An Evaluation of Grass-roots Philanthropy, With Particular Focus on THON, the Pennsylvania State University IFC/Pan-hellenic Dance Marathon
Open Access
Author:
Marone, Victoria Ray
Area of Honors:
Management
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Augustus Colangelo, Thesis Supervisor Srikanth Paruchuri, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Philanthropy Charity Charity Navigator
Abstract:
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, as well as among the highest grossing cancer charities in the United States. This thesis seeks to explore the history and foundation of THON that has allowed it to evolve over the past 40 years into the fundraising force it is today. In addition, it looks to answer the question of how THON has grown from raising $2000 in its first year, $100 thousand in its 11th year, $1 million in its 20th year, and finally surpassing $10 million in its 40th anniversary. The evaluation practices and metrics of the independent charity rating organization Charity Navigator are used to assess THON’s efficiency and efficacy as a philanthropic organization as a whole. This evaluation is then further employed to compare THON to other organizations with similar missions. Finally, each of these components is used to draw a deeper understanding of how THON has achieved so much, and to provide recommendations as to how it can continue to improve.
