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Fundraising Goals and Charitable Giving

Author

Listed:
  • Christoph Oslislo
  • Frederik Schwerter

Abstract

We study fundraising goals in two preregistered natural field experiments with regular donors of a large international charity (N = 109,945 and N = 47,864). Fundraising goals increase giving by 26%, comparable to the effect of lead donor information (17%). Combining both instruments increases giving by 42%, with effects close to additive. Variation in goal specifications, including progress levels from 9% to 91%, does not significantly affect total donations, consistent with goals operating as informational signals rather than through goal proximity. Failure to reach announced goals reduces subsequent giving by 28%.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph Oslislo & Frederik Schwerter, 2026. "Fundraising Goals and Charitable Giving," CESifo Working Paper Series 12637, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12637
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Rondeau & John List, 2008. "Matching and challenge gifts to charity: evidence from laboratory and natural field experiments," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 11(3), pages 253-267, September.
    2. Andreoni, James, 1990. "Impure Altruism and Donations to Public Goods: A Theory of Warm-Glow Giving?," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 100(401), pages 464-477, June.
    3. Jen Shang & Rachel Croson, 2009. "A Field Experiment in Charitable Contribution: The Impact of Social Information on the Voluntary Provision of Public Goods," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 119(540), pages 1422-1439, October.
    4. repec:feb:natura:0053 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

    1. Luca Henkel & Christoph Oslislo & Frederik Schwerter, 2026. "Cues, Attention, and Charitable Giving," CESifo Working Paper Series 12688, CESifo.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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