What is your mission statement?
Our goal is to encourage people to give more, and to give more effectively. Giving can be monetary, or can be in the form of time or effort.
To do this, we will create opportunities for people to reflect on their values through the act of making gifts. We'll gradually collect a knowledge-base that we'll share publicly so that other people can repeat what works, and help generate interest in the causes they're passionate about.
To do this, we will create opportunities for people to reflect on their values through the act of making gifts. We'll gradually collect a knowledge-base that we'll share publicly so that other people can repeat what works, and help generate interest in the causes they're passionate about.
Is this project only running at colleges/universities?
Not entirely, but they will be a major focus. Academic institutions are an excellent setting for running charitable games and shape the behavior of the next generation of donors. They're also a convenient place to find players. However, our collection of online games make it easy for anyone to play.
Why do you call these things "games"?
We want people to think strategically about philanthropy, and enjoy doing so. Games are fun and require a strategic approach, so framing charitable giving as a “Game” is an easy way to encourage this mindset.
We encourage everyone to use whatever terminology they find helpful. Researchers might prefer the name “experiments”, though this approach also fits comfortably into the framework of game theory. In various discussions among effective altruist groups, we’ve used “Giving Games”, “Games”, “Charity Games”, “Philanthropy Experiments” and other permutations interchangeably, and we’ll do the same on this website.
We encourage everyone to use whatever terminology they find helpful. Researchers might prefer the name “experiments”, though this approach also fits comfortably into the framework of game theory. In various discussions among effective altruist groups, we’ve used “Giving Games”, “Games”, “Charity Games”, “Philanthropy Experiments” and other permutations interchangeably, and we’ll do the same on this website.
Does existing research suggest any ways to improve giving behavior?
Yes. There’s a quickly growing body of research that’s developing our understanding of the conscious and unconscious factors that drive giving decisions. Our games provide an opportunity to apply that knowledge to improve outcomes in the real world.
We’re discussing collaborations with some of the top researchers in this field. We hope to help researchers by giving them access to what we learn about donor behavior. Academics can also add to this knowledge base by using this general experimental framework in their own work. Their expertise will also prove invaluable as we try to find the most effective types of games to run.
We’re discussing collaborations with some of the top researchers in this field. We hope to help researchers by giving them access to what we learn about donor behavior. Academics can also add to this knowledge base by using this general experimental framework in their own work. Their expertise will also prove invaluable as we try to find the most effective types of games to run.
Who is funding the donations?
The donations will be made by an individual passionate about effective philanthropy. Read a note from our sponsor, known on this site as Guy Incognito, here. (Guy is also responsible for this website; the use of "we" rather than "I" is meant to give credit to all the people contributing to this project in other ways.)
Why is GiveWell's research featured so prominently?
GiveWell is widely viewed as an indispensable resource for donors looking to maximize the impart of their donation. GiveWell looks for organizations that can make a compelling case for impact and actively searches to find charities with strong, documented track records, highly cost-effective activities, room for more funding, and transparency and accountability to donors.
Thousands of hours have gone into GiveWell's rigorous and transparent research process which includes external research reviews, conversations with experts, charity interviews, and on-site visits. GiveWell makes the information they collect publicly available so that donors can choose to use GiveWell's recommendations, or draw their own conclusions. We encourage people to join this discussion, as we believe all donors can benefit from hearing different, well-reasoned opinions.
Our sponsor Guy has known GiveWell's founders for years, and considers GiveWell a major driver of his interest in effective philanthropy. Based on GiveWell's research and follow-up conversations with their analysts, Guy has donated to both GiveWell and their recommended charities.
In summary, we rely heavily, though far from exclusively, on GiveWell's research because it's the best we know of. If there's better information available, let us know!
Thousands of hours have gone into GiveWell's rigorous and transparent research process which includes external research reviews, conversations with experts, charity interviews, and on-site visits. GiveWell makes the information they collect publicly available so that donors can choose to use GiveWell's recommendations, or draw their own conclusions. We encourage people to join this discussion, as we believe all donors can benefit from hearing different, well-reasoned opinions.
Our sponsor Guy has known GiveWell's founders for years, and considers GiveWell a major driver of his interest in effective philanthropy. Based on GiveWell's research and follow-up conversations with their analysts, Guy has donated to both GiveWell and their recommended charities.
In summary, we rely heavily, though far from exclusively, on GiveWell's research because it's the best we know of. If there's better information available, let us know!
How will I know the donations get made?
Donations will be made through a donor advised fund called the Just Compassion Initiative to provide records that the donations are made appropriately. Players will be sent a receipt for the donation once it has been processed, and can follow up with the winning charity if they would like independent evidence. Our online games ask for an email address for this reason, see our privacy policy for details.
How can a difficult choice be "a path that's clear"?
Some paths are clearer than others. This project suggests that one of the clearest paths is to reflect on both our explicit and implicit choices.
Reflection can play a crucial role in improving giving. Research shows that people who think about how giving decisions should be made before they actually make those decisions are more likely to give in ways that correspond with their own beliefs. (see Huber et al in The Science of Giving)
Reflection can play a crucial role in improving giving. Research shows that people who think about how giving decisions should be made before they actually make those decisions are more likely to give in ways that correspond with their own beliefs. (see Huber et al in The Science of Giving)
Will my comments be anonymous?
We want to respect the privacy of our players, so names will not be attached to any comments posted on our website. Users can choose their level of anonymity, as described in our privacy policy.
I want to use my own donations to educate others. How can I do so?
Some donors have expressed interest in contributing to this project to maximize the impact of their own donations. If you'd like to discuss this, contact us.
Is my charity eligible for funding?
Potentially, if it is a registered 501(c) charity. Funding would be subject to the vote of a group of participants. See the Get Involved page for more details.