Seed donations
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):
Main findings
(More) seed money increases donations (propensity, amounts) in some studies. Increased 'proximity to a goal' seems to increase donations.
Discussion
Practical relevance
Use cases
Prevalence:
Common
Key papers
Secondary papers
Contributors David Reinstein
Discussion