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Philanthropy in a Recession: An analysis of UK media representations and implications for charitable giving

Breeze, Beth and Morgan, Gareth G. (2009) Philanthropy in a Recession: An analysis of UK media representations and implications for charitable giving. Project report. Sheffield Hallam University/University of Kent (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:37246)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.

Abstract

The recent economic downturn experienced in the UK and other major economies has led to intense speculation about the impact on non-profit organisations. In particular, there has been an assumption that charities will suffer significantly as a result of decreased donations and increased demand.

However, drawing on an analysis of UK media coverage of philanthropy and charitable giving during a six month period, this paper seeks to re-appraise existing research on charitable giving in order to consider the impact of a recession. We show that much of the media comment fails to take account of existing theory regarding the non-economic basis of most philanthropic motivations, nor of the varied nature of charitable beneficiaries, which extends well beyond the financially disadvantaged. The paper also explores known features of recessionary impacts such as variability across the sector; time lags between economic conditions and changes in donor behaviours; and factors that affect resilience, such as the possession of reserves and investment in fundraising activities. The paper concludes by discussing implications for donor fundraising strategies.

Item Type: Reports and Papers (Project report)
Subjects: H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: Beth Breeze
Date Deposited: 05 Dec 2013 15:42 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:13 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/37246 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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