The Original Position Fund simplifies the "effective" part of your giving portfolio. With a single donation, you can support the most effective charities and maximize impact, much like an index fund for philanthropy.
The most effective philanthropic portfolio balances direct impact with a strategy for exponential growth. Allocating donations to the most effective charities ensures immediate and tangible benefits, maximizing life-saving and life-improving interventions. These charities have been rigorously evaluated to provide the greatest impact per dollar.
Meanwhile, dedicating a portion to "giving multiplier" organizations allows for long-term growth by significantly increasing the total funds directed towards effective charities. These organizations create a multiplying effect by inspiring others to donate, generating far more in donations than would have been donated otherwise. This balanced approach ensures that funds are effectively used today while also investing in the future of giving, driving both immediate change and sustained growth.
We believe that a 75:25 split will maximize your overall impact, addressing urgent needs while expanding the movement of effective giving. This is how we have built the OP Fund:
75% goes to the most effective charities
Guided by GiveWell, the leading charity evaluator. Your donation will support the charities that save or improve the most lives per dollar. You can learn more about the top charities that GiveWell recommends, and that we support through the fund, below.
25% goes to developing the Original Position Experience
We currently estimate that every $1 spent on the OP Experience generates over $35 in donations to effective charities. Original Position is a registered, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit, and by staying tech-first and low-overhead, we maximize this "giving multiplier".
The Against Malaria Foundation provides funding for long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) distributions (for protection against malaria) in developing countries. Insecticide-treated nets prevent malaria and are inexpensive — about $5 per net. There is strong evidence that distributing LLINs reduces child mortality and malaria cases.
New Incentives runs a conditional cash transfer (CCT) program in North West Nigeria which seeks to increase uptake of routine immunizations through cash transfers, raising public awareness and reducing the frequency of vaccine stockouts. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of New Incentives' program found strong evidence that the program increases vaccination rates.
Malaria Consortium delivers a highly effective community-based intervention to prevent malaria infections in children in areas where the malaria burden is high and transmission is seasonal. Their seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) program ensures those most at risk receive preventative medication during the peak malaria season.
Helen Keller International ("Helen Keller") supports programs focused on reducing malnutrition and averting blindness and poor vision. Experts consider Helen Keller's work on vitamin A supplementation (VAS) in sub-Saharan Africa to be particularly effective. Helen Keller provides technical assistance, engages in advocacy, and contributes funding to government-run vitamin A supplementation programs.
When you donate to the OP Fund you will receive a quarterly newsletter with an update from each of our recommended charities as well from Original Position. This is to give you the confidence and trust that the OP Fund is right for you and to empower you with the transparency and information you need to make the most informed decision. If you think your dollars can go further elsewhere - we want to hear your feedback.
By default, we donate the full value of the fund equally between the top charities quarterly, in January, April, July, and October. Before each disbursal, we will review GiveWell's current recommendations and update our top charities if needed. Please note that we will change our Top Charities based on GiveWell's latest advice, meaning that the charities that you see here may not be the recipients of your donation. If you wish to give to any of these organizations even if they are evaluated to no longer be the most effective, then we recommend that you give to them directly. This fund is the best fit for donors who prioritize cost-effectiveness without the burden of evaluating hundreds of charities.
