Giving by Donating Money vs. Volunteering Time

The present research questions whether the way we give impacts our desire to give in the first place. Specifically, we explore whether there are differences in preferences to help by giving time vs. money, as well as whether one’s time or money is given directly vs. indirectly. We define directness as fewer-to-no intermediaries in between the giver and the receiver. We find that such a preference does exist. Individuals are more likely to volunteer time than donate money, but only when there is a perceived difference between impact and directness of one’s help. This research helps to shed light on the psychological perceptions of different kinds of helping behaviors and how these perceptions impact the choice to give.