From the post:
Today we’re launching a new website for GiveDirectly—the first major update since www.givedirectly.org went live in 2011.
Our main goal in reimagining the site was to create radical transparency into what we do and how well we do it. We’ve invested a lot to integrate cutting-edge technology into our field model so that we have real-time data to guide internal management. Why not open up that same data to the public? All we needed were APIs to connect the website and our internal field database (which is powered by our technology partner, Segovia).
Transparency is of course a non-profit buzzword, but I usually see it used in reference to publishing quarterly or annual reports, packaged for marketing purposes—not the kind of unfiltered data and facts I want as a donor. We wanted to use our technology to take transparency to an entirely new level.
Two features of the new site that I’m most excited about:
First, you can track how we’re doing on our most important performance metrics, at the same time we do. For example, the performance chart on the home page mirrors the dashboard we use internally to track performance in the field. If recipients aren’t understanding our program, you’ll learn about it when we do. If the follow-up team falls behind or outperforms, metrics will update accordingly. We want to be honest about our successes and failures alike.
Second, you can verify our claims about performance. We don’t think you should have to trust that we’re giving you accurate information. Each “Verify this” tag downloads a csv file with the underlying raw data (anonymized). Every piece of data is generated by a GiveDirectly staff member’s work in the field and is stored using proprietary software; it’s our end-to-end model in action. Explore the data for yourself and absolutely question us on what you find.
Tis the season for soliciting donations, by every known form of media.
Suggestion: Copy and print out this response:
___________________________, I would love to donate to your worthy cause but before I do, please send a weblink to the equivalent of: http://www.givedirectly.org. Wishing you every happiness this holiday season.
___________________________
Where no response or no equivalent website = no donation.
I first saw this in a tweet by Stefano Bertolo.