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

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Listed:
  • Dean Karlan
  • John A. List

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Dean Karlan & John A. List, 2012. "How Can Bill and Melinda Gates Increase Other People's Donations to Fund Public Goods?," NBER Working Papers 17954, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:17954
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • H4 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods

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