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Eliciting donor preferences

Author

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  • Frode Alfnes
  • Maren Bachke
  • Mette Wik

Abstract

Most charity organizations depend on contributions from the general public, but little research is conducted on donor preferences. Do donors have geographical, recipient, or thematic preferences? We designed a conjoint analysis experiment in which people rated development aid projects by donating money in dictator games. We find that our sample show strong age, gender, regional, and thematic preferences. Furthermore, we find significant differences between segments. The differences in donations are consistent with differences in donors' attitudes toward development aid and their beliefs about differences in poverty and vulnerability of the recipients. The method here used for development projects can easily be adapted to elicit preferences for other kinds of projects that rely on gifts from private donors.

Suggested Citation

  • Frode Alfnes & Maren Bachke & Mette Wik, 2012. "Eliciting donor preferences," Artefactual Field Experiments 00098, The Field Experiments Website.
    • Handle: RePEc:feb:artefa:00098
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Paul Hansen & Nicole Kergozou & Stephen Knowles & Paul Thorsnes, 2014. "Developing Countries in Need: Which Characteristics Appeal Most to People when Donating Money?," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(11), pages 1494-1509, November.

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