Top Ten Ethical Dilemmas
You can’t be a good fundraiser without
encountering some ethical dilemmas. Here’s a
take on the top ten.
1. Questioning motive.
While we should never accept a donation that we know is
illegal or unethical, it is not our position to question donors’
motives. Motivations are highly individualized, and judging
why people give what they do is not our job.
2. Compensating for fundraising based
on amount raised.
There is some disagreement as to whether a percentagebased fee for fundraisers is ethical. The National Society of
Fundraising Executives maintains the ethical standard that
fundraisers should not directly benefit from the money they
raise; this creates a conflict of interest and could damage
the reputation of the organization.
3. The realities of donor relationships.
If you’ve been spending a lot of time involved closely with
the donor, there is the expectation that once the gift is
given, you will continue the relationship. If what you’ve been
telling them about valuing donor relationships is true, you
can’t disappear after you’ve received the check for your
agency.
4. Promises in the heat of the
moment.
Caught up in the “ask,” some fundraisers promise donors
things they aren’t sure they can deliver. If the donor asks
“Will you name the new building after me?”, let the donor
know you’ll need the board’s approval. Be honest about your
promises, even if it means closing on the gift on another
day.
5. Out of your element.
Some fundraisers may promise too much and wade into
waters that are just too deep for them. Speak about what
you know and use your resources and contacts to provide
more detailed information.
6. Talking a donor into a gift.
This is a grey area. While it may seem that it is a
fundraiser’s job to talk donors into giving, we really should
focus on trying to get the donor to catch our passion and get
enlisted with the cause. If he doesn’t, it may not be the right
time, the right program, or the right person. Talking him
into anything isn’t the answer.
7. Padding the good.
Be careful not to try and oversell your organization or
misrepresent what you do. Gushing sometimes works, but it
may set off alarm bells in donors’ minds.
8. Be honest with the numbers.
A hot topic may be what percentage of every fundraising
dollar goes to overhead costs. Be prepared to disclose those
numbers to donors. If the percentage is high, something’s
wrong, and the donor will surely point it out.
9. Spend the money the way you say
you will.
Some organizations try to play fast and loose with the
money they receive. Better to do what you say you will with
the money you receive-and be forthright about it. There will
be less mess to clean up later.
10. List selling.
Because of the importance of donor lists, lists are big
business. Lists are sold, traded, given away. Your board
should approve any plans you have for list trading or selling.
Similarly, there should be a consensus about where you get
your lists.
Source: Fundraising for Dummies