Giving guide
Where to give in poverty
Anti-poverty charities help people build lasting economic security through direct cash transfers, microfinance, job training, and community development. A growing body of evidence — including large randomised trials of direct cash — shows that giving people money and opportunity directly can be remarkably effective.
The organisations below are ranked by our composite GiveWise score, which incorporates independent evaluations and evidence of measurable, durable impact on the people served.
The ranking
Top Poverty charities
5 organisations, ranked by GiveWise score. Each links to a full profile with its rating breakdown, financials, and a donate link.
1GiveDirectlyUnconditional direct cash transfers to families living in extreme poverty87Score89%To programs
2Grameen FoundationMicrofinance access and digital financial tools for people living in extreme poverty82Score86%To programs
3Village EnterpriseUltra-poverty graduation programs combining cash grants and business training in rural East Africa80Score85%To programs
4AcumenPatient capital investing in social enterprises that deliver essential services to the poor79Score84%To programs
5Opportunity InternationalMicroloans, savings, and insurance for entrepreneurs in the developing world78Score83%To programs
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does giving cash directly to people in poverty actually work?
Yes — multiple randomised controlled trials find that direct, unconditional cash transfers reliably improve income, assets, and wellbeing, with recipients spending sensibly on food, education, and small businesses.
What makes an anti-poverty charity effective?
Strong evidence of long-term impact, low overhead, and respect for recipients’ own choices. Favour charities that rigorously measure outcomes rather than just counting activities.