A Theoretical Model of the Effects of Public Funding on Saving Decisions by Charitable Nonprofit Service Providers
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Authors
Handy, Femida
Webb, Natalie J.
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Advisors
Date of Issue
2003
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Abstract
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.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.