Unorthodox Philanthropy (UP) is launching a new search for high impact ideas and engaging with a small group of researchers, advisors, and creative thinkers to help shape this effort.
One way we are framing this search is to ask: "Can we identify experiments or opportunities to acquire information for which there are no economic incentives to run or acquire, but where the results could have dramatic social impact with little to no marginal cost of dissemination?"
We are likely not looking to fund existing non-profits or studies that test the impact of existing interventions or programs, as we will continue with our current search to fund efforts that can achieve impact at scale with finite philanthropic capital. Rather, with this new search, we hope to uncover entirely novel ideas with some or many of the following characteristics:
We have no preference for a specific field of study and ideas may come at the intersection of multiple disciplines. We are motivated by a belief that one or more ideal experimental opportunities likely exist, but are difficult to identify.
The search itself is an experiment to see if we can use a consultative and iterative process to uncover truly unconventional, yet promising ideas that we may not find through our existing sourcing process. We are open to feedback about how to articulate the criteria above, suggestions of specific historical examples, and input about how to structure this new search.
UP's Asks of You:
If you or someone you know has a specific idea, please submit it here:
One way we are framing this search is to ask: "Can we identify experiments or opportunities to acquire information for which there are no economic incentives to run or acquire, but where the results could have dramatic social impact with little to no marginal cost of dissemination?"
We are likely not looking to fund existing non-profits or studies that test the impact of existing interventions or programs, as we will continue with our current search to fund efforts that can achieve impact at scale with finite philanthropic capital. Rather, with this new search, we hope to uncover entirely novel ideas with some or many of the following characteristics:
- Demonstrate a new paradigm in one or more fields of study
- Show potential to shift or redirect an entire field
- Upend the status quo
- Change prevailing narratives
- Challenge common underlying assumptions
We have no preference for a specific field of study and ideas may come at the intersection of multiple disciplines. We are motivated by a belief that one or more ideal experimental opportunities likely exist, but are difficult to identify.
The search itself is an experiment to see if we can use a consultative and iterative process to uncover truly unconventional, yet promising ideas that we may not find through our existing sourcing process. We are open to feedback about how to articulate the criteria above, suggestions of specific historical examples, and input about how to structure this new search.
UP's Asks of You:
- Suggestions about the title and branding of this search and/or ways to better articulate our criteria
- Referrals of 1-2 other people you think would get this and/or may have an idea
- Other sourcing ideas such as hosting convenings
- Submit an idea
If you or someone you know has a specific idea, please submit it here:
Please get in touch with any other questions, suggestions, or feedback at unorthodoxphilanthropy@gmail.com.