Theory Behind Effective Giving

This page contains essays by our founders and staff on the theory behind charitable giving, and effective giving in particular. They cover issues such as the dramatic difference in cost-effectiveness between world charities and the imperative to choose carefully before making donations. More broadly, they also focus on the psychology of giving and how it can improve happiness levels, and considerations about the most effective time to make donations.

The moral imperative towards cost-effectiveness by Dr Toby Ord (2012)

Published by the Centre for Global Development, March 2013

Giving Without Sacrifice? The relationship between income, happiness, and giving by Andreas Mogensen (2012)

Should we donate now or donate later? by Bastian Stern (2012)

Protocol on making practical estimates in cases of large uncertainty by Owen Cotton-Barratt (2013)

Should we discount future health benefits when considering cost-effectiveness? by Toby Ord and Robert Wiblin (2013)

Development, Population Growth and the Mortality-Fertility Link by Henry Phipps (2015)

How long will it take to eliminate extreme poverty? by Henry Phipps (2015)

The cost of fighting Malaria, Malnutrition, Neglected Tropical Diseases, and HIV/AIDS, and providing Essential Surgeries, compared to spending on Global Health by Hauke Hillebrandt (2015)