The cost of noise

Noise pollution and nonprofit expenses

Bibliographic Data

ID20201809
AuthorsTahmina Ahmed (0000-0003-2848-6228, Niagara University), Mohammad Maruf Hasan (0000-0002-0597-458X), Mohammad Mahmodul Hasan (0009-0008-3285-1965, York University), Jerome Niyirora (0000-0001-8416-4165, SUNY Polytechnic Institute), Gregory D Saxton (0000-0002-8079-0588, York University)
Year2025
Volume37
Issue1
Pages86-108
Publication date2025-02-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Public Budgeting Accounting & Financial Management (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1096-3367 • E-ISSN: 1945-1814
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/jpbafm-07-2024-0135
OpenAlexW4406678043
LanguageEN
References cited58

Purpose This study examines the financial impacts of noise pollution on nonprofit organizations, focusing on how increased noise levels influence total spending and expenditures in the fundraising, administrative and program categories. By exploring these effects, the study aims to learn whether and how nonprofits are reallocating resources to address the adverse consequences of environmental noise. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing IRS Form 990 data for 149,595 US nonprofits from 2020, this study employs OLS regressions and robustness tests, including instrumental variables and entropy balancing, to analyze the impact of noise pollution, measured using data from the National Transportation Noise Exposure Map. The research examines total spending as well as spending patterns across three main functional areas: fundraising, administration, and programs. Findings The findings suggest noise pollution has an adverse impact on overall spending as well as fundraising expenses, seemingly at the expense of core program-related functions. Nonprofits in noisier areas appear to require more fundraising investment to counteract donor aversion caused by environmental stressors, leading to reduced capacity for spending on programs. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by examining the role of environmental factors, and specifically noise pollution, in nonprofit financial health. Using a new dataset on census tract-level ambient noise, we are able, for the first time, to empirically examine the organizational impacts of noise pollution across geographic regions. Our study highlights the importance of considering environmental conditions in financial planning for nonprofits, offering practical implications for nonprofit managers and policymakers to develop strategies that mitigate the financial strain imposed by noise pollution

Business · Economics · Environmental economics · Environmental Noise · Noise pollution · Noise reduction · Public economics · Stressor · Noise Effects and Management · Place Attachment and Urban Studies · Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health · Finance · Pollution

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