We explore the effects of local ethnic and religious diversity on private donations to charity. We find that an increase in religious or ethnic diversity decreases donations. The ethnicity effect is driven by non-minorities and blacks, and is strongest in high income, low education areas. The...

In some public goods environments it may be advantageous for heterogeneous groups to be coordinated by a single individual. This “volunteer” will bear private costs for acting as the leader while enabling each member of the group to achieve maximum potential gains. This environment is...

This study estimates the effects of a mandatory, universal prescription drug insurance program in a public health care system with free physician and hospital services. In 1997 all residents of the province of Quebec, Canada, were required by law to have drug insurance coverage. Under this...