Charities we don’t currently recommend
In our search for the best charities, inevitably some charities haven’t yet met our criteria for us to recommend them outright.
We found these charities either aren’t highly cost-effective, or don’t have a current funding gap. However, they are likely still much more impactful than most other average charities.
Against Malaria Foundation (AMF)
Prevents deaths from malaria by distributing bed nets to protect from mosquito bites. Malaria killed 627,000 people worldwide in 2020.
Why not currently recommended? AMF primarily saves lives, which no matter which recommendation method you use, involves some philosophical assumptions. AMF can be very cost-effective (similar to our top charities). However, we focus on primarily life-improving charities. Please read more to decide whether you would like to donate to AMF.
Cause area and intervention
Disease – malaria prevention using bed nets
Cost-effectiveness
Not stated. Here, calculating cost-effectiveness relies too heavily on one’s subjective views on the value of saving lives versus improving lives. We currently recommend charities that focus on improving lives.
Evidence
See research summary
Fortify Health
Why not currently recommended? While more cost-effective than GiveDirectly cash transfers, it is less cost-effective than the rest of the charities we recommend.
Cause area and intervention
Nutrition – iron fortification in food supplies
Cost-effectiveness
22 WELLBYs per $1,000 donated (or $46 per WELLBY)
Evidence
- 5 randomised control trials of wheat fortification and anaemia
- 6 studies anaemia and depression
- 1 randomised control trial on taking iron during pregnancy
GiveDirectly
Why not currently recommended? GiveDirectly is the well-evidence reference point we compare our cost-effectiveness analyses to. We aim to recommend charities that are more cost-effective.
Cause area and intervention
Poverty – cash transfers
Cost-effectiveness
7.55 WELLBYs per $1,000 donated (or $132 per WELLBY)
Evidence
Our own systematic review and meta-analysis.
Deworming charities
Represents charities that are trying to cure parasitic worm infections in mostly low- and middle-income countries.
Why not currently recommended? The cost-effectiveness of deworming charities is very uncertain and based on limited evidence.
Cause area and intervention
Disease - deworming medication
Cost-effectiveness
Uncertain
Evidence
One longitudinal study.