GiveDirectly is a nonprofit organization that delivers unconditional cash transfers directly to people living in poverty, primarily in low-income countries. Its core belief is that people in poverty deserve the dignity of choice and are the best judges of their own needs.

Overview

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  Founded: 2009

  
  


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  Founders: Paul Niehaus, Michael Faye, Rohit Wanchoo, and Jeremy Shapiro

  
  


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  Headquarters: New York City, USA

  
  


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  Website: https://www.givedirectly.org

  
  

Key Features

1. Unconditional Cash Transfers

GiveDirectly provides cash with no strings attached, allowing recipients to choose how to spend the money — whether on food, health care, education, housing, or starting a business.

2. Data-Driven and Transparent

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  Uses rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate impact.

  
  


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  Partners with academics and publishes results to ensure accountability and transparency.

  
  


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  Recognized for its low overhead and efficiency.

  
  

3. Target Countries

GiveDirectly has operated in several countries, including:

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  Kenya

  
  


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  Uganda

  
  


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  Rwanda

  
  


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  Liberia

  
  


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  Democratic Republic of the Congo

  
  


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  Malawi

  
  


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  Mozambique

  
  


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  Has also launched cash assistance programs in the U.S. during crises (e.g., COVID-19 relief).

  
  

4. Innovative Programs

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  Basic Income Experiment: A long-term pilot in Kenya testing the effects of universal basic income.

  
  


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  Crisis Response: Emergency cash for disaster or conflict zones (e.g., after hurricanes, during COVID-19, and in refugee settings).

  
  


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  Digital Identification: Using satellite data and mobile money for remote and scalable aid distribution.

  
  

Recognition

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  Endorsed by GiveWell, The Life You Can Save, and Founders Pledge as one of the most effective charities.

  
  


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  Supported by major philanthropists, including MacKenzie Scott and Google.org.

  
  


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  Praised for pushing the aid sector toward evidence-based, direct giving models.

  
  

Criticisms & Challenges

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  Sustainability: Some critics question whether cash transfers lead to long-term economic improvement or only short-term relief.

  
  


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  Security risks: In some areas, receiving large sums of money may expose recipients to theft or fraud.

  
  


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  Economic impact: There's debate on whether large-scale cash transfers could distort local markets or inflation.