National Campaigns for Charitable Causes: Exploring the Portuguese Case

• In Event: Comparative and International Philanthropy

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of national campaigns for charitable causes implemented in Portugal from 2003 to 2012. Based on multiple case studies methods, and data collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, the authors analyze the campaigns, and explore the characteristics of the promoter NPOs and their perception of donors’ characteristics and motivations. Particular attention is given to the influence of the structural characteristics of giving in the national context, namely the existing tax designation scheme that is an incentive for NPOs to campaign annually targeting taxpayers, and the role of the Catholic Church and religiosity because of historical reasons.

Authors

• Ana M. Simaens, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), BRU-IUL

• Madalena Eça Abreu, ISCTE-IUL, University Institute of Lisbon (BRU-IUL), Portugal

• Ana Felgueiras, Research Group on Competition and Development (C+D Group). Economics and Business School. University of A Corua

• Marta Rey-Garcia, Universidad de A Coruña