Fundraising Across Digital Divide: Evidences from Charity Crowdfunding

Abstract

There is widespread belief that crowdfunding can successfully support charity operation by accelerating and simplifying the process of finding large pools of funders. Analysing a unique dataset of donations collected in Italy through crowdfunding in 2016, we identify contextual factors that hamper online donations. Specifically, looking at the role of digital divide, digital literacy, and social network interactions, our study extends the existing literature on charity crowdfunding. Implications are discussed in both theoretical and practical terms on the modes of engagement of online communities and on possible tactics to overcome donations barriers.