In 2014, we prioritized Nothing But Nets (http://nothingbutnets.net) as a potential GiveWell top charity because it funds insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria, one of our priority programs.

In early 2014, we contacted Nothing But Nets to explain our process and to invite it to apply for a recommendation. Nothing But Nets provided brief responses to questions we had previously sent them (.docx), but has decided not to fully participate in our review process at this time.

In our 2013 annual review, we wrote that we were seeing more interest from charities in participating in our process and expected fewer organizations to decline to participate. We’ve written this post to share our impression about Nothing But Nets’ decision.

Our understanding is that Nothing But Nets has a small team (~2 staff members) focused directly on fundraising, and that it would be challenging for its existing staff to engage with GiveWell in our process. Our review process would require a significant time investment, including at the very least, (a) several lengthy (~2-hour) phone calls to understand Nothing But Nets’ role and value added; (b) submission of documents we request and email responses to questions we ask; c) a multi-day site visit with GiveWell staff, and (d) review of any write-up we produce about Nothing But Nets.

Although GiveWell’s recent money moved is high relative to Nothing But Nets’ funding — in 2013, GiveWell directed more than $17 million to the 4 organizations recommended throughout the year, with more than $2 million going to each organization, and Nothing But Nets has raised approximately $50 million since its founding in 2007 — it would not surprise us if the amount of time needed to meaningfully engage with us would be a major cost for an organization Nothing But Nets’ current size.

With that said, based on the information Nothing But Nets has shared with us (its brief responses to questions we had previously sent, linked above) – as well as our view that we have been clear about the requirements and the likely benefits of becoming recommended – our impression is that that Nothing But Nets’ decision not to apply has not caused us to miss out on a likely top charity.

Notwithstanding this impression, we remain interested in Nothing But Nets and hope that they will engage with us in the future.