Is it ethical to accept a gift from a donor whose family has engaged in exploitative labor practices? Predatory lending? Embezzlement? How might you justify your decision publicly?
The three cases below offer illustrations of scenarios where the framework for ethical decision making for nonprofits would apply. We encourage you to work through these with your team. First, apply the five-step framework to each case to reach a decision about whether you would accept the gift in question. Then, explain how you would justify your decision. Are you able to convince each other? Do you think your justification would be persuasive to relevant stakeholders?
Is it ethical for a museum to accept a donation from a donor who has been accused of poor labor practices?
Should a university accept a donation from a donor associated with a problematic former employer?
Does the identity of a donor who wishes to remain anonymous matter?
