Jessica Berrett, Chris Creighton, Kristen Robinson, Colin Wren, and Kacey Ross

This study investigates the impact of ungrading practices on student learning, engagement, and retention in higher education. While ungrading and alternative assessment approaches are increasingly adopted, empirical evidence on student outcomes remains limited. Using a mixed-methods survey of 75 students across eight courses at a public university, this study examines student perceptions of multiple ungrading practices, including specifications grading, contract grading, revision-based assessment, and self-reflection. Results indicate that students generally report positive effects of ungrading across all three outcomes, particularly for practices that emphasize flexibility, feedback, and opportunities for revision. Qualitative findings suggest that ungrading reduces performance anxiety, increases autonomy, and fosters deeper engagement with course material. However, some students also report confusion or uncertainty when grading expectations are less transparent. Overall, the findings suggest that ungrading can enhance student success by shifting emphasis from performance-based evaluation toward mastery-oriented and student-centered learning environments.

Jessica Berrett, ChiaKo Hung, Minjung Kim

Overhead aversion remains a persistent challenge for nonprofits, yet the role of donor age and education is unclear. Drawing on generational, cognitive scrutiny, and agency theories, this study examines how these factors influence overhead aversion and interact. Using a 2x2 survey experiment with 3,470 U.S. participants from Prolific, individuals are stratified by generation (Generation Z vs. Generation X) and education (associate’s degree or less vs. bachelor’s degree or higher). Participants evaluate one of five fundraising appeals varying in overhead ratios (0%-50%). Findings aim to clarify demographic patterns in donor decision-making and inform more effective, sustainable fundraising strategies.

Jessica Berrett, ChiaKo Hung, Ben Suykens, and Elisabeth McLane

Grounded in prospect theory, information asymmetry, and motivational congruence theory, this study examines the effects of positively and negatively framed messages about beneficiary outcomes and overhead on individual donations and assesses whether perceived organizational compassion and social impact mediate these effects. Using a 2 × 2 factorial survey experiment with 552 U.S.-based participants, we find that positively framed outcome messages about beneficiaries are more likely to increase donation intentions than negatively framed ones, whereas the framing of overhead expenses has no effect. Although perceptions of organizational compassion and social impact are positively associated with giving, they do not mediate the relationship between message framing and donation behavior. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate about message framing and offer practical insights for nonprofit fundraising and communication strategies.

Kate Quintana, Jessica Berrett, and Elisabeth McLane

This study examines how nonprofits compare philanthropy from the cannabis industry to other controversial industries, including alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and pharmaceuticals. Using a case study approach, 317 nonprofits were surveyed in Colorado—a state with a well-established, legal cannabis market—to explore their views on ethical considerations and alignment with organizational missions. Findings reveal that nonprofits often regard donations from controversial industries as ethically complex, potentially impacting public perception, donor trust, and stakeholder relationships. While a significant number of organizations are open to funding from the alcohol and pharmaceutical sectors, tobacco donations are generally rejected due to perceived health risks and historical distrust. Interestingly, many nonprofits perceive cannabis donations as less harmful, likening them to the alcohol industry and viewing them as potentially beneficial to community welfare, especially in the contexts of economic support and job creation. Respondents emphasized the importance of aligning donations with organizational values and avoiding “tainted” contributions that might conflict with mission-driven work. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting how nonprofits navigate ethical and practical considerations in accepting funds from controversial sources, and offers insights into evolving attitudes toward cannabis philanthropy amidst changing legal and social landscapes.

Jessica Berrett, Amanda J. Stewart, and Kerry Kuenzi

This study explores the density and capacity of a local nonprofit sector, merging economic concepts of supply and demand with insights from practitioners. Focused on health and human service nonprofits in one community, it integrates economic factors, network relations, and local perspectives to illuminate sector health. The study extends research on nonprofit density and carrying capacity by incorporating secondary data from community indicators and primary data from surveys and interviews with nonprofits. The findings offer practitioners valuable insights into addressing community needs, bridging the gap between academic research and local expertise.