At Utility for Change, we are committed to maximising the impact of every donation by focusing on where each pound/dollar/euro can do the most good. Our approach is rooted in simple economic principles, notably the law of diminishing marginal returns.
In affluent societies, each additional pound or unit of currency saved or spent tends to yield progressively less satisfaction or "utility." Once basic needs are met, the value of extra wealth diminishes. However, for the world’s poorest, that same pound could mean access to clean water, lifesaving healthcare, or essential education—making a profound difference in quality of life.
This principle underscores a powerful truth: the marginal utility of a pound spent in well-off societies is vastly lower than in the most impoverished parts of the world. By reallocating resources to where they can create the highest utility—whether it’s feeding children, preventing disease, or rebuilding after a natural disaster—we make each pound exponentially more valuable.
Our work is inspired by the utilitarian notion of creating the greatest good for the greatest number and the theoretical economic aim of maximising utility.
Peter Singer:
Peter Singer posed the famous analogy of a drowning child: most people would not hesitate to save a child from drowning, even if it meant ruining an expensive pair of shoes.
He argues that, similarly, for the cost of those shoes (or less), we could save a child’s life by donating to a charity that delivers aid where it is most needed. The moral imperative is clear: when we have the means to significantly improve or save a life, the right thing to do is to act.
So how do we use this?
At Utility for Change, we take this idea further by carefully analysing where each donation can yield the most significant impact. For now, donations are directed to highly-vetted, effective charities that excel at fighting extreme poverty and providing basic necessities. We've evaluated these charities based on the results they produce, ensuring that your contributions are creating the greatest possible good.
Looking ahead, our vision is to transition from merely supporting other charities to implementing direct, on-the-ground change. This could involve addressing urgent issues like natural disasters or focusing aid on the most statistically disadvantaged regions in the world. By using an evidence-based approach, we aim to identify the areas where each unit of currency can create the most utility, ensuring that every pound or dollar makes a tangible difference. For now, however, we are focused on partnering with charities that have already proven their ability to create real change while we work toward expanding our capacity for direct intervention,
We invite you to join this movement. Help us turn economic theory into real-world change, where the smallest contributions can have the greatest impact.
What do we stand for?
With your support, here is what we hope to achieve next....
10,000
Launch a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of effective giving, engaging with at least 10,000 individuals through social media and various other information outlets
£50K
Successfully distribute £50,000 to vetted charities and projects focusing on economic empowerment and support for marginalised communities,
100%
Develop a framework for tracking and reporting the impact of donations made through our charity, providing regular updates to donors about how their contributions are being used and the outcomes achieved.