UPDATE: We have already reached the initial goal of 1000€! I am extremely grateful to everyone who already donated, for making this birthday so special!! 🎁

At present, I won't be able to continue matching the donations beyond 1000€ but if you are considering donating, please don't let that stop you. While this 2000+€ will absolutely have a meaningful impact, the scale of the problems needs many more of us to step up.

Thank you all once again for your kindness and generosity. It truly means the world to me.

On September 16th, I will turn 30! And I need your help in celebrating this day in a meaningful way.

For the last few years, I have been donating more and more towards effective charities with the recognition that I am immensely fortunate to earn more than 98.7% of the world’s population (even after accounting for Austria’s high-ish cost of living). I suspect that most people in my network reading this, whether in India, USA, Austria or elsewhere, are also in the global top 3% or even richer. While the last few percentages of our income may only bring us only so much marginal happiness; if donated strategically, this income can instead literally save lives. I encourage you to calculate this for yourself at givingwhatwecan.org/howrichami and ponder if it is only the billionaires and the government that can make a difference.

This year, I have pledged to donate 5% of my annual income towards improving global health and wellbeing. As a part of this pledge, I aim to amplify my impact, indirectly by introducing more of my friends to Effective Altruism, and directly by nudging you all to also donate effectively. To mark my 30th revolution around the sun, I have chosen charities/funds that provably improve healthcare or education in a cost effective manner. I will match all donations up to the first 1000€, doubling the warm fuzzy feeling you will get after helping someone lead a better life or even just make it to their next birthday.

In short, the best way to wish me a ‘Happy Birthday’ this year is by giving what you can :)

With love,
Div