Research at GiveDirectly – GiveDirectly

Impact of $1,000 cash transfers on child mortality in Kenya

Tom Counsell — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

A randomized study in Kenya found that a one-time $1,000 cash transfer to families reduced infant deaths by 48%, with the biggest gains for mothers living near health facilities. The cash helped women afford prenatal care and avoid heavy work late in pregnancy, leading to better health for both mothers and newborns. The finding comes from the same randomized rollout as the broader general…

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Direct cash to families in rural Liberia & Malawi

Tom Counsell — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the impact of different cash transfers sizes ($250 to $750) on a broad range of outcome measures, for a broad range of recipients. Its findings provide a benchmark against which the impacts of other potential development interventions in Liberia and Malawi can be assessed. It also tests whether improving access to agricultural input markets increases the impact of cash…

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Cash plus nutrition education for Malawian mothers

Tom Counsell — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of using community-based childcare centers and parenting care groups to improve maternal diets, child nutrition, and development in Malawi. It tests the impact of nutrition-focused behavior change interventions, both alone and combined with cash transfers, in communities already receiving a government early childhood development program.

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Guaranteed income to low-income families in Chicago, Illinois

Tom Counsell — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the impact of sustained, unconditional cash transfers on poverty and economic outcomes in Chicago, Illinois. In a randomized trial, 5,000 individuals receive $500 per month for one year, while a control group of approximately 7,000 individuals serves as a comparison. The study aims to address fundamental questions about the effects of ongoing cash assistance and contribute…

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Cash support for new mothers in Flint, Michigan

Tom Counsell — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the impact of a city-wide cash transfer program on maternal and infant poverty in Flint, Michigan. Led by Dr. Mona Hanna (Rx Kids Director, Michigan State University) and Professor Luke Shaefer (Rx Kids Co-Director, University of Michigan), it uses a mixed-methods approach to assess both short-term outcomes, such as reduced hardship, and long-term effects…

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Comparing a psychological intervention to just giving $1,000 in rural Kenya

Tom Counsell — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines whether short, low-cost motivational interventions drawing on social psychology affect psychological outcomes, such as aspirations and sense of control, economic behaviour, and future-oriented investments. It also explores whether receiving such an intervention in combination with a cash transfer enhances the effects of the cash transfer. The intervention consists of a twenty…

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Impact of $1,000 to 10,000 families on local economy of rural Kenya

Tom Counsell — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the broader economic effects of cash transfers, finding that both recipients and non-recipients saw increased income and spending. A $1,000 transfer generated approximately $2,500 in total economic impact over 27 months. Recipients also experienced gains in psychological well-being, food security, education, and security, with no significant negative effects on non-recipients.

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Kenyan recipient’s preference of timing and structure of direct cash transfers

Tom Counsell — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This study is measuring the impact of different cash transfer designs, including giving recipients control over timing and giving them information on the performance of investments made by past recipients.

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$1,000 to refugees in a Ugandan settlement

Tom Counsell — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the impact of $1,000 cash transfers on refugee households in Uganda, assessing outcomes such as income, assets, food security, and psychological well-being. It also examines how cash affects host communities and relationships between refugees and hosts.

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$1,000 to low-income Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic

Tom Counsell — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the impact of $1,000 cash transfers provided to low-income families across the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study includes two cohorts – May 2020 and October 2020 – totaling more than 25,000 participants. It is the first rigorous study of a one-time, $1,000 transfer in the U.S. It explores a variety of outcomes including material hardship, mental health…

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