Encouraging Generosity: The Practice and Organization of Fund-Raising across Nations

Abstract

The international collaboration in this book creates a unique opportunity to establish, discuss and draw conclusions about fund-raising across nations. Based on the 26-country dataset provided by the authors in this volume, this chapter describes and analyzes for the first time the diverse fund-raising environments around the world that are shaped by different historical, cultural, social, religious, political and economic conditions. It begins by noting the lack of research on fund-raisers and fund-raising in contrast to the extensive studies undertaken of donors and argues that the demand side of charitable transactions is worthy of greater attention if a complete and dynamic understanding of giving is to be achieved. It then presents and discusses key themes related to fund-raising in the countries represented in this book. A typology is suggested to impose order on the huge variety of fund-raising approaches and stages of development in the organization of this activity around the world; this typology also strengthens understanding of the connection between asking and giving. After offering suggestions for future research in this area of study, the chapter ends by noting that despite global differences in the evolution of fund-raising as a profession and the diversity of current contexts, fund-raisers in every country face shared challenges that would benefit from greater exchange of knowledge and best practices.