Choices That Boost Charity Donations
December 2022
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Introduction
Dive into the world of charitable giving with a twist! Wharton’s Alice Moon spills the beans on a simple yet effective strategy to boost donations: offering donors predefined choices. Gone are the days of the awkward "how much should I give?"—Moon's research, featured in the Journal of Consumer Research, shows that when charities present specific amounts (like $5, $10, $50), people are more likely to open their wallets. Why? It's all about setting the norm and easing the decision-making process. So, if you've ever felt stuck deciding on a donation amount, this article from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is a must-read!
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The Power of Choice in Giving
Imagine you're walking down the street and you see two donation boxes. One says, "Give whatever you can," and the other says, "Donate $5, $10, or $20." Which one catches your eye? According to research by Wharton’s Alice Moon, the second box not only grabs your attention but might also inspire you to donate more generously. This fascinating insight into human behavior shows us how the simple act of offering specific choices can significantly boost charitable donations. It's not just about being kind; it's about understanding what prompts people to act on their kindness. For you, this might mean rethinking how you contribute to causes you care about or even how you ask for support for your own projects. It's about the science of generosity and how we can make a real impact on the world, one well-thought-out choice at a time.
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Quantity requests
Defined as offering specific amounts for potential donors to choose from (e.g., $5, $10, $50), guiding them on what's considered a normative donation.

Norms
Unwritten rules that govern behavior in society. In this context, it refers to what is generally considered an appropriate amount to donate.

Decision-making
The cognitive process of choosing between different options. Quantity requests simplify this process in the context of charitable giving.

Open-ended requests
A type of solicitation where donors are asked to give any amount they choose, without suggested amounts guiding their decision.

Behavioral economics
A field of study that examines how psychological, social, and emotional factors affect economic decisions, like donating to charity.

Generosity
The quality of being kind and generous. This research explores how different solicitation methods can influence the expression of generosity.
Independent Research Ideas

The psychology behind donation amount choices
Investigate how different factors (e.g., personal income, the cause's relevance) influence the specific amounts people choose from quantity requests.

Cultural influences on charitable giving
Explore how cultural norms and values shape people's responses to quantity vs. open-ended requests for donations across various countries.

The impact of social media on fundraising strategies
Analyze how quantity requests can be effectively integrated into social media campaigns to increase donations for causes.

Generosity and happiness
Examine the psychological effects of donating on the donor, specifically looking at whether adhering to suggested amounts (quantity requests) affects the donor's happiness differently than choosing their own amount.

The role of transparency in donation amounts
Study how the transparency of where donations go (e.g., how much is used for administrative costs vs. direct aid) affects the efficacy of quantity requests in encouraging donations.
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