Toward a theory of situational support: A model for exploring fundraising, advocacy and organizational support

• We propose a new model to help explain communication and behavior related to nonprofit fundraising events.
• It combines variables from the situational theory of problem solving and theory of reasoned action.
• Support for the model and for an emerging theory of situational support was found in three studies.
• Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Through replication with three national survey datasets (N = 658, N = 673, N = 208), this study extends research aimed at developing a new model that combines variables from the situational theory of problem solving and the theory of reasoned action to explain communication and participation related to fundraising events. Findings from the three studies provide empirical evidence for a new model and an emerging theory of situational support, which may help explain how and why individuals come to support certain causes, events or organizations.