Matching and Challenge Gifts to Charity: Evidence from Laboratory and Natural Field Experiments

Daniel Rondeau and John List

No 3278, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: This study designs a natural field experiment linked to a controlled laboratory experiment to examine the effectiveness of matching gifts and challenge gifts, two popular strategies used to secure a portion of the $200 billion annually given to charities. We find evidence that challenge gifts positively influence contributions in the field, but matching gifts do not. Methodologically, we find important similarities and dissimilarities between behavior in the lab and the field. Overall, our results have clear implications for fundraisers and provide avenues for future empirical and theoretical work on charitable giving.

Keywords: field experiments; charitable giving; threshold public goods; fundraising (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C93 H41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 31 pages
Date: 2008-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cbe and nep-exp
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (90)

Published - published in: Experimental Economics, 2008, 11(3), 253-267

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Related works:
Journal Article: Matching and challenge gifts to charity: evidence from laboratory and natural field experiments (2008)
Working Paper: Matching and challenge gifts to charity: Evidence from laboratory and natural field experiments (2008)
Working Paper: Matching and Challenge Gifts to Charity:Evidence from Laboratory and Natural Field Experiments (2008)
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