TL;DR

Funding for talent-focused organisations (TFOs) in EA remains highly concentrated, with more than 80% coming from Open Philanthropy and EA Funds. To understand whether clearer impact reporting could unlock new funding for the space, this pre-study interviewed seven funders.

While historical impact data isn't the main decision criterion for most funders, an improved impact reporting infrastructure could potentially open up more funding to the talent space. In addition, a shared reporting framework could support funders in making more informed decisions, and provide clearer funder expectations for the TFOs.

We suggest three next steps: (1) develop standardised indicators with input from both funders and TFOs, (2) gather TFO perspectives to complement this funder-focused study, and (3) explore the value of an independent evaluation agency for the talent space.

Background

The 2024 EA Meta Funding Landscape Report found that 80% of funding in the talent field is coming from Open Philanthropy and EA Funds, with the share being even higher when only talent-focused organisations (TFOs) are included. In a memo for the Meta Coordination Forum 2024, Patrick Gruban argues that the lack of legibility in TFO's impact reporting might be a hurdle for new funders to enter the field, and [...]

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Outline:

(00:12 ) TL;DR

(01:09 ) Background

(01:59 ) Methodology

(02:54 ) Findings

(02:58 ) 1. Historical impact data isnt the main decision criterion

(03:58 ) 2. Impact reporting could potentially make the talent space more accessible for new funders

(04:41 ) 3. Additional benefits of a shared impact reporting framework

(05:30 ) 4. Factors important in a framework

(06:16 ) Recommendations

(06:37 ) 1. Standardise indicators

(07:44 ) 2. Better understand the needs of TFOs

(08:24 ) 3. Explore the value of an independent evaluation agency in the talent space

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First published:

November 12th, 2025

Source:

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/g3ipJbG7qmpgykBh4/improving-impact-infrastructure-in-the-talent-space

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.