The Primal Fundraiser

Game Theory and the Natural Origins of Effective Fundraising

By: Russell James

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Charitable giving is not a modern invention of the industrialized world. It is a natural behavior as old as humankind. In this book, Professor Russell James reviews scientific research from a range of disciplines to uncover the natural origins of philanthropy and translates these scientific concepts into effective fundraising strategies. See how theory and science can produce powerful, practical, real-world fundraising success.

Introduction: The Matryoshka doll
1 Primal fundraising and subjective similarity: I’m like them!
2 Primal fundraising and reciprocal alliances: I’m with them!
3 Primal fundraising and reciprocal capacity: I’m with them because they’re important to me!
4 Relationship is the foundation of primal fundraising: I’m with them because we’re partners!
5 Primal fundraising leads with a gift: I’m with them because I’m important to them!
6 Impact, gratitude, and reciprocity in primal fundraising: I can make a difference!
7 Heroic donation displays in primal fundraising: I can be your hero, baby!
8 The heroic donation audience in primal fundraising: I need a hero!
9 Primal fundraising delivers practical value with identity and audience: This is totally worth it!
10 The power of community in primal fundraising: I’m not just giving, I’m sharing!
11 Social norms in primal fundraising: People like me do things like this!
12 Primal fundraising delivers transcendent value with internal identity: I believe in this!