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Leveraging social expectation for charitable donations

Social expectation messages appeal to people's desire to act consistently with their self-image and reduce feelings of guilt. Emphasizing society's expectations enhances charitable giving in NGO advertisements, with click-through rates and donation rates significantly higher than other framings.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 21, 2026

Research finds efforts to end child marriage in Malawi leave out local knowledge, culture

Research in Malawi finds that attempts to combat child marriage often neglect local perspectives and cultural norms, leading to challenges in implementing effective solutions. The study proposes an African feminist lens to address the issue, considering relationality, community, and cultural embeddedness to understand the problem.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Human Rights and Social Work·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2026

AstraZeneca joins Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program as Funding Partner

The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program has partnered with AstraZeneca to support five medical students participating in the Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP). The program provides immersive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to prepare students for careers in clinical research.

UT Health San Antonio announces $6.5 million gift to strengthen pediatric health workforce through new Harvey E. Najim Pediatric Health Scholars Program

The program aims to support future pediatric-focused professionals in dentistry, medicine and nursing through competitive scholarships and training. With the gift, UT Health San Antonio will expand access to high-quality care for children and families in Bexar County.

Paulson Family Foundation makes an additional $19 million donation to Hebrew University to fund a new building for electrical engineering. Together with its previous gift brings the total donation to $46 million

The Paulson Family Foundation has donated an additional $19 million to Hebrew University, bringing the total support to $46 million. The donation will be used for a state-of-the-art research and teaching complex supporting STEM disciplines critical to Israel's high-tech future.

New study shows why clothing take-back programs fail — and what truly moves consumers to act

A new peer-reviewed study finds that generic environmental information significantly increases participation in take-back programs, while mentioning profit motives decreases it. Convenient return options also play a crucial role in improving program effectiveness.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateNov 18, 2025

The do-gooder dilemma: to disclose or not to disclose

A study by Cornell University researchers found that people believe reporting their own good deeds would lead to negative emotions, unlike sharing personal achievements. The study suggests that sharing stories of one's good deeds may undermine moral character, and anonymity might be the nicest way to show kindness.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateNov 13, 2025

Raising money for a charity? Don't bark up the wrong tree.

A Dartmouth study found that people without pets donate more than cat owners, who in turn give more often and diversely. The researchers analyzed over $70 billion in donations from approximately 63 million donors, suggesting that personality traits may play a role in philanthropic behavior.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAnthrozoös·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2025

Personality traits shape our prosocial behavior

Researchers analyzed 29 studies involving over 90,000 participants to examine the links between Big Five personality traits and prosocial behavior. Extraverts are more likely to engage in volunteer work, while agreeable individuals tend to be more generous with their finances.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025

Higher wealth taxes equal less philanthropy

Higher wealth taxes significantly reduce charitable donations in Norway, according to new research from the University of Texas at Austin. The study finds that allowing larger income tax deductions can increase giving by 4.4%. This suggests a possible solution to soften the impact of wealth taxes on philanthropy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateApr 24, 2025

$20 million infusion for UT MBA programs

Mindy Hildebrand's $20 million gift will support a matching campaign to raise scholarship funds for incoming full-time MBA students, while enhancing leadership development opportunities across all five Texas McCombs MBA programs. The fund will also create personalized, targeted leadership experiences for students.

TAMEST recognizes Lyda Hill and Lyda Hill Philanthropies with Kay Bailey Hutchison Distinguished Service Award

TAMEST has recognized Lyda Hill and Lyda Hill Philanthropies for their significant contributions to scientific research and public health efforts, particularly in Texas. The organization acknowledges the impact of their philanthropic investments in various institutions, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Meadows Mental Health Policy ...