An external source (large donor, foundation, or government) may make a large initial donation towards the project, and this can be announced to later potential donors.

Alternative tool name:

Tool variation:

Category: Incentives/gifts

Sub-category:

Relevant theories: Threshold Public goods, Incomplete information and signaling, Overhead aversion

Type of evidence: Field-exp-charity, Field-exp-charity

Evidence strength (ad hoc assessment):

(More) seed money increases donations (propensity, amounts) in some studies. Increased 'proximity to a goal' seems to increase donations.

Prevalence:

Common

• Matched Fundraising: Evidence From A Natural Field Experiment, Full text

• The Effects Of Seed Money And Refunds On Charitable Giving: Experimental Evidence From A University Capital Campaign, Full text

• Matching And Challenge Gifts To Charity: Evidence From~Laboratory And Natural Field Experiments, Full text

• papers

Contributors David Reinstein