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Publications
  • 2016
  • White Paper

A Brief Introduction to the Science of Fundraising

By: A.V. Whillans
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
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Abstract

How can the science of philanthropy inform day-to-day fundraising? This brief report explores the usefulness of looking to social science research to enhance fundraising strategies. Drawing on empirical studies from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and economics, this paper discusses several potential points of intersection between fundraising and scholarly research. Specifically, this paper proposes a 'DIME' model to highlight three considerations when crafting fundraising campaigns: Donation Impact, Motivation, and Effort. It also discusses methods to incorporate this research into ongoing fundraising strategies. Finally, this paper provides recommendations for how professionals can use research to inform fundraising practices, and, more broadly to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Keywords

Philanthropy and Charitable Giving; Research; Strategy

Citation

Whillans, A.V. "A Brief Introduction to the Science of Fundraising." White Paper, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Washington, DC, May 2016.
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About The Author

Ashley V. Whillans

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
→More Publications

More from the Author

    • 2022
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    The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Satisfaction of Workers in Low-Wage Jobs

    By: Elizabeth R Johnson and Ashley V. Whillans
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    The Developmental Origins and Behavioral Consequences of Attributions for Inequality

    By: Antonya Marie Gonzalez, Lucia Macchia and Ashley V. Whillans
    • May 2022
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    Policy Stringency and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis of Data from 15 Countries

    By: Lara B. Aknin, Bernardo Andretti, Rafael Goldszmidt, John F. Helliwell, Anna Petherick, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, Elizabeth W. Dunn, Daisy Fancourt, Elkhonon Goldberg, Sarah P. Jones, Ozge Karadag, Elie Karam, Richard Layard, Shekhar Saxena, Emily Thornton, Ashley Whillans and Jamil Zaki
More from the Author
  • The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Satisfaction of Workers in Low-Wage Jobs By: Elizabeth R Johnson and Ashley V. Whillans
  • The Developmental Origins and Behavioral Consequences of Attributions for Inequality By: Antonya Marie Gonzalez, Lucia Macchia and Ashley V. Whillans
  • Policy Stringency and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis of Data from 15 Countries By: Lara B. Aknin, Bernardo Andretti, Rafael Goldszmidt, John F. Helliwell, Anna Petherick, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, Elizabeth W. Dunn, Daisy Fancourt, Elkhonon Goldberg, Sarah P. Jones, Ozge Karadag, Elie Karam, Richard Layard, Shekhar Saxena, Emily Thornton, Ashley Whillans and Jamil Zaki
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