Giving Cash to Those in Need with Paul Niehaus of GiveDirectly

Jan 9, 2025
42 mins

Episode Description

As we begin a new year, we’re sharing a classic from the Giving Done Right archive in which Phil and Grace talk with Paul Niehaus, co-founder and chairman of GiveDirectly. Paul discusses the power of direct cash transfers – how they work, why trusting those in need with cash can be extremely effective, and when certain issue areas might warrant a different philanthropic approach. They also discuss the effective altruism movement and how to consider giving domestically versus internationally.

Additional Resources

GiveDirectly

Cash transfer research via GiveDirectly

GiveWell

The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically by Peter Singer

Universal Basic Income project in Kenya

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