About us
Original Position is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 99-4320772) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
The Original Position Fund simplifies the "effective" part of your giving portfolio. With a single donation, you can support the most effective charities and maximize impact, much like an index fund for philanthropy.
Our mission
To inspire those with the means to support effective charities, driving meaningful change and fostering a more equitable world. We envision a world where chance no longer determines one's access to opportunity, dignity, or well-being.
By inspiring those with the means to support effective charities, we aim to reduce inequalities rooted in the randomness of birth.
Our vision is a society built on empathy and fairness, where individuals recognize their shared responsibility in fostering a more just and equitable world.
Our story
Original Position is inspired by the ideas of philosopher John Rawls. Rawls' thought experiment invites us to imagine ourselves behind a "veil of ignorance," where we do not know our future position in society—whether we will be wealthy or in need, privileged or marginalized.
In this hypothetical "Original Position," the principles we would choose for society would inherently be fair, because none of us would risk disadvantaging ourselves if we did not know our own eventual circumstances.
The Lottery of Birth: Shaping Our Mission
This powerful idea underpins our mission. We use the concept of the "lottery of birth" to remind ourselves and others that our circumstances are largely shaped by luck. We did not choose where or how we were born, nor the opportunities afforded to us. Recognizing this truth inspires a greater sense of empathy and shared responsibility to help those less fortunate.
The Original Position Experience
The Original Position Experience is an immersive digital journey inspired by John Rawls' 'lottery of birth' thought experiment. It encourages participants to imagine themselves behind a 'veil of ignorance,' unaware of their own circumstances of birth, such as wealth, social status, or abilities. This powerful perspective generates empathy by helping people understand that their position in life is largely a matter of chance. The experience aims to inspire those with the means to pledge a portion of their income to effective charities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and fairness.
Impactful Philanthropy: The Fund
By making the concept of effective giving personal and relatable, the Original Position Experience directly contributes to our overall mission of reducing inequality and promoting impact philanthropy. It drives greater awareness, empathy, and action, helping build a world where opportunity and well-being are not determined by the randomness of birth, but by a commitment to fairness and collective support.
When you donate to the OP Fund:
Guided by leading charity evaluators. Your donation will support the charities that save or improve the most lives per dollar. Learn more [ADD LINK] about the top charities we support.
Currently, every $1 spent on the OP Experience generates over $35 in donations to effective charities. Original Position is a registered, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit, and by staying tech-first and low-overhead, we maximize the giving multiplier.