Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine how a nonprofit organization can effectively increase its funding from individual donors, even when faced with two significant barriers to giving. One examined barrier to gaining individual donors is an economic recession and its potential impact on a donor's ability to give to an organization. The second examined barrier to increasing individual donations is stereotypes held by a potential donor that may prevent him or her from supporting the organization's mission and clients.

Research was done to help better understand the diverse needs of individuals in the Fargo, North Dakota area. The purpose of this research was to both understand what needs nonprofit organizations can help meet, and also to give community residents who are often victims of negative stereotypes and biases the opportunity to identify what they see as needs in their own neighborhoods. This paper's purpose, in addition to exploring how the economy and donor-held stereotypes affect their propensity to give to nonprofits, is to analyze and better understand the very people who are the beneficiaries of some gifts to nonprofits in an effort to help donors truly understand who and what they are supporting through their philanthropy.

The economic climate and diversity of the United States both have an impact on nonprofit organizations' abilities to fund their activities. These two critical aspects of donor development are examined in this research, so that nonprofit organization can better understand donors' motivations and prepare to address both barriers if ( or, more likely, when) they are encountered.

Research about the needs of the diverse population served by one nonprofit organization is also examined, giving a glimpse into what exactly the needs are of this one organization's clients. This information is critical so that the organization can help donors who may hold stereotypes about this population to understand why exactly their support is needed, and why their stereotypes may be inaccurate.

Year of Submission

2015

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Rodney Dieser

Comments

If you are the rightful copyright holder of this graduate research paper and wish to have it removed from the Open Access Collection, please submit an email request to scholarworks@uni.edu. Include your name and clearly identify the thesis by full title and author as shown on the work.

Date Original

2015

Object Description

1 PDF file (68 pages)

Language

en

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