On the channels of pro‐social behavior : evidence from a natural field experiment

We conduct a natural field experiment on direct and indirect transfer mechanisms for small donations. Charitable contributions are significantly higher if made indirectly, i.e. if they are tied to the purchase of a good sold at a premium, than if they are made directly. Donations are significantly higher under both transfer mechanisms if people are given a suggested reference donation. -- Tied versus untied transfers ; charitable donations ; charity, willingness to give ; pro social behavior