Social Pressure = Bigger Giving
Hearing what OTHER people gave can make you want to donate more. That little tidbit comes to us from research both new and old, and it shows that gentle “peer pressure” can be successful at increasing giving amounts. This study about public radio donors concluded that telling donors the amount of another donor’s gift was successful in getting the donor to raise their pledge....
Read MoreGaga To Announce Anti-Bullying Nonprofit
Lady Gaga is usually on the front end of most trends. This week, however, she’s jumping into the nonprofit sector with an anti-bullying nonprofit right at what appears to be a high point of focus on the issue. Over the course of the past year and a half, bullying has had a spotlight thrust upon it. Between traditional schoolyard behavior and the new fears about social networking and...
Read MoreCelebs Who Give the Most
Last week’s list of the most philanthropic celebrities has set tongues wagging. The results were compiled by the Giving Back Fund, which highlights charitable behavior among movie stars, athletes and other famous faces. Topping the list was a not-very-well-known actress named Jami Gertz who, along with her husband, gave over $10 million to a foundation which bears their names. Many of...
Read MoreWhat to do With “Dirty Money”?
Kent State University fundraisers revealed today that a potential $1-million dollar gift to the school is being withdrawn after the school newspaper questioned the donor’s ethics. Potential donor and Kent State graduate Jason Cope was previously fined by the SEC in connection with stock fraud. After a student-journalist revealed the connection, Cope pulled the gift because of...
Read MoreVolunteerism and Employment Rates
It’s been said many times, in many places (including this blog!) that it’s a great idea to volunteer if you are unemployed. It keeps you busy, helps you network, and gives you a chance to hone your skills for a cause you love. If you’re a volunteer on a job hunt, then, this news is especially for you. According to a study on civic health and unemployment, a states rate of...
Read MoreOkay to be Selfish in Giving? Part 2
Last week we talked about how being “selfish” in giving can be good. That is to say: thinking about yourself and your own needs/values can play an important role in meaningful philanthropy. There’s a flipside to that argument, of course. Giving to something that also fills YOUR needs can be a slippery slope. Cause-related marketing has skyrocketed in recent years, and for...
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