Donor Engagement Research Articles

AI-FEED: Prototyping an AI-Powered Platform for the Food Charity Ecosystem

This paper presents the development and functionalities of the AI-FEED web-based platform (ai-feed.ai), designed to address food and nutrition insecurity challenges within the food charity ecosystem. AI-FEED leverages advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to facilitate improved access to nutritious food and efficient resource allocation, aiming to reduce food waste and bolster community health. The initial phase involved comprehensive interviews with various stakeholders to gather insights into the ecosystem’s unique challenges and requirements. This informed the design of four distinct modules in the AI-FEED platform, each targeting the needs of one of four stakeholder groups (food charities, donors, clients, and community leaders). Prototyping and iterative feedback processes were integral to refining these modules. The food charity module assists charities in generating educational content and predicting client needs through AI-driven tools. Based on blockchain technology, the food donor module streamlines donation processes, enhances donor engagement, and provides donor recognition. The client module provides real-time information on food charity services and offers a centralized repository for nutritional information. The platform includes a comprehensive mapping and proposal system for community leaders to strategically address local food insecurity issues. AI-FEED’s integrated platform approach allows data sharing across modules, enhancing overall functionality and impact. The paper also discusses ethical considerations, potential biases in AI systems, and the transformation of AI-FEED from a research project to a sustainable entity. The AI-FEED platform exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation in addressing societal challenges, particularly in improving food security and community health.

Strengthening Donor Trust via Enhanced Performance and Transparency in Zakat Management

General Background: Lazismu, an extension of Lembaga Amil Zakat, Infaq Sadaqoh Muhammadiyah, plays a crucial role in facilitating charitable donations and maintaining donor trust in the humanitarian sector. Specific Background: Despite its importance, Lazismu faces challenges regarding the management of zakat funds and transparency in financial reporting, which has led to diminished donor trust. Previous studies have inadequately explored the relationship between performance recognition and donor trust in zakat institutions. Knowledge Gap: This research aims to fill this gap by quantitatively examining how various independent variables—human resource performance enhancement, financial report transparency, and interpersonal communication within the fundraising division—impact donor trust at Lazismu in Mojokerto. Aims: The study specifically investigates the influence of these independent variables on donor trust in Lazismu, with a focus on enhancing organizational performance to regain donor confidence. Results: The findings reveal that enhanced human resource performance, transparent financial reporting, and improved interpersonal communication significantly contribute to increasing donor trust. Novelty: This research introduces a structured approach to evaluating zakat management performance through quantitative measures, offering insights into the dynamics of donor engagement and trust. Implications: The results underscore the necessity for zakat institutions to prioritize financial transparency and effective communication strategies to foster stronger relationships with donors, ultimately leading to increased zakat contributions and enhanced community support. Highlights: Trust Boost: Performance and transparency enhance donor confidence significantly. Engagement: Strong communication improves donor relationships and trust. Methodology: Quantitative research analyzes zakat institution performance effects. Keywords: Lazismu, donor trust, zakat management, financial transparency, interpersonal communication

Blood Bonds: Transforming Blood Donation Through Innovation, Inclusion, and Engagement.

The journey of receiving blood as a patient with transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia has profoundly shaped my understanding of the life-saving power of blood donation. This personal experience underscores the critical importance of blood donors, not just for individual recipients but for the broader community, enhancing public health, productivity, and well-being. There are several challenges to securing a blood donor pool in current health care climate. Solutions that focus on the engagement of donors, clinicians, and patients are key to improving the donor pool and utilizing the blood supply in a judicious manner.

Motivational Drivers in Donation-Based Crowdfunding Systems: Empirical In-sights from the Ehsan Platform in Saudi Arabia

Crowdfunding is an effective method for raising funds, with donation-based crowdfunding standing apart from other models due to the absence of rewards or financial returns for donors. This research focuses on understanding the motivating factors behind Saudi society's partici-pation in donation-based crowdfunding, specifically on the Ehsan platform. Through analyzing 30 successful campaigns, conducting surveys, and interviewing a social media influencer, we explore intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, campaign features that attract support, and the impact of influencers. Our findings highlight the significant positive influence exerted by in-fluencers, emphasizing the critical role of clear campaign descriptions and compelling story-telling. Additionally, we identify the preferred campaign types, such as debt, orphan spon-sorship, disaster relief, and the optimal timing for donor contributions. The study reveals that Saudi participants engage in donation-based crowdfunding campaigns on the Ehsan platform primarily driven by sympathy, personal satisfaction, and a sense of community. The trustwor-thiness of campaigns and the platform's user-friendly interface emerge as crucial factors in fostering donor engagement. Notably, our research underscores the higher success rate of se-curing sponsorships for younger orphans and the increased donor engagement during religious events. Moreover, this research recognizes the importance of sustainability in donation-based crowdfunding campaigns on the Ehsan platform. Future investigations will encompass an ex-tensive analysis of crowdfunding platforms in Saudi Arabia, contributing to further ad-vancements in this field.

Women's Philanthropy and the Six A's of Donor Engagement

Women's Philanthropy and the Six A's of Donor Engagement

Measure the Success of Donor Engagement Initiatives

Measure the Success of Donor Engagement Initiatives

The targeting of ODA by Central and Eastern European EU donors

ABSTRACT The study analyses the allocation of Official Development Assistance (ODA) by those Central and Eastern European (CEE) donors that are also members of the EU. Using both absolute and relative data from the OECD and UNDP databases for each recipient country, we have established a general trend in CEE EU countries aid provision and identified cases of exceptional donor engagement. The main axis of the study is the analysis of the ODA/HDI ratio, focusing on flows in 2021 and then on 2013–2021 to establish the long-term trend. The result is a positive correlation between the volume of aid provided and the HDI score in each of the perspectives considered. This leads to a surprising trend of increasing aid activity by CEE EU donors as the level of development of the recipient countries improves. The results of the data analysis and the conclusions drawn from the literature suggest that the distribution of CEE EU ODA is much closer to a donor interest model. However, it is possible that this trend may gradually evolve towards a hybrid model, given the surge in ODA spending following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war and increasing external pressure.

Expanding technical assistance: a call for a more nuanced approach for sustainable HIV programs in Sub-Saharan Africa

An anticipated decline in external funding in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) necessitates a re-evaluation of HIV response sustainability strategies. While institutional capacity building (ICB) has yielded positive outcomes, including strengthened technical expertise and institutional frameworks, it faces challenges. These include overemphasis on technical expertise neglecting resource mobilization, and a limited focus on policy advocacy. To achieve long-term sustainability, ICB efforts must equip local institutions with skills for tailored donor engagement, data-driven advocacy, and collaborative policy influence. This multi-pronged approach, coupled with efforts to diversify funding and integrate HIV responses, is crucial to empower local ownership and ensure the long-term viability of effective HIV responses in SSA.

Enhancing donor engagement: Assessing the impact of online donation convenience on the willingness to donate to non-profit organizations

The competition for financial support among non-profit organizations (NPOs) has been intense for quite some time. It is crucial for these organizations to boost their competitive edge by gaining a deep understanding of donor behavior and fostering ongoing interactions with them. In today’s world, where convenience and efficiency are highly valued, factors such as the timing and location of donations can deter potential donors from contributing. Rigid and inconvenient donation methods can also hinder the donation process. As a result, this study aims to explore the role of convenience within the donation process, specifically investigating whether the convenience of online donation platforms provided by non-profit organizations significantly influences donors’ propensity to make contributions. This research differentiates the range of services offered by non-profit organizations and employs a questionnaire survey to examine the websites of the NPOs. A total of 466 valid responses were gathered. The empirical findings indicate that donors prioritize simplicity and speed in the online donation process. Additionally, donors prefer websites where they can easily locate necessary information and various details about the donation process, with relevant links that minimize time waste and complexity in navigating the website. The study also reveals that the convenience factor significantly influences donation behavior. Based on these insights, the study offers recommendations for non-profit organizations on how to provide donor-centric services by focusing on the aspects of convenience that donors value most in the donation process.

Blood Donation Pattern and Characteristics of Blood Donors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Blood donation rates in Saudi Arabia are relatively low compared to other countries. Understanding the patterns and characteristics of blood donors is crucial for improving donation rates and ensuring a sustainable blood supply. This Study utilizes data from the Wateen App to examine blood donation patterns in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from individuals who registered on the Wateen App. The Study analyzed demographic information, donation frequency, blood group distribution, regional variations, temporal trends, and user satisfaction with the App. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant findings.Results: The Study found that the majority of registered donors were male, with a higher proportion in the 25-35 age group. Most donors had donated once, while a small percentage had multiple donations. O+ blood group donors constituted the most significant proportion, followed by A+ and B+. The Eastern province had the highest incidence of registered donors. Over the years, there has been a gradual increase in the number of donors. There was no significant correlation between donation numbers and different months, seasons, or Ramadan.Conclusion: This Study provides insights into blood donation patterns in Saudi Arabia. Efforts should be made to address gender disparities, engage a wider age range of donors, promote donations among individuals with less common blood types, and improve donation infrastructure in regions with lower donation rates. The Wateen App has shown positive outcomes in enhancing donor engagement. Further research and collaborative efforts are necessary to improve the blood donation system in Saudi Arabia.

International donors as agents of policy transfer in influencing water legislation: The adoption of the river basin principle by transition economies in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia

Over the past decades, political scientists have studied how the policies and ideas of one political setting are used in the development of policies in another political setting, a process known as ‘policy transfer’. In the case of such transfer from one country to another, the role of various institutions and networks as ‘agents’ of policy transfer becomes central. Many researchers have mapped the role of the international donor community as an agent of transfer of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles in developing economies. This article examines the case of 11 transition economies from Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) to establish whether the role of the international donor community has been similar in exporting the IWRM concept, along with its key river basin principle, into national legislation. Roughly a decade after these 11 former Soviet republics gained independence in 1991, a ‘window of opportunity’ emerged when the need arose to revise the national water legislation that had been developed according to old Soviet approaches. The present analysis finds that international donors such as the EU, the US and UN agencies have played a significant role as transfer agents, being involved in shaping at least 18 out of 23 key national water laws, programmes or concepts in the selected countries between 2002 and 2023. The article concludes that 10 countries have adopted IWRM basin management principle and one is expected to follow soon as a result of a process involving international donor engagement.

A systematic review of predictive blood donor retention models.

Demand for blood and blood products is increasing due to population growth, medical advances, and increased disease. Availability of a stable blood supply is critical for healthcare organizations and requires effective donor recruitment and retention strategies. This systematic review paper examines the development and implementation of predictive models using machine learning techniques to classify and predict blood donor retention rates. The aim is to analyze the existing literature and provide insights into the design, performance and potential of such models through a systematic search of relevant databases. The reviewed studies include a variety of machine learning approaches and algorithms used to predict blood donor retention rates. These models use various demographic, behavioral, and historical donation data to predict the likelihood of a donor returning to donate blood. The utilization of machine learning techniques, such as decision trees, logistic regression, support vector machines, and neural networks, enables accurate predictions and enable healthcare organizations to implement targeted donor retention interventions to increase blood supply. The models' predictive performance reveals their capacity to recognize donors who are not likely to return and donate blood and target retention strategies appropriately, improving donor engagement and fostering long-term commitment. Several challenges and limitations face the identified existing models. They include the need for comprehensive and high-quality data, interpretability of complex models as well as the requirement for regular model updates to accommodate changing donor behaviors. There is need for development of versatile and comprehensive models with improved accuracy that can reduce the need for constant recruitment of new donors, which is costly and time-consuming enabling blood agencies to accurately predict donor retention rates, inform donor retention strategies, and prioritize resources appropriately and ultimately saving lives.

The elimination of human African trypanosomiasis: Monitoring progress towards the 2021-2030 WHO road map targets.

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a neglected tropical disease that usually occurs in rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa. It caused devastating epidemics during the 20th century. Sustained, coordinated efforts by different stakeholders working with national sleeping sickness control programmes (NSSCPs) succeeded in controlling the disease and reducing the number of cases to historically low levels. In 2012, WHO targeted the elimination of the disease as a public health problem by 2020. This goal has been reached and a new ambitious target was stated in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021-2030 and endorsed by the 73rd World Health Assembly: the elimination of gambiense HAT transmission (i.e. reducing the number of reported cases to zero). The interruption of transmission was not considered as an achievable goal for rhodesiense HAT, as it would require vast veterinary interventions rather than actions at the public health level. Data reported to WHO by NSSCPs were harmonized, verified, georeferenced and included in the atlas of HAT. A total of 802 cases were reported in 2021 and 837 in 2022. This is below the target for elimination as a public health problem at the global level (< 2000 HAT cases/year); 94% of the cases were caused by infection with T. b. gambiense. The areas reporting ≥ 1 HAT case/10 000 inhabitants/year in 2018-2022 cover a surface of 73 134 km2, with only 3013 km2 at very high or high risk. This represents a reduction of 90% from the baseline figure for 2000-2004, the target set for the elimination of HAT as a public health problem. For the surveillance of the disease, 4.5 million people were screened for gambiense HAT with serological tests in 2021-2022, 3.6 million through active screening and 0.9 million by passive screening. In 2021 and 2022 the elimination of HAT as a public health problem was validated in Benin, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea and Ghana for gambiense HAT and in Rwanda for rhodesiense HAT. To reach the next goal of elimination of transmission of gambiense HAT, countries have to report zero cases of human infection with T. b. gambiense for a period of at least 5 consecutive years. The criteria and procedures to verify elimination of transmission have been recently published by WHO. HAT elimination as a public health problem has been reached at global level, with seven countries already validated as having reached this goal. This achievement was made possible by the work of NSSCPs, supported by different public and private partners, and coordinated by WHO. The new challenging goal now is to reach zero cases by 2030. To reach this goal is crucial to maintain the engagement and support of donors and stakeholders and to keep the involvement and coordination of all partners. Along with the focus on elimination of transmission of gambiense HAT, it is important not to neglect rhodesiense HAT, which is targeted for elimination as a public health problem in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021-2030.

Financial Aid in Children, Adolescents and Young Adult's Cancer Care: A Scoping Review.

Background: The financial burden resulting from cancers on families is higher when it arises in young people compared with older adults. Previous research has provided insight into the financial toxicities associated with childhood cancer, but less is known about the efficacy of financial aid systems in reducing the financial burden on families. We conducted a scoping review to identify the determinants of success and failure of financial aid. Methods: Five databases were searched for articles published between January 1, 2000 and December 1, 2022. Dual processes were used to screen and select studies. Through thematic content analysis, we identified barriers and enablers of financial aid, categorised by country income level. Results: From 17 articles, which were evenly split between high-income countries and upper middle- to low-income countries, four major themes emerged: (1) accessibility of support, (2) delivery of support, (3) administration, and (4) psychosocial factors. Within these themes, the enablers identified were (1) support navigators, (2) establishing a direct contact between donors and beneficiaries, (3) implementation of digital solutions to improve outreach, and (4) using cultural and community values to encourage donor engagement. Conclusions: This scoping review identified the determinants of success and failure of financial aid in supporting families in the context of childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancers. By understanding the barriers and enablers identified in this review, organizations could develop pragmatic evidence-based care models and policies to ensure access to assistance is equitable and appropriate for families experiencing CAYA cancers.

The use of mixed reality technology within the donor collection experience.

Mixed reality (MR), a form of virtual reality (VR), provides an immersive and interactive experience for the user. Given VR's benefits in patients undergoing needle insertion procedures, MR's usability, impact on anxiety, and safety were evaluated in the blood donation setting. Whole blood donors ≥18 years old (yo) were enrolled at two blood centers and provided a MR headset with independently developed software to wear during blood donation. Pre- and post-donation questionnaires were conducted, and reaction data were reviewed. A post-study questionnaire was also completed by staff who assisted donors with MR. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multinomial logistic regression were performed, and p values determined statistical significance between variables. A total of 282 donors completed the study. 84% wanted to try MR because it seemed fun/different/cool/interesting, and most staff (69%) and donors (68%) found MR easy to use. Baseline subjective anxiety, reported by 50.3% (more often in females, first-time donors, and donors <20 yo), was reduced by MR in 68.4% of donors, and there was a 3.6 times higher odds of anxiety reduction with MR. 54% of donors with baseline anxiety would use MR again with the highest future interest in young donors. Donor reactions while using MR were mild and included pre-faint reactions and hematomas. This study demonstrates the potential of MR in reducing donor anxiety, its feasibility during blood donation, and its safety in blood donors. MR is an innovative technology that holds promise to increase donor engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

Empowering Malaysian Higher Education: A Review of Cash Waqf Practices

This study aims to examine the role of cash waqf in improving the sustainability and efficiency of higher education in Malaysia, with a focus on its impact on educational outcomes and institutional development. The research problem arises from the growing financial challenges faced by higher education institutions in Malaysia, which struggle to maintain quality and accessibility due to inadequate funding. While existing literature underscores the potential of waqf to address these financial shortfalls, particularly by enhancing access and quality, its full effectiveness is limited by challenges such as governance issues, regulatory barriers, and insufficient donor engagement. Thus, the objective of this study seeks to explore how cash waqf can overcome these challenges and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the higher education sector. The findings of the study reveal that cash waqf plays a significant role in boosting institutional performance, supporting funding structures, and fostering a conducive learning environment. Moreover, the integration of technology in waqf management, particularly in fund administration, enhances accountability among waqf managers and empowers donors, thereby opening up opportunities for innovative financing solutions. The policy implications suggest the need to revise policies that encourage public-private partnerships and improve the efficiency of waqf management through collaboration between universities and relevant waqf organisations. Additionally, understanding the socio-cultural factors influencing donor behaviour is critical for mobilising communities towards cash waqf contributions. The research also highlights the importance of tailored promotional strategies that resonate with cultural norms to sustain funding for higher education institutions. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and academic leaders on adopting effective cash waqf practices to strengthen the Malaysian higher education system.

Empowering Change: An Advanced NGO Management System for Efficient Operations, Enhanced Donor Engagement, and Transparent Community Development

This paper proposes solution to handle complex societal concerns, including social welfare, environmental preservation, and humanitarian aid, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are essential players. Realising an NGO's objective requires effective administration of its many facets of operations, including donor connections, project tracking, volunteer coordination, and event planning. This article introduces the "An Advanced NGO Management System for Efficient Operations, Enhanced Donor Engagement, and Transparent Community Development" a powerful web-based tool designed to streamline NGOs' administrative procedures while promoting accountability and openness. In a world with constantly changing difficulties, NGOs need adaptive and user-friendly tools to successfully manage their range of activities. This system has been painstakingly designed to deliver a dynamic and adaptable online application that responds to the complex needs of NGOs and their stakeholders by utilising the power of Java Servlets technology. The NGO Management System functions as a central hub for the comprehensive management of NGO operations, enhancing their overall impact and contribution to the betterment of society.

Participation, development and tensions in New Zealand donor engagement with non-secular recipients: A case for recognising post-secularity in practice

Many authors argue that we live in a post-secular world where religion persists, and where, in public affairs, religious views should have an equal voice with secularity. This article examines participation in international development through that post-secular lens: To what extent do the differing worldviews of the partners affect their relationships when designing and implementing development projects? Fieldwork for the research was conducted mainly through interviews with global donor and practitioner organisations working from New Zealand and with recipients on one project in Bangladesh. We used a typology of three different parties: recipients; secular donor and practitioner organisations; and faith-based donor and practitioner organisations (FBOs). In that triangle of relationships we found the three parties’ beliefs are intensely important to them. But we also found participation tends to be transactional in that the topic of religion is generally avoided, leading to unexplored assumptions and adverse consequences to development of trust between the parties. However, we observed that FBOs and recipients can, through religion, and regardless of what that religion is, have a natural rapport. This is important as less-developed countries are generally profoundly religious. Further, in an extension to some concepts of post-secularity, our research indicated there is value in not just listening but also in debating views in-depth as a pathway to creating common ground. This may be challenging for secular organisations, but facilitators who are accepted by the three parties as understanding and respecting their views could help achieve productive relationships.

The Impact of Social Media Applications on Donor Engagement and Retention in the Saudi Arabian Blood Donation System.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of social media applications on donor engagement and retention within the blood donation system in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in this study. The population aged above 18 years and living in Saudi Arabia was included in the study. Using convenience and snowball sampling techniques, an online questionnaire was distributed using social media channels such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. A total of 463 participants were included in the study. The majority of the study participants (78.1%) engage on social media applications multiple times a day for charity causes such as blood donation by responding to requests, while 51.8% of them engage on social media applications for the same reason a few times a month. Focusing on donor engagement, 46.8% and 27.3% of the total participants were likely to engage in the blood donation process; 60% were likely to continue to use social media applications for blood donation. The ANOVA findings showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between participant groups characterized by age and educational level on their engagement on social media applications for the blood donation process. Younger participants and participants with bachelor's degrees and above were more likely to engage in social media applications for the blood donation process compared to minimum educated and older participants (p<0.05). Charity or blood donation organizations must adopt strategies to actively engage the donors on the platforms, as social media can effectively contribute to donor engagement and retention.

The need for better donor engagement and outreach with legacy living kidney donors.

The need for better donor engagement and outreach with legacy living kidney donors.