Philanthropy in the welfare state : why charitable donations do not simply substitute government support

This dissertation argues that, in most cases, charitable donations to nonprofit organizations cannot compensate for government budget cuts. Responses to changes in government support strongly depend on the availability of information, the nonprofit subsector and donor characteristics like resources and prosocial values. This thesis examines donations to health, international aid, environment, nature conservation, animal protection, education and research, culture and arts, and public benefits.