What Does It Mean to Give Well?

In this episode of The Ezra Klein Show, Ezra interviews Elie Hassenfeld, CEO and one of the founders of GiveWell, about the organization's approach to effective charitable giving. Hassenfeld discusses his background, the founding of GiveWell, and the challenges of assessing the impact and cost-effectiveness of charitable programs. They delve into the importance of data and rigorous testing, the difficulties in measuring certain types of impact, and the emotional aspects of giving. Hassenfeld also addresses the impact of cuts in foreign aid and GiveWell's role in directing funds to the most effective programs, emphasizing the need for donors to prioritize programs that maximize their impact in helping those in need.