GiveDirectly originated in Cambridge, MA in 2008 when its founders were completing advanced degrees in economic development at Harvard and MIT. Through their work the founders learned of the explosion of mobile banking in developing countries and realized that this would make it possible to send donations securely and very cheaply to the poor. Because existing non-profits were not taking advantage of the opportunity, they created GiveDirectly as a vehicle for transfering their own money.
As a non-profit created by donors, GiveDirectly is focused exclusively on giving to the poorest possible households at the lowest possible cost. Its leaders have no personal financial stake in the success of the organization, as their time is all volunteered.
MICHAEL FAYE
Michael completed a Ph.D. in Economics at Harvard University, specializing in Development and Finance. He has worked with one of India's largest banks in designing consumer finance products and has extensive experience conducting field research in India. Prior to returning to school, Michael worked as a Research Analyst for the United Nations Millennium Project (UNMP), a group headed by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, tasked with preparing a plan for low-income countries to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He currently works as a management consultant.
RAPHAEL GITAU
Raphael is an Agricultural Economist, he holds an Msc in International Development from the National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies Tokyo Japan. He is widely experienced in socio-economic surveys and data analysis. He has over eight years experience working in the East Africa Region in agricultural policy research, analysis and advocacy.
PAUL NIEHAUS
Paul is Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of California, San Diego and holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University. He is a Junior Affiliate at the Bureau for Research and Economic Analysis of Development (BREAD), an Affiliate of the Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), and an Affiliate at the Center of Evaluation for Global Action (CEGA). His research studies the design of welfare programs in developing countries, and in particular how to control corruption.
JEREMY SHAPIRO
Jeremy has a long history of involvement with charitable organizations, both in the US and internationally. This work inspired him to complete a Ph.D. at MIT where he focused on development economics. He subsequently worked as a Post Doctoral Associate at Yale University where he continued to research development economics and aid effectiveness in India, the Philippines, South Africa, Mexico, Kenya and Peru.
ROHIT WANCHOO
Rohit is a Principal at a private equity firm in New York. He previously worked as a Research Analyst for the United Nations Millennium Project (UNMP), a group headed by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, tasked with preparing a plan for low-income countries to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Prior to his work at the UN, Rohit worked in finance as an investment banker for Lehman Brothers in New York. Rohit holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and an MPA in International Development from the Harvard Kennedy School.
