Capturing Dimensions of Generosity
Understand, articulate, and investigate the full spectrum of generosity by studying the intersectionalities of the generosity ecosystem beyond the scope of monetary donations. This includes studying the drivers and influencers of giving as well as understanding and classifying the generosity ecosystem.
Generosity extends beyond financial donations to formal charitable organizations. Studying and capturing different forms of generosity and community-driven problem-solving in diverse cultures is crucial to understanding and leveraging its abundance. Broadening the sector’s perspective and acknowledging the full spectrum of giving is vital to exploring the linkages between generosity and social change. With the increasing rise of non-institutional approaches to philanthropy such as mutual aid networks, digital crowdfunding, and volunteerism, we are working to understand and measure a broad range of generosity practices. We help capture the various dimensions of giving to help social changemakers access a wider range of resources, foster deeper connections with supporters, and maximize their impact on social causes.
GOAL: To understand and articulate the intersectionalities of the generosity ecosystem beyond the scope of monetary donations and fundraising. This includes studying the drivers and influencers of giving, as well as understanding and classifying the giving ecosystem.
Our Initiatives from this Research Area
Research Topics
Within the philanthropic sector, many organizations are shifting to a more collaborative approach of providing support to communities by emphasizing solidarity and reciprocity while addressing challenges through shared efforts. By relying on voluntary participation and operating on the principle of collective action, mutual aid groups can provide a way for nonprofits to collaborate with grassroots actors to increase their overall impact while promoting equity and inclusivity. Through our research projects and collaborations, the GivingTuesday Data Commons aims to gain a deeper understanding of how mutual aid groups operate and how they can work in tandem with the philanthropic sector to improve their strategies, demonstrate impact, and foster more meaningful community engagement.
Volunteers are an invaluable resource to nonprofits as they offer their time, skills, and expertise without compensation. Engaging with volunteers increases the capacity and reach of an organization and helps maximize its impact. Studying and understanding volunteer behavior and outcomes can help the philanthropic sector assess the impact and effectiveness of volunteer-driven programs and better appreciate their contributions. Research into the social and economic value of volunteerism can support and provide evidence for policy development and advocacy efforts. GivingTuesday Data Commons research and datasets on volunteers — built with support from leading industry organizations — can help the sector optimize volunteer engagement, enhance program effectiveness, and maximize the value of volunteer contributions, leading to greater sector resilience and improved community well-being.
Civic engagement is a fundamental aspect of a thriving society and is deeply intertwined with the functions and activities of the social sector. We seek to understand the relationship between generosity and civic engagement. In particular, we aim to define criteria for measuring and tracking these and other enabling relationships over time. We monitor emerging trends to anticipate their potential impact on the future of philanthropy and civic participation, ensuring our insights remain relevant and proactive.
Identity is the lens through which people make sense of their world and beliefs form the core of one’s identity. The more we map the factors that help shape a person’s perspective and worldview, the better we can explain (and ultimately predict) trends in generosity. For example, the majority of humans have held strong religious beliefs throughout history, though the proportion has been declining in recent decades. This brings forth the question of what other ideologies are taking their place? Further, what are the implications of this shift for prosocial behavior? This remains an important and relevant open research question for GivingTuesday.
Demographic shifts can greatly influence donor preferences and behaviors. Studying these trends helps illustrate evolving motivations, interests, and giving patterns of different demographic groups while shedding light on marginalized voices and groups who have traditionally been sidelined by the nonprofit sector. By building datasets the GivingTuesday Data Commons conducts and enables research that addresses disparities in equity and inclusion and helps nonprofits better engage in new and emerging donor segments to meet evolving social needs.
Within the philanthropic sector, many organizations are shifting to a more collaborative approach of providing support to communities by emphasizing solidarity and reciprocity while addressing challenges through shared efforts. By relying on voluntary participation and operating on the principle of collective action, mutual aid groups can provide a way for nonprofits to collaborate with grassroots actors to increase their overall impact while promoting equity and inclusivity. Through our research projects and collaborations, the GivingTuesday Data Commons aims to gain a deeper understanding of how mutual aid groups operate and how they can work in tandem with the philanthropic sector to improve their strategies, demonstrate impact, and foster more meaningful community engagement.
Volunteers are an invaluable resource to nonprofits as they offer their time, skills, and expertise without compensation. Engaging with volunteers increases the capacity and reach of an organization and helps maximize its impact. Studying and understanding volunteer behavior and outcomes can help the philanthropic sector assess the impact and effectiveness of volunteer-driven programs and better appreciate their contributions. Research into the social and economic value of volunteerism can support and provide evidence for policy development and advocacy efforts. GivingTuesday Data Commons research and datasets on volunteers — built with support from leading industry organizations — can help the sector optimize volunteer engagement, enhance program effectiveness, and maximize the value of volunteer contributions, leading to greater sector resilience and improved community well-being.
Civic engagement is a fundamental aspect of a thriving society and is deeply intertwined with the functions and activities of the social sector. We seek to understand the relationship between generosity and civic engagement. In particular, we aim to define criteria for measuring and tracking these and other enabling relationships over time. We monitor emerging trends to anticipate their potential impact on the future of philanthropy and civic participation, ensuring our insights remain relevant and proactive.
Identity is the lens through which people make sense of their world and beliefs form the core of one’s identity. The more we map the factors that help shape a person’s perspective and worldview, the better we can explain (and ultimately predict) trends in generosity. For example, the majority of humans have held strong religious beliefs throughout history, though the proportion has been declining in recent decades. This brings forth the question of what other ideologies are taking their place? Further, what are the implications of this shift for prosocial behavior? This remains an important and relevant open research question for GivingTuesday.
Demographic shifts can greatly influence donor preferences and behaviors. Studying these trends helps illustrate evolving motivations, interests, and giving patterns of different demographic groups while shedding light on marginalized voices and groups who have traditionally been sidelined by the nonprofit sector. By building datasets the GivingTuesday Data Commons conducts and enables research that addresses disparities in equity and inclusion and helps nonprofits better engage in new and emerging donor segments to meet evolving social needs.
