Since 2009, we’ve delivered $870M+ in cash directly into the hands of over 1.6 million people living in poverty. We currently have operations in DRC, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, and the U.S. Here’s how it works:
People in poverty deserve to choose how best to improve their lives.
Traditional aid often decides for people what they need, when they need it, and how they should use it. It’s well-intentioned, but often disempowering. Giving cash shifts power to the person living in poverty, recognizing they are the expert in their own lives and granting them the dignity to choose for themselves.
Research finds they spend cash aid in impactful and creative ways.
We read the research. And we did our own research. And it found people use cash on medicine, cows and goats and chickens, school fees, solar panels, tin roofs, irrigation, motortaxis, new businesses and more.
Years later, these investments have raised incomes, lowered malnutrition, and grown the local economy by as much as 2.5x what is given.
And no, they don’t just blow it on booze.
It’s ok –– many people think that at first. But dozens of studies show cash recipients don’t work less or drink more on the whole. And men spend it just as well as women.
If you think about it, doesn’t giving directly make sense?
Cash allows individuals to invest in what they need, instead of relying on aid organizations and donors thousands of miles away to choose for them. Isn’t this what you would prefer?
Our funders and partners think so.
Our programs are funded by individual donors, foundations, businesses, and institutions.
Together, we can end extreme poverty in our lifetimes.
Today, 700 million people are living on less than $2.15/day, and cash transfers are a proven way to accelerate their escape from poverty. By delivering your donations and studying the impact, we aim to demonstrate a path to ending extreme poverty.