Education as a driver of investment awareness: the role of ethical mission-oriented organizations in the transparent development of human capital

Abstract

The article examines how education, institutional trust, and governance transparency channel voluntary contributions from citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises into ethical mission-oriented organizations and convert them into gains in human capital. The theoretical foundation is a logic-structural approach that links input resources, onboarding and accountability processes, immediate participation outcomes, and long-term changes in education, culture, and healthcare; the empirical component is a panel model that accounts for current and lagged participation, trust indicators, and a transparency index. Using 2023 data, the study shows that Ukraine substantially exceeds global averages in the share of individuals making donations and in trust in civic institutions, which – together with an adequate educational foundation – creates a unique window of opportunity for scaling investment in human capital development. It is substantiated that low–cognitive-load educational interventions (microlearning, decision simulators, mentorship) reduce information asymmetry and entry barriers, while transparency and stewardship increase the efficiency with which contributions are converted into measurable outcomes. A minimal set of indicators for regular monitoring and evaluation is proposed, along with procedures for causal identification of impacts based on panel data, differences-in-differences, and event-study designs. The identified limitations concern the lack of standardized data on the regularity of participation and the absence of established transparency indicators, which underscores the need to institutionalize them and publish them in machine-readable format. Practical recommendations include developing subscription mechanisms for regular micro-contributions, implementing independent audits and open dashboards, and updating educational programs with a focus on plain language and digital skills. The results have applied significance for public authorities, civil society organizations, and businesses seeking transparent and sustainable human capital development through civic participation and responsible governance.