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MrBeast Gives $200,000 Directly To People In Poverty

June 17, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Karamoja, Uganda.

Popular YouTuber MrBeast, known for his philanthropy and entertaining videos, has donated $200,000 directly to families in poverty through the charity GiveDirectly.

This substantial donation reached over 200 households in Karamoja, Uganda, bringing transformative change to a region struggling with severe poverty.

Beast Philanthropy in Uganda / YouTube

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has gained a massive following on YouTube for his engaging content and notable charitable efforts. Through his nonprofit organization, Beast Philanthropy, he partnered with GiveDirectly, an evidence-based charity renowned for its innovative use of mobile cash transfers and satellite imaging to pinpoint the most impoverished households.

GiveDirectly's approach has been validated by randomized control trials, showing that direct cash transfers are often more effective than traditional aid methods. This direct form of aid circumvents intermediaries like warlords and voluntourism, ensuring that the full benefit reaches the intended recipients.

Beast Philanthropy in Uganda / YouTube

The recent donation by MrBeast enabled Beast Philanthropy and GiveDirectly to distribute around $1,000 each (A full year's salary) to over 200 households.

The impact of this initiative is clearly visible in a video released by MrBeast, showcasing the positive changes experienced by the recipients.

Buoyed by this success, the two organizations plan to expand their efforts to neighboring communities.

"We're proud to have helped over 300 families, but there's plenty more need," stated Beast Philanthropy. "So we're teaming up again to deliver around $1,000 to each of their neighbors in another village just a mile away."