What makes charity or aid work well?

Axis: evidence-based, sustainable, locally owned ... well-meaning handouts are enough

John

date	change	position	video
2008-04-08	new	John supports efficient charities like Save the Children and Oxfam but objects to guilt-based fundraising ads that make the poor seem a 'them'.	Nerdfighting in Bangladesh 00:00:48
2012-12-17	restate	John says good charity meets a complex problem with a complex response, as Save the Children does, and later praises its efficiency (91% to programs).	THE PROJECT FOR AWESOME 2012 IS HERE! Save the Children. 00:01:21
2013-12-17	restate	John says children will be better off if Nerdfighteria partners with effective and efficient organizations like Save the Children.	THE PROJECT FOR AWESOME 2013 IS UPON US! 00:02:54

date	change	position	video
2008-12-17	new	Hank holds that DonorsChoose works well because donors fund only proposals that sound like good ideas, which pushes teachers to plan good uses of the money.	Project for Awesome: DonorsChoose.org 00:02:17
2011-03-22	refine	Hank holds that good water aid requires a broad community committee so the well is a community asset, sustainable planning, and donor due diligence on the organisation.	Helping Haiti 00:01:38
2011-04-04	restate	Hank holds that the village needs not just a well but community infrastructure to keep it a sustainable water source, and previews Water.org's model of creating independence instead of dependence.	Thoughts from The Well 00:03:08
2011-12-17	restate	Hank holds that the well works because it is a community-owned asset users pay a fair price for, funding maintenance so it lasts decades under community control.	We Built a Well in Haiti 00:00:58