Recent research reveals that asking individuals to think about "how much time they would like to donate" before asking for money increases the amount they ultimately donate to the charity.

 

Getting potential donors to volunteer time by participating in an event may lead to their not only raising sponsorship dollars from others, but also to their donating more money themselves over time, according to RWRFC's Academic Advisor Michal Strahilevitz.

In a recession fueled by rising unemployment, one can expect many people to give more time and less money, Professor Strahilevitz says.

 

The research by Stanford's Jennifer Aaker and UCLA's Wendy Liu  suggests "this short-term shift towards more volunteering may be especially beneficial in the long-term, as the experience of volunteering (e.g., as athletes in "athon" fundraising events) may lead to greater future engagement with and commitment to the causes being supported."

 

Lesson Learned: As the economy improves, it is quite possible that the fundraising athletes of today will become the loyal donors of tomorrow.   Take good care of them!