Information increases giving - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change

Information increases giving - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change: "nformation increases giving

Knowledge of others' gift amounts can increase contributions, article says.

01.05.2006 -

Telling potential donors know how much others have given can increase contributions, a new study says.

The study, 'Field Experiments in Charitable Contributions: The Impact of Social Influence on the Voluntary Provision of Public Goods,' was conducted by researchers from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and from Indiana University.

In conducting the research as part of a public-radio fund drive, researchers sought to determine if providing information on previous donors' contributions would positively influence people calling to make gifts."