As part of Times Opinion’s Giving Guide, the columnist Ezra Klein spoke with Elie Hassenfeld, GiveWell’s co-founder and chief executive.

Elie Hassenfeld was inspired to start GiveWell when he couldn’t find answers to his questions about charitable donations. He shares the organization’s origin story on “The Ezra Klein Show.”

Elie Hassenfeld, the chief executive of the nonprofit GiveWell, makes the case for a more rigorous, transparent and accountable approach to charitable giving.

© The New York Times

Elie Hassenfeld, the chief executive of the nonprofit GiveWell, makes the case for a more rigorous, transparent and accountable approach to charitable giving.

Elie Hassenfeld, the chief executive of the nonprofit GiveWell, makes the case for a more rigorous, transparent and accountable approach to charitable giving.