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Discussion Paper Details

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Title: How Can Bill and Melinda Gates Increase Other People's Donations to Fund Public Goods?

Author(s): Dean S. Karlan and John List

Publication Date: August 2020

Keyword(s): asymmetric information, Charitable fundraising, Matching grant and Public Goods

Programme Area(s): Development Economics and Public Economics

Abstract: We conducted a fundraising experiment with an international development nonprofit organization in which a matching grant offered by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation raised more funds than one from an anonymous donor. The effect is strongest for solicitees who previously gave to other BMGF-supported, poverty charities. With supporting evidence from two other fundraising experiments as well as a survey experiment, we argue this is consistent with a quality signal mechanism. Alternative mechanisms are discussed, and not ruled out. The results help inform theories about charitable giving decision-making, and provide guidance to organizations and large donors on how to overcome information asymmetries hindering fundraising.

For full details and related downloads, please visit: https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=15221

Bibliographic Reference

Karlan, D and List, J. 2020. 'How Can Bill and Melinda Gates Increase Other People's Donations to Fund Public Goods?'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=15221