Frequently Asked Questions

We get asked a lot of questions about what we do. Here are answers to some of the most common ones

Still have questions? Contact us

Giving Effectively

How can I be sure my donation will be used effectively?
Should I give regularly recurring donations or one-off (e.g. yearly)?
But don't we have to do more than just throw money at the problem?
What if I disagree with Giving What We Can's recommendations?
What are effective charities?
What difference does my giving make?
How much should I give to effective charities?
Why give now, rather than later in life or in my will?
But giving doesn’t really work, does it?
Why should I give to effective charities?
Should I split my donation between multiple charities or choose just one?

Giving Pledges

Am I required to donate regularly
Could I become a member and not have my name published?
How often should members donate?
Do I count employer donation matching towards my giving pledge?
How do I calculate my pledge if I’m unemployed?
How do I calculate my pledge if I’m a full-time parent or carer?
Can I report donations to any charity using the pledge dashboard?
What if I want to give more than 10% of my income?
What is The Pledge?
Should everyone take a giving pledge?
What if I can't afford to give 10% of my income?
How permanent is a giving pledge?
Why is The Pledge 10%?
Is a giving pledge legally binding?
How can I resign or unpledge for my pledge?
Does volunteering count towards my giving pledge?
Can I pledge with my partner as a couple?
How do I calculate my pledge if I’m retired?
How do you keep track of whether I follow through on my commitment?
How do I calculate my pledge if I’m a student?
What are the different giving pledge options?
Is there a pledge for students?
Does Gift Aid count toward my pledge?
How do pledge members calculate income?
Why are the names of pledged members made public?
What should I think about before taking a pledge?
What organisations or charities ‘count’ towards a giving pledge?
I'm not sure about becoming a member yet, but would like to help. What can I do?

Donation Platform

How will you use my personal information?
Can I choose which day my recurring payment is taken?
Can I leave a bequest to donate in my will?
Can I make very large cryptocurrency donations?
How can I cancel a recurring donation?
What tax documentation will I get?
What fees are charged on donations?
My credit card has expired (or is about to expire). How do I update my billing details?
What payment types do you accept?
How will you invest money while it is being held before donation?
Can I donate cryptocurrency, stocks or other appreciated assets?
Can I set up a monthly direct debit with Giving What We Can?
Can I donate to your charities using a donor-advised fund (DAF)?
Why donate with Giving What We Can?
Will my donations be confidential?
Is Giving What We Can tax deductible?
What if I want to change my allocation after I've donated?

Our Community

How do I join Giving What We Can?
What would I gain from becoming a member?
What are some of the events Giving What We Can hosts or participates in?
I want to get involved. What can I do?
What is the Giving What We Can community like?
Who is in charge of Giving What We Can?

About Us

Do you have a religious affiliation?
What does Giving What We Can do?
How much money has Giving What We Can raised so far?
How did Giving What We Can start?
What is Giving What We Can’s mission?
What is Giving What We Can?
How can I find out more about Giving What We Can and its work?
How can I stay up-to-date with Giving What We Can's work?
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
How is Giving What We Can funded?

Still have questions?

Contact us
Pre Footer

Stay in touch

Join our monthly newsletter to get the latest effective giving news. No spam—just news.

Support us directly

Our site is free to use but not free to operate.
Help us keep GWWC up and running.