The 2015 Survey of Effective Altruists: Results and Analysis

Abstract

This report presents the results of the 2015 Effective Altruism (EA) Survey, conducted to better understand and promote the EA community. The survey, launched in November 2015, collected data from 2904 individuals, with 2352 self-identifying as EAs, representing a three-fold increase from the prior year. Key findings indicate that Less Wrong was the most common initial source of exposure to EA (20%), and Poverty was the top priority cause for 37% of respondents. In 2014, sampled EAs collectively donated $6,765,244, with a median donation of $330, significantly skewed by large contributions; EAs involved since 2013 or earlier had a median donation of $1,500. Community engagement data revealed that 37% experienced insecurities about “not being EA enough,” while 64% perceived the community as welcoming. The survey utilized a convenience sample, acknowledging potential non-representativeness and retrospective data challenges for donations. Despite these methodological limitations, the report offers a comprehensive snapshot of the EA community in 2015. – AI-generated abstract.