ROI Driven Philanthropy with Mark Gerson
How Mark Gerson Applies ROI Thinking to Saving Lives
When we talk about ROI at Interplay, we usually mean startup growth, venture bets, and scaling operations. But what if you applied that same logic to philanthropy? That’s exactly what Mark Gerson has done, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
I sat down with Mark, Cofounder of GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group), Cofounder and Chair of 3i Members, longtime investor, and deeply thoughtful philanthropist, for a conversation that pushed me to rethink the very foundation of giving. Mark built GLG into a $650M revenue business by solving a market inefficiency: connecting experts with those who needed insights. Today, he’s applying that same market-driven, high-leverage thinking to problems in global health and emergency response.
Philanthropy as Capital Allocation
Mark breaks from the traditional, emotion-led approach to giving. Instead, he looks at philanthropy like an investor. What's the ROI? How many lives saved per dollar? How many disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were purchased?
Take United Hatzalah of Israel, one of Mark’s nonprofits that slashes emergency response time using a crowdsourced network of EMTs. With a mobile app and a trained volunteer army, they’re saving lives in under 90 seconds, for a few hundred bucks per intervention.
Then there’s African Mission Healthcare, cofounded with a Christian missionary doctor. AMH delivers critical surgeries and maternal care for a fraction of Western costs. A C-section in the U.S. might cost thousands. Through African Mission Healthcare, it costs ~$300 and can literally save two lives.
What Counts as Real Giving?
Mark’s framework for charitable giving is simple and ruthless: focus solely on endeavours that save lives, reduce suffering, or create opportunity for the poor. It’s not a popular view, but it’s honest. And more importantly, it’s effective.
Why Give Now?
Mark also challenges the “someday” mindset. Philanthropy isn’t a post-exit hobby. It’s a habit. And just like compounding interest, giving compounds over time because the earlier you intervene, the more you can prevent downstream devastation.
Start now. Start small. But start. Get uncomfortable. That’s when you know you’re giving enough.
The ROI of Giving Back
Mark’s life is a masterclass in impact-driven strategy, from business to nonprofit leadership. Philanthropy doesn’t come after success. It should be part of it. Business and giving are not at odds. Done right, they reinforce each other.
And in a world drowning in causes, it’s refreshing to hear someone say: Focus. Maximize ROI. Be intentional. You’re not just donating, you’re investing in humanity.
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❓ FAQ
Q: What is the ROI framework for philanthropy?
A: Using a business lens, measure the cost per life saved to identify the most impactful charitable opportunities.
Q: What nonprofit organizations has Mark Gerson created?
A: United Hatzalah (emergency response in Israel) and African Mission Healthcare (surgical care and training in Africa).
Q: How much should I give?
A: Enough to feel slightly uncomfortable.
Q: When should I start giving?
A: Immediately. According to Mark, giving should be a habit formed as soon as you have income.
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