Overcoming Psychological Barriers to Giving


Authors: Betsy Erickson, Piyush Tantia, Nicholas Tedesco


Psychological barriers, such as choice overload, fear of judgment, and the complexity of giving, often lead to hesitation, diminishing both impact and the joy of giving.

In this report, Piyush Tantia (Chief Innovation Officer, ideas42), Nicholas Tedesco (President & CEO, National Center for Family Philanthropy), and Betsy Erickson (Managing Director, ViaNova) draw on behavioral science and insights from over 75 donors and experts to identify the most common obstacles to giving and, more importantly, how to overcome them.

By applying tested strategies from psychology and behavioral economics, donors can shift their mindset, simplify decision-making, and maximize their philanthropic impact. Whether you are just beginning your giving journey or looking to scale, this report offers practical solutions and real-world case studies to help you move forward with confidence.

Read the full report on NCFP’s website


Betsy Erickson

Betsy Erickson is a leader of ViaNova’s work with family and individual clients, supporting them to further their learning, collaboration, and build giving strategies to achieve their philanthropic goals. Over 15 years at the firm, she has built her practice drawing on her studies and practical experience in systems and family dynamics.

https://www.teamvianova.com/bios/betsy-erickson
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