Giving Done Right - Giving Cash to Those in Need with Paul Niehaus of GiveDirectly

Giving Cash to Those in Need with Paul Niehaus of GiveDirectly

01/09/25 • 42 min

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

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

Previous Episode

Julián Castro on Supporting a Diverse Latino Community after Trump’s Win

From his days as mayor of San Antonio, Texas to serving as a Cabinet Secretary under former President Barack Obama to leading the nation's largest Latino-serving foundation, Julián Castro has always sought to create positive change in people's lives. As CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, Julián joins Phil and Grace to discuss his vision for a thriving Latino community in the U.S., sharing how philanthropy can enhance civic engagement and improve educational, health, and employment outcomes for Latinos. They also delve into the implications of the 2024 election results, including the shift rightward among at least a segment of Latino voters, the incoming Trump administration’s potential implementation of mass deportations, and challenges to the nonprofit sector broadly including proposed legislation in Congress.

Additional Resources

Latino Community Foundation

UnidosUS

H.R.9495 - Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act

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Taking on Philanthropy’s Toughest Critiques with Beth Breeze

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