Ethics in Fundraising: Follow Up Questions

Our last education session was on ethics in planned giving and the conversation was buzzing! There were more questions than there was time to answer, so we polled our CAGP Saskatchewan South membership, asking three ethics-related questions. Thanks to all those who responded.

The questions are listed below with a summary of responses.

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What would you do if you personally were listed in a donor’s will?

When it comes down this question, the votes are in. Donors know us through our work as professional fundraisers. If the donor discloses this information prior to them passing, a conversation needs to take place with the donor. Ask them why they have made this decision, share with them that this generous gift would be putting my professional credentials at risk and encourage the donor to redirect to the organization or simply ask them to remove you personally from their will. Now if the donor has passed, and you have not been notified until that time, there are some mixed reactions. Some shared they would simply decline the gift, some shared they may discuss with their organization to see if they should accept the gift and then donate it to their charity they work for.

How do you work alongside other charities in the same will?

From the responses that were shared, it seems like charities are ultimately working independently from other charities that are named in the same will. Should there be a need to collaborate on a will, charities could reach out each other but need to make sure their donor’s wishes are adhered to.

Do you think it is ethical to refer your donors to a specific advisor or law firm?

It is clear, we are professional fundraisers, not professional advisors ,nor should we be providing legal counsel to our donors. However, we need to help our donors if they are asking for assistance. Providing a list of trusted advisors or law firms the charity has worked with in the past seems to be okay with the group that shared responses. These suggestions should be just that: suggestions. The list should always be accompanied with the statement to the donor that these are just suggestions and that they are free to choose whomever they feel comfortable working with.

Questions? Comments? Contact us at cagpsaskatchewansouth@gmail.com