Overcoming Psychological Barriers to Giving
Philanthropy has the power to drive transformative change, but even the most committed donors can struggle to take action.
Psychological barriers, such as choice overload, fear of judgment, and the complexity of giving, often lead to hesitation, diminishing both impact and the joy of giving. In this report, Piyush Tantia (Chief Innovation Officer, ideas42), Nicholas Tedesco (President & CEO, National Center for Family Philanthropy), and Betsy Erickson (Managing Director, Arabella Advisors) draw on behavioral science and insights from over 75 donors and experts to identify the most common obstacles to giving and, more importantly, how to overcome them.
By applying tested strategies from psychology and behavioral economics, donors can shift their mindset, simplify decision-making, and maximize their philanthropic impact. Whether you are just beginning your giving journey or looking to scale, this report offers practical solutions and real-world case studies to help you move forward with confidence.