The Selection Process

How are ideas selected?

All ideas in the Proven Impact Initiative are reviewed and selected based on the following criteria:

1. The idea/intervention was tested in at least one context, preferably more, and proven using scientifically rigorous methods (randomized controlled trials);

2. A clear theory was presented as to why and how the idea would be an effective way to address a specific problem.  The program logic resulting from the theory can inform where and when to scale-up similar programs;

3. The idea/intervention passes cost-effectiveness tests compared to other alternatives to address the same problem;

4. The idea/intervention is deserving of charitable funds, due to its positive social or economic benefits to individuals or society.

Process

Ideas will be approved on a rolling basis as new research becomes available for review.  The Selection Committee meets at least quarterly to discuss new programs or research findings, and then rates the idea based on the criteria above.  All ideas are then designated as "Proven" or "Promising," or else not selected at the time of review.  Ideas designated as "proven" are deemed ready for scale-up with some or no additional operational research.  Those designated as "promising" have shown high impacts in at least one context and meet each additional criterion, but could benefit from further replication in differing contexts.

Once a decision is made, the new list will be published and all new ideas subsequently added to the Proven Impact Fund no later than two weeks following the decision.  As the committee assesses new research each year, the list of Proven and Promising ideas will likely expand but could conceivably diminish.  The selection process is about reviewing the evidence and evaluating it, which could naturally result in a variety of changes to the current list.