An Examination of Athletic Alumni Giving Behavior: Development of the Former Student-Athlete Donor Constraint Scale

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a scale to measure the degree to which college athletic donation barriers exist for former student-athletes. The Former Student-Athlete Donor Constraint Scale (FSADCS) was created to further examine donor constraint themes found in a previous qualitative investigation. An analysis of the construct validity of the FSADCS was conducted with 243 former student-athletes from a NCAA Division I institution. The FSADCS was developed through thematic content analysis, item generation, expert review, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and additional validity and reliability testing. CFA supported a 5-factor, 27-item structure (Lack of Importance, Disconnect, Communication Issues, Experience Issues, and Dissatisfaction). Additional validity and reliability tests also supported the FSADCS. The findings of this study illustrate the importance of developing a framework for understanding potential barriers which influence charitable contribution behavior for a unique population within the prospective donor market.

Keywords: Intercollegiate athletics, Fundraising, Athletic alumni, Donation constraints