Research Shows Donors Are More Likely to Contribute Generously When in a Positive Mood

**Strategies Beyond Sadvertising: New Study Reveals the Power of Mood in Charitable Giving**

**The Impact of Mood on Charitable Giving**

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Georgia Institute of Technology has uncovered a surprising factor that influences charitable giving: mood. While sadvertising campaigns, such as those featuring caged animals accompanied by emotional music, have proven to be successful in raising funds for charitable causes, this study suggests that people in good moods are actually more likely to donate.

The researchers analyzed posts on Twitter, specifically those made by individuals who donated to Wikipedia and used a specific hashtag to acknowledge their contribution. The posts were examined both before and after the donation, revealing that the individuals’ mood improved shortly before their act of giving. This finding challenges the conventional notion that people donate because it makes them feel good about themselves and instead suggests that their positive mood may be the causal factor behind their decision to give.

**Optimizing Donor’s Mood Prior to Making a Request**

The findings from this study indicate that charities may benefit from improving a potential donor’s mood before making a donation request. By reaching out to individuals when they are already feeling positive, such as during holidays or significant personal occasions, organizations may increase their chances of receiving donations.

According to Lara Aknin, a professor of social psychology at Simon Fraser University, this study adds to the growing body of research connecting well-being and generosity. While individuals give for various reasons, it is essential to consider the emotional state of potential donors when making donation appeals.

**Factors Motivating Generosity**

While mood plays a significant role in charitable giving, there are other factors and motivations that drive generosity. Individuals may be motivated to donate when they believe they can make a meaningful impact on others, whether it’s humans, animals, or causes they care about. However, it is important to avoid attaching ulterior motives to donation requests, as people can sense insincerity, which may discourage giving.

**Experimental Findings: Hakuna Matata and Charitable Giving**

To further explore the connection between mood and generosity, the researchers conducted a second experiment. Online volunteers were asked to decide how to split $50 between themselves and a charity. Some volunteers watched a clip of “Hakuna Matata” from “The Lion King,” while others viewed a science video about microbes. The results indicated that those who watched the dancing warthog clip were more likely to give a larger amount to charity and even donate the entire sum. However, due to the small sample size, these findings are less conclusive.

**The Need for Donations Amidst Challenging Times**

Nonprofit organizations are currently facing increased pressure to attract donations, particularly due to the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Human service, arts, and educational organizations, among others, have experienced significant strain as they cope with increased demand while dealing with economic conditions and a decline in philanthropic giving. In fact, the overall amount of donations dropped last year for only the fourth time in four decades, according to Giving USA.

**Adapting Strategies, but with Caution**

In the face of these challenges, Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, encourages nonprofits to experiment with new approaches while staying true to their mission. While it is crucial to explore innovative strategies to combat donor fatigue, it is equally important to proceed with caution and avoid chasing every new fad that emerges in the philanthropic landscape.

**In Conclusion**

The study’s findings highlight the influence of mood on charitable giving. Rather than solely relying on sadvertising campaigns, charities should consider targeting individuals in positive moods to increase the likelihood of receiving donations. By understanding the motivations behind generosity and optimizing donors’ emotional state, organizations can effectively navigate the complex landscape of fundraising and make a meaningful impact on the causes they support.