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Suggested donation or social information? Evidence from a field experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Francisco Alpízar
  • Peter Martinsson
  • Marcella Veronesi

Abstract

Which fundraising strategy is more effective and how donation behavior changes with different monetary amounts are still open questions. This study compares the effectiveness of two fundraising strategies—suggested donation and social information—and examines how different monetary amounts affect donation behavior. We implemented a field experiment on voluntary donations among visitors to a national park. Both fundraising strategies affect donation behavior. However, the donation pattern differs significantly depending on the monetary amounts shown. Our findings provide important insights for designing fundraising campaigns and show how suggested donation and social information affect economic behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Alpízar & Peter Martinsson & Marcella Veronesi, 2026. "Suggested donation or social information? Evidence from a field experiment," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 64(3), pages 1097-1115, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:64:y:2026:i:3:p:1097-1115
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.70060
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    References listed on IDEAS

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