Giving, within the traditional discipline of philanthropy and psychology, is a powerful behavior capable of fulfilling our fundamental human needs to connect with others and build confidence in our ability to make a difference in the world... so why isn't it more common? This text examines a potentially powerful driver that givers and fundraisers can leverage to grow giving: the giver's self-concept system and its development through giving.

The Psychology of Philanthropy conceptualizes giving behavior within well-known frameworks and theories from psychology, looking at:

• The framework of problem solving and decision making
• The role of one's sense of self, as situated in one's social environment
• Giving decisions as both a consequence and a reinforcement of one's sense of self

Ultimately, it explains why a giver's sense of who they are is the fundamental determinant of whether human need will lead to giving and whether giving will fulfill human need.

With easy-to-access explanations of the psychological science of giving, complemented by case studies and chapter exercises, this book will help aspiring and professional fundraisers to better understand and develop strategies to grow giving.