Motivations and forms of corporate giving behaviour: insights from Australia

Elias Kyriazis, University of Wollongong
Gary I. Noble, University of Wollongong
Jennifer Ann Algie, University of Wollongong
John Cantrell, University of Wollongong

Article comments

Noble, G. I., Cantrell, J., Kyriazis, E. & Algie, J. (2008). Motivations and forms of corporate giving behaviour: insights from Australia. International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, 13 (4), 315-325.

Abstract

Although corporate support for many nonprofit organisations (NPOs) represents only a relatively small component of their overall income its importance is growing. As a consequence, the need to understand corporate giving behaviour in a way that supports the development of strategically targeted and successful marketing campaigns is of growing importance to marketing managers in many NPOs around the globe. This paper presents the findings of a study into the why and how of corporate giving behaviour in Australia. In the seven case studies examined, there was no strong evidence that Australian corporations give for other than strategic profit maximisation or political reasons. In contrast to the literature, altruistic and managerial utility did not emerge as strong motivational factors. This study also found that corporations are likely to have a number of corporate giving programmes each with its own underlying motivation and strategic purpose which network together to form a hierarchy of corporate giving programmes. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of this research for NPO managers attempting to increase their level of corporate support.