Research That Matters Podcast - A Global Deep Dive
Episode 23: Why People Do (and Don't) Give
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Publication Date
4-30-2026
Description
In this episode, we explore research from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation that unpacks a fundamental question in philanthropy: why do people give—and why do they choose not to? While global giving remains high, participation is becoming more concentrated, with fewer donors contributing a larger share of total donations . This episode dives into the complex mix of factors that shape philanthropic behavior, revealing that giving is not driven by generosity alone, but by a combination of emotional connection, trust, social influence, financial considerations, and personal values.
We discuss how emotions like compassion and empathy can motivate action, while trust in organizations plays a critical role in whether donors follow through. At the same time, barriers such as lack of transparency, perceived corruption, and uncertainty about impact can discourage even well-intentioned individuals from giving. The research also highlights how religious participation, social networks, and personality traits influence philanthropic behavior, alongside broader systemic issues such as inequality and the political influence of large-scale philanthropy. Together, these insights reveal that philanthropy operates within a complex ecosystem where motivation, trust, and structure all intersect.
This episode challenges nonprofit leaders to think beyond simply asking for donations. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of building trust, reducing barriers to giving, and creating meaningful connections with donors in order to foster sustained engagement and a culture of generosity.
This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.
Recommended Citation
Dorantes, Sebastian; Bassett, Erica; Stoddard, Isabelle; and Manchester, Faith, "Episode 23: Why People Do (and Don't) Give" (2026). Research That Matters Podcast - A Global Deep Dive. 23.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/joni_podcast/23
Comments
This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.