Major Donor Philanthropy and the Effects of Social Capital

There is little extant philanthropy research on wealthy donors in the U.S. This qualitative research study is an in-depth examination of actual charitable giving experiences described by wealthy donors. It is based on interviews with 32 wealthy major donors who gave 5-7 figure donations to large nonprofit organizations in Chicago, Illinois. Areas examined include giving determinants, donor decision-making processes, and benefits derived from giving. The study also evaluates the effects of dimensions of social capital activated during relationships between major donors and people who were influential to their giving experiences. Results were derived using the methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis. In-depth excerpts of major donor statements are provided as evidence to support the study's results. Results and insights from this study are useful for theory development by philanthropy and social capital scholars. The study also offers practical applications for use by fundraising practitioners, nonprofit executives and wealthy major donors.