ride away, this event is uniquely positioned to connect you with media, policy, and philanthropy folks. 

Learn more and apply here by September 28th.

Upcoming EAGx conferences: Berlin, Singapore, & Australasia!

EAGx conferences are great opportunities to learn from and connect with others interested in having a positive impact on the world. 

. You can find these and other open roles on 

We've just opened applications at Giving What We Can for a part-time 

Growth and Marketing Operations/Analytics

 expert to be the analytical engine behind our growth strategy. This person will build and maintain the systems, processes, and analytics infrastructure that enables our marketing and growth teams to scale efficiently while maintaining our high standards.

Applications are still open at Giving What We Can for the 

NTI | bio is now accepting applications for the 

2025 Next Generation for Biosecurity Delegation

 to the December BWC Meeting of States Parties in Geneva, Switzerland. This opportunity brings together students and early-career professionals (ages 18 – 35) from around the world to: network with leading scientists, diplomats, and civil society changemakers; showcase your ideas on strengthening biosecurity; and join a dynamic community of rising leaders driving the future of biosecurity. 

Does your passion for making a difference extend to your career? The Centre for Effective Altruism is running a free, 4-day online bootcamp to help accomplished professionals who are interested in 

. In the bootcamp, you’ll identify career paths that match your skills, apply to opportunities, and build a network to support you. 

Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program

, run by Ambitious Impact. If you are entrepreneurial, fast-moving, evidence-based, and care deeply about doing good in a cost-effective way, then consider signing up for Ambitious Impact’s 

 to learn more about the program and the 

2026 Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation program

Highlights from the high-impact programmes we list on our platform along with evaluators & grantmakers in the effective giving space 

Good news from the Open Wing Alliance’s 2025 cage-free egg fulfillment report: 

92% of cage-free commitments (with deadlines of 2024 or earlier) have been upheld

 – a global coalition to end the abuse of chickens – is a project of 

renowned climate and nature expert and former President of the Rainforest Alliance, joins as GFI’s new CEO starting today, August 26th! With decades of leadership across science-based nonprofits, Nigel brings deep experience driving systemic solutions to global challenges. 

The world’s first master’s degree in alternative proteins has launched in Spain! Developed with input from GFI Europe’s scientific team, this new program at Real Centro Universitario María Cristina will equip students with the skills needed to lead in sustainable food innovation – from science and business to policy. 

From Performative To Transformative: Navigating Equity & Inclusion Across A Diverse Animal Advocacy Movement

, explores how farmed animal advocacy organizations can approach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in ways that are aligned with their mission, strategy, and values. Drawing on interviews with BIPOC advocates and analysis of over 200 organizations, the report identifies key barriers and opportunities for making DEI efforts meaningful rather than symbolic. With practical recommendations for advocates, leaders, and funders, this resource is designed to help the animal advocacy movement grow stronger, more inclusive, and more effective.

 attended the NYU Wild Animal Welfare Program's two-day summit in July, which brought together researchers studying disease, welfare measurement, the welfare consequences of biological invasions, and human attitudes toward wild animals. At the summit, Executive Director Cameron Meyer Shorb and Strategy Director Mal Graham were panelists in a group discussion about 

 in wild animal welfare, and Strategy Researcher Simon Eckerström Liedholm also gave a lightning talk on how 

 could result in lower population densities, potentially increasing population welfare.

 has released two new podcast episodes on various aspects of their work.

GiveWell has recommended over $1 billion to malaria programs, averting an estimated 200,000+ deaths - mostly in young children. Now, major anticipated funding reductions threaten to create substantial gaps in life-saving malaria programs. In a recent 

, GiveWell CEO and co-founder Elie Hassenfeld and researchers Alex Bowles and Rosie Bettle discuss the potential impacts of these funding shortfalls. 

Learn more about the foreign aid funding cuts and how you can help

Over the past year and a half, GiveWell has been investigating family planning services that help people decide whether and when to have children. In their 

, GiveWell CEO and co-founder Elie Hassenfeld and Senior Research Associate Dilhan Perera discuss the complexities of evaluating family planning programs, diving into the types of programs GiveWell is considering and key questions they are working to answer. Read more on this work 

 about the life-saving work a recent GiveWell grant will enable.

 announced the results of a large randomized study in rural Kenya tracking 100,000 births: giving families a one-time $1,000 cash transfer cut infant mortality by 48%. 

Learn more about the results and see what GiveDirectly is doing in response

 sharing stories of how adolescents in Uganda are experiencing the impact of talk therapy, and how this is beginning to reduce stigma in schools and families.

On its work to advance biotechnology governance frameworks:

Biosecurity Innovation Risk Reduction Initiative

 meeting in July, which brought together experts from across industry, the scientific community, international organizations, and national governments to discuss potential safeguards for rapidly advancing bioscience and biotechnology capabilities across three key areas: DNA synthesis screening, AIxBio capabilities, and mirror life risks.

On its work to enhance transparency for bioscience R&D: NTI | bio launched a 

 with recommendations for enhancing transparency in bioscience research and development to strengthen the global norms against biological weapons. Report authors call for stronger international mechanisms to uphold the norm against bioweapons, including capabilities to better detect, attribute, and hold states accountable for bioweapons development or use.

an episode of the podcast Public Health on Call

 to discuss the CDC’s deactivation of the US’s H5N1 emergency response, why fewer bird flu cases doesn’t necessarily mean an end to the bird flu emergency, and how to prepare for migratory birds returning this fall.

(News from evaluators, grantmakers, and incubators that relates to global health, animal welfare, or global catastrophic risk reduction is now included in the “Cause Area News” section above!)

 on the climate implications of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, arguing that “when it comes to long-term global decarbonization, all is not necessarily lost.” According to the retrospective, the bill leaves most of the important policy infrastructure in place, leaving potential for transformative energy technology breakthroughs. Founders Pledge’s work was also featured in 

We loved seeing so much engagement and celebration from our community around the 10,000 pledgers milestone — 

! And if you’re a pledger, you can help keep the momentum going: repost the milestone video and/or use our 

 and stay connected with us for more news and updates.

You already donate a portion of your income regularly and have no intention of stopping. Should you still take a giving pledge?

Read "Why pledge when you already donate"?

Do you have any feedback on our newsletter or communications? 

 with Giving What We Can and effective giving.

Do you have questions about the pledge, Giving What We Can, or effective giving in general? Check out our 

Alana Horowitz Friedman

Jon Watson 

What happens when you give away a quarter of your income? For Jon and his family, it meant more purpose, freedom, and joy.

How One Family Gives 25% of Their Income and Lives Better for It

This family gives 25% of their income. It's helped them reconnect, simplify, and thrive. 

Give more, live...better?

 actually impact the way they live. In other words, they tell us that the difference an extra 10% will make to them is very small compared to the enormous good it can do for others.

This sentiment makes perfect sense. Earning an average income in a rich country usually means you’re in at least the richest 5% of the world. And sending money from a richer country to a poorer one usually means 

But recently, we heard from a family whose Pledge 

 impact the way they live, and even noticeably changes how much they spend.

Meet Jon Watson, one of the bloggers behind 

. He lives in Brisbane, Australia with his wife, Emelie, and two kids. For Jon and his family, the ~25% they’ve chosen to donate each year is not only a way to do a tremendous amount of good in the world. It’s also helping them live life to the fullest — by spending less.

” Jon writes about what his family values most: freedom, opportunity, simplicity, and meaning. He also references a period in his life when accumulation and luxury started to cause an identity disconnect: he realised he wasn’t living the way he wanted to, and it felt hollow. 

Today, he and his family of four live on about one quarter of their AUD 190K household income, and it’s helping them to live 

“Living with less isn’t about going without or making pointless sacrifices. It’s about being deliberate in our actions to make space for what matters: connection, creativity, contribution, and community,” 

I stumbled upon Jon’s blog a few months ago, and wanted to learn more. Serendipitously, before I could reach out, he 

! I’m really excited for you to read his thoughts about giving and living. Here they are:

1. Tell me about yourself. What keeps you busy and what makes you tick?

I’m a full-time dad, part-time engineer, and full-hearted idealist. I’ve been spending a lot of time reading and writing for my blog promoting progressive environmental and social ideals with a focus on the benefits to the individuals making the changes. I also find myself occupied fixing bikes, shoes, toys and furniture, participating in community groups, growing food (or trying to!) and generally building a life that puts people and planet first.

What makes me tick? I’m a real nerd for knowledge and making good choices. I recognize that ordinary people, giving thoughtfully, can quite easily save lives and add greater purpose to their own. I gave away about 30% of my income last year yet have everything I need. I find joy in nature, purpose in giving, and energy in showing others it’s possible to live more fully by wanting less.

2. You talk a lot about your giving on your blog. Do you have thoughts on being public about your giving?

Peter Singer’s reminder that sharing our giving habits can actually help others overcome inertia really stuck with me. I realised that staying quiet was, in its own way, a missed opportunity. So I made it public, not for praise, but because I can handle a bit of eye-rolling if it means someone else decides to give. I’d already been giving for years when I took the Pledge, but signing it was a way to say, “This matters. It works. You can do it too.” If lives are saved because I spoke up, it’s absolutely worth it.

3. What are the issues in the world that you care most deeply about?

I care most about inequality, climate change, and the systems that keep both in place. It breaks my heart that children still die from preventable causes while others throw out uneaten food. I’m passionate about health, education, and basic dignity, things everyone should have, but millions don’t. I also care deeply about enjoying life, both our own and that of all organisms, now and in the future. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution threaten everything, especially for those already struggling. But I’m hopeful. We already have the tools to solve so much. What’s missing isn’t solutions, it’s the will. And in part that requires adopting new models of what constitutes a good life. That’s why I focus on effective giving, community action, and living as if every life truly matters.

4. You write on your blog about your experience volunteering in Vietnam after graduating. Can you tell me more about that?

Emelie and I joined an Australian youth volunteering expedition, hoping our labour and enthusiasm would help others. Unfortunately the program was mostly focused on outcomes for the volunteers and the public image of the agency and left some of the intended beneficiaries worse off than before. Emelie and I stayed on after the program concluded and did what we could to repair the situation, but the key learning was the importance of local knowledge and empowerment of the supported communities. We concluded that we would be far better off working lucrative jobs in Australia to fund effective programs that employ partners from the supported communities.

From then on we spent our next 8 months in SEA immersing ourselves in local culture and lifestyle, cycling through remote regions across Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Yunnan, Thailand and Malaysia. We consistently experienced the greatest warmth and generosity from the people with the least material wealth. This really helped lock in our people and planet first mindset.

5. Do you ever find it difficult to give?

I had some reservations during the start of the COVID lockdowns where there was a fair degree of economic uncertainty. I wondered if I would still be employed in 6 months. But after doing some budgeting I realised there were plenty of other ways I could save that wouldn't really have any impact on my lifestyle or my family's. I think it felt even better to give that year, knowing how hard the recipients also had it.

6. Do you try to effect change in any other way?

Absolutely. Giving is just one piece of the puzzle. I live in a way that reflects my values and do what I can to inspire others without preaching. Like being kind at every opportunity, cycling instead of driving, eating plant-based, sharing tools, fixing instead of replacing, and consuming consciously. I advocate for sustainability and generosity at work, in our community, and through our project Living More with Less, where we share practical steps and personal stories on moving toward a lower-impact, higher-purpose life. My wife and I also raise our kids to think critically about fairness, climate, and compassion. I’ve written to politicians, donated blood, volunteer at a Repair Cafe, been involved with climate change advocacy and helped friends, neighbours and strangers fix things.

7. Any words of advice for other people considering the pledge?

Whether you pledge or not, know that giving is one thing that will make your life better and that choosing 

 charities gives confidence it is making someone else's life better too. The same can 

 be said about any other use you could put that money to, once all true needs have been met.

8. How does having a household of four impact your giving? Do you ever wrestle with how much to set aside for your kids versus how much to donate?

I’m confident in the research that shows children who grow up without a silver platter have better long-term outcomes on all measures, provided they receive the appropriate emotional support.

And even with our relatively frugal lifestyle, our kids have vastly more stuff and opportunities than we did as children and more than the majority of children do now.

But of course, I do struggle with some fear of judgment around this – for example, judgment that we aren’t being good parents by choosing not to do things like “perfecting” our kids’ smile through cosmetic dental work or other similar “opportunities”.

I see a future where success, whether for an individual, a company, or a nation, is measured by the welfare it creates, the lives it uplifts, the resilience it fosters. Where technology serves us instead of enslaving us. Where we embrace personal sufficiency and celebrate public luxury: clean air, thriving ecosystems, good health, shared creativity, meaningful work, and strong communities.

I see an awakening. A rising of purpose beyond profit. A shift in what we value, teach, and reward. Where aggressive and divisive rhetoric is met not with outrage, but with calm, united indifference, or even warmth and compassion. Where conflict becomes an opportunity for deeper understanding and appreciation of the other party.

I see humankind reuniting with the living world. Restoring our place within nature rather than above it. And I imagine us, many generations from now, thriving together with enough wisdom, kindness, and solidarity to face whatever geological or interstellar challenges come our way. Not just surviving, but rising. Together. Not as separate tribes or competing interests, but as one species, on one fragile, beautiful planet.

10. Wow. Do you write poetry in your spare time?

Haha, only for birthdays and anniversaries. But a good question deserves a good answer and we need dreams now as much as ever.

11. Have any books, documentaries, articles or studies significantly changed the way you see giving?

 (both by Peter Singer) were together the real turning point. I’d already been giving, but they sharpened everything. The case was made so clearly: not only why we should give, but how to give in a way that actually works. It cut through all the excuses, and made me realise how much good even modest giving can do.

12. Thanks so much for speaking with me! Where can people read more?

, and in particular, here are two articles about giving.

July news: What does it mean to counter a radically unfair world with generosity? Stories of hope, action, and global impact.

Reflections on inequality and global giving

A radically unfair world, and how we’re responding

Hello, and welcome to our July newsletter!

I’m James, Head of Community & Partnerships at Giving What We Can and one of the new voices behind these monthly updates. I’m thrilled to be in touch with you, and very grateful to Grace for bringing a much-needed dose of good news to our inboxes each month!

From 2020-2024, I lived and worked in East Africa, first for not-for-profits in Rwanda and Kenya and then as a UN peacekeeper in Somalia. 

Blog

10,000 pledgers and the impact of strategic giving

Give more, live...better?

A radically unfair world, and how we’re responding

What I learned about effective giving in Nigeria

A spotlight on Against Malaria Foundation's Post-Distribution Survey (PDM) process

What we achieved together — $80M donated in 2024 + 6x giving multiplier

10 of the best quotes from Rutger Bregman’s Moral Ambition

May news: Inspiration from Rutger Bregman on The Daily Show

How to stop buying things you don’t need

April news: Big risks, small bites. AI, World Malaria Day, & more