Impure Impact Giving: Theory and Evidence

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2021
Volume: 129
Issue: 5
Pages: 1553 - 1614

Authors (2)

Daniel M. Hungerman (University of Notre Dame) Mark Ottoni-Wilhelm (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We present a new model of charitable giving where individuals regard out-of-pocket donations and the matches they induce as different. We show that match-price elasticities combine conventional price effects with the strength of warm glow, so that a match-price elasticity alone is insufficient to characterize preferences for giving. Match- and rebate-price elasticities will be different, but together they lead to new tests of underlying giving preferences. We estimate, for the first time, a match-price elasticity in a high-stakes setting together with a rebate elasticity induced by tax policy. The estimates reject extant models of giving but are consistent with the new theory.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/713190
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-02-02