This study examines how the existence of multiple charitable campaigns supporting similar causes on the same platform influence the donations received by each campaign. The existence of multiple campaigns supporting similar causes can have negative externalities as they compete for donors. However, the existence of additional campaigns can also result in positive externalities as potential donors benefit from a larger variety of projects to choose from. This study observes negative and positive externalities from the existence of multiple campaigns supporting similar causes. An increase in the number of campaigns leads to a decrease in the average donation received by each campaign, indicating that the additional campaigns do not necessarily expand the market. However, when some of the campaigns perform exceptionally well, other campaigns-including non-top performing campaigns-receive more donation, highlighting the market expansion effect of the presence of successful campaigns on a platform.

Efficient resource-sharing via private transfers among households during natural disasters serves to foster a more resilient society. This study explores the effect of social media on private donations from households to natural disaster relief efforts. The donation pattern in a popular charitable crowdfunding platform exhibits inter-ethnic dynamics: Campaigns initiated by Hispanic fundraisers receive disproportionately fewer donations and lower donation amounts from non-Hispanic donors, relative to Hispanic donors. Moreover, we document a novel finding that social media statements from a political figure (President Donald Trump) influence the dynamic of private transfers across households from different ethnic groups. This finding provides a salient consideration for policymakers and government officials regarding the effects of their actions on society’s resilience and sustainability.