DailyDirt: Charity 2.0

from the urls-we-dig-up dept

There seems to be an increasing number of discussions on how to end poverty using evidence-based methods. Obviously, no one has found the cure for poverty just yet, but applying some rigorous analysis for charitable performance might result in better outcomes (rather than relying on gut instincts and good intentions). Here are just a few approaches for reducing poverty that hopefully work out someday.

• Could we really reduce poverty by giving everyone a minimum monthly income? This concept isn't exactly a new idea, but it's making the rounds -- but will any country (or town?) really try to implement a social welfare program that gives away money to everyone? [url]
• Bill Gates has been promoting his concept of "catalytic philanthropy" as a way to amplify charitable investments. Seed funding a lot of projects that could have a significant impact on global poverty might make more progress than putting a huge lump sum behind a handful of projects. [url]
• GiveDirectly is a charity that is experimenting with different ways to give money directly to the poor most effectively. They've found evidence that their stipends are not being wasted on drugs/gambling, but it's still a bit unclear if there are real long-term economic benefits. [url]

If you'd like to read more awesome and interesting stuff, check out this unrelated (but not entirely random!) Techdirt post via StumbleUpon.

Filed Under: bill gates, catalytic philanthropy, charity, evidence, givedirectly, income, money, poverty, welfare