Author: Rose-Ackerman, Susan

Publication Year: 1979

Media Type: Report

Summary:

Abstract:

Although United Arts Funds can be an efficient response to donor ignorance, they have also been charged with monopolizing the charity market, using unsophisticated allocation procedures, and failing to take into account government's growing role in social services. This paper assesses these criticisms, emphasizing the limits imposed on United Arts Funds power by the ability of donors to give elsewhere and the power of charities to leave the Fund. Given these constraints, as well as the real difficulties involved in monitoring social services, the Fund's allocation processes will inevitably be imperfect. Even when these limits are taken into account, however, United Arts Funds do have some limited monopoly power because of access to the payroll deduction, and most of them have failed to respond in a sophisticated way to the rise in government support of social services. (Author's abstract)

CONTENTS
1. Introduction.
2. The United Arts Funds as an efficient response to donors' uncertainty.
3. The United Arts Funds as a resource allocation organization.
4. The United Arts Funds as a cartel.
5. The United Arts Funds and the welfare state.
6. Conclusions: The United Arts Funds as a substitute for government.
7. Bibliography.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: United Arts Funds, Fundraising, Funding