What Motivates Giving - the funder's perspective

This posting is in response to Jason Dick who asks: "What motivates giving?" Is it compassion, good fundraising, desire to make a difference in the community? What is it?”

Context: I advise and counsel foundations and individual philanthropists on the strategies which inform their philanthropy. My work is strictly on the side of the “givers.” That perspective informs these thoughts. Therefore,

Easy answer: it depends.
Harder answer: on what?

In fact, the styles, vehicles, priorities, and values which define the behavior of funders are quite diverse, but the motivations for giving seem to fit into 2 major categories:

1. Those who give to “give back” or from a sense of noblesse oblige, or for social obligation. For this group, the recipients matter less than the fact of giving. They are more likely to support umbrella organizations, respond to peer requests, maintain long term relationships with organizations they fund, and to fund core or operating support. Their altruistic behavior is a reflection of their own need to share their beneficence benevolently.
2. Those who give to “make a difference.” For this group, outcomes, measures, impact, credibility, accountability, innovation, and social change will influence where and how they give. This group is more likely to give to projects or start ups or short term or for innovative initiatives and expect more reporting, hands on relationship. For this group, social change matters more than social standing; gratification is in the results not the writing of the check; recognition is a minor incentive; and impatience is a frequent trait.

I am often asked about tax incentives. Most of the studies confirm that taxes determine how one gives but don’t determine if one will give.

One brief last point: In times of crisis, one does see a short term compassion factor but these thoughts are more informed by “normal” altruism than by emergency charitabllity.