The Effectiveness of Survey Response Rate Incentives in a Public Non-Profit Environment

ABSTRACT Use of incentives is an accepted method for increasing survey response rates for profit businesses but not for non-profit organizations. Profit and non-profit organizations have similar needs for reliable, valid and cost effective information. Non-profit organizations must be aware of and consider their unique status when employing methods to efficiently collect information from the general population. This study examines the effectiveness of incentives for increasing survey response rates for public non-profit organizations and concludes with recommendations for non-profit organizations collecting survey data.