Canva's billionaire founders donated $150 million directly to residents of Malawi; aided 90% rise above extreme poverty

Canva billionaires Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht donated $150 million to an unconditional cash transfer program in Malawi via the Canva Foundation and GiveDirectly.

The program, launched in 2021 as a $10 million pilot, is the largest unconditional cash transfer ever attempted in a low-income country.

Each adult recipient receives about $550 via mobile phone, with no strings attached.

In Malawi's Khongoni sub-district, 90% of recipients rose above the extreme poverty line within three months, and child mortality declined 48%.

Every $1,000 transferred generated roughly $2,400 in local economic activity as recipients spent and reinvested in nearby businesses.