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Encouraging Small Donor Contributions: A Field Experiment Testing the Effects of Nonpartisan Messages

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  • Green, Donald P.
  • Krasno, Jonathan S.
  • Panagopoulos, Costas
  • Farrer, Benjamin
  • Schwam-Baird, Michael

Abstract

We report the results of a field experiment conducted in New York City during the 2013 election cycle, examining the impact of nonpartisan messages on donations from small contributors. Using information from voter registration and campaign finance records, we built a forecasting model to identify voters with an above-average probability of donating. A random sample of these voters received one of four messages asking them to donate to a candidate of their choice. Half of these treatments reminded voters that New York City's campaign finance program matches small donations with public funds. Candidates’ financial disclosures to the city's Campaign Finance Board reveal that only the message mentioning policy (in generic terms) increased donations. Surprisingly, reminding voters that matching funds multiplied the value of their contribution had no effect. Our experiment sheds light on the motivations of donors and represents the first attempt to assess nonpartisan appeals to contribute.

Suggested Citation

  • Green, Donald P. & Krasno, Jonathan S. & Panagopoulos, Costas & Farrer, Benjamin & Schwam-Baird, Michael, 2015. "Encouraging Small Donor Contributions: A Field Experiment Testing the Effects of Nonpartisan Messages," Journal of Experimental Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 2(2), pages 183-191, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jexpos:v:2:y:2015:i:02:p:183-191_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Julia Cagé & Malka Guillot, 2021. "Is Charitable Giving Political? Evidence from Wealth and Income Tax Returns," Working Papers hal-03877993, HAL.
    2. Laurent Bouton & Julia Cagé & Edgard Dewitte & Vincent Pons, 2021. "Small Campaign Donors," Working Papers hal-03878175, HAL.
    3. Saboury, Piruz & Krasteva, Silvana & Palma, Marco A., 2022. "The effect of seed money and matching gifts in fundraising: A lab experiment," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 425-453.

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