Nonprofit Board Network and Total Contributions

Abstract

We utilize two theoretical frameworks to explore the impact of nonprofit board networks on the ability to raise funds. Consistent with the information sharing perspective, we find that having more network connections leads to higher contributions. However, consistent with the finite resource perspective, we find that a higher connection intensity leads to lower contributions. Our additional tests suggest that larger nonprofits, nonprofits that invest more in fundraising, and those that are better governed are better able to take advantage of board connections and mitigate the negative consequences of connection intensity. Our findings suggest that the impact of nonprofit board networks on total contributions is complex and not one-sided.