Growing evidence on graduation strategies for the ultra-poor, breaking the poverty trap through a multidimensional approach combining promotional (asset transfer, skills training), preventive (vulnerability reduction) and transformative (lobbying and political organization) interventions draws increasing attention. This paper reports impacts of this innovative approach implemented by three different NGOs in Northern Bangladesh, drawing on a difference-in-differences approach. Using the outcomes of eligible ultra-poor as counterfactual, the estimation reports positive impacts on variable bundles related and unrelated to the project, e.g. higher food security (11.3% more meals per day), expenditure (up 25%) or savings (up 87.5%). Impacts extend on outcomes unrelated to the direct intervention (housing quality, durable non-productive assets) and social inclusion. A trade-off between labor market and project engagement for female household members is found. Main findings are robust to possible attrition bias as controlled through Manski bounds. This one-off grant approach including political empowerment is thus a viable anti-poverty-strategy.
