- Is there a guide to how you think about giving?
Yes. How to give well sets out the thinking behind every page on this site, from first principles: why what would have happened anyway matters most, why the cost of a good outcome varies so much, evidence versus a good story, room for more funding, choosing between causes, tax-smart and non-cash giving, and how to check later whether a gift worked.
- How do you choose which charities to show?
We start from the independent evaluators' own top ratings: GiveWell's Top Charities for saving lives, and the Happier Lives Institute's top charities for mental health and wellbeing. We then show their published figures, the strength of the evidence and the main open questions, without adding opinions of our own.
- Is “$3,500 per life saved” a guarantee?
No. It's the evaluator's best estimate of the average cost over a stated period (for GiveWell's figures, 2022–2024). Real results vary, and the next dollar can do more or less than the average. We always label these figures as modeled, not guaranteed.
- Why GiveWell and the Happier Lives Institute?
Both publish detailed, public research on cost and impact, explain their reasoning, and revise their views when evidence changes. Deferring to them means we never have to invent a number. If you'd rather not choose individual charities, both run funds: the GiveWell Top Charities Fund and the Happier Lives Fund.
- What does “not yet rated” mean?
It means a recognized evaluator hasn't published a figure we can cite. We would rather leave a blank than show you a guess.
- I’m planning a large gift. What should I know?
Charities can only use so much money well at any one time. The Happier Lives Institute publishes funding gaps for its top charities (StrongMinds and Friendship Bench); GiveWell doesn't publish a live gap for each of its Top Charities, so for large gifts it's worth checking GiveWell's latest grant pages, splitting your gift, or using its Top Charities Fund, which directs money to where it's needed most.
- Can I give through my donor-advised fund?
Usually, yes. Recommend a grant to the charity through your DAF sponsor, who will need the charity's legal name and EIN; we list these on the homepage. Any deduction generally applied when you contributed to the DAF, not when the grant goes out. Your sponsor's rules apply.
- Can I give appreciated stock or crypto?
Often. Gifting long-held shares directly, rather than selling first, may avoid capital gains tax; GiveWell publishes instructions for securities. Some evaluators also accept crypto through wallets they publish themselves, such as GiveWell. Only ever send to an address published by the recipient, as transfers can't be reversed.
- Will my gift be tax-deductible?
Only you and your tax advisor can answer that for your situation. Where public IRS records list a charity we may note it, but we never tell you a gift is deductible for you.
- Do you handle donations or charge fees?
No. We don't take, hold or process money, and we don't charge charities or donors. You give directly to the charity, an evaluator's fund, or through your own DAF.
- Can a charity pay to be listed or ranked higher?
No. There is no paid placement, and nothing labeled sponsored or featured can change a ranking or a figure.
- How current is this?
The figures on the homepage were last reviewed in October 2026. Each charity profile in our research library shows its own review date and sources.
See also how to give well, our standards and the detailed donor FAQ in our research library.