ISSN:
1467-8292
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Economics
Notes:
Why do charitable nonprofit, service-providing organizations save? What are the tradeoffs between using income to build up cash reserves and serving more clients? Saving may generate income, protect the organization against a drop in donations, and increase the organization's chances of survival. Saving, though, may affect the likelihood that nonprofits receive private and public funding. We model the relationship among private and public income, economic conditions, and nonprofit savings. We find that anticipation of government help during difficult times tends to reduce the amount of saving done by the nonprofit. This effect is strengthened if government officials view unspent donations as indicative of a lack of need. Both these effects provide a strong incentive for nonprofits to spend on current consumption rather than to save for the future, and thus to increase the burden on the public purse.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8292.00224
