Ethical Screening of Donor Prospects: An interactive exploration Researchers in Fundraising Autumn Conference 2006 Elly Bohme, Search & Prosper

What the session will cover What is ethical screening? Is it important to screen prospective donors on their ethical credentials? Resources for ethical screening Other issues to consider Conclusions and best practice tips

Definitions How do you define “ethical”?

Definitions Ethical may mean different things to different people and organisations Concise Oxford Dictionary 9 th Edition: ethical: 1) relating to morals, esp. as concerning human conduct; 2) morally correct; honourable ethical investment: investment in companies that meet ethical and moral criteria specified by the investor

What is ethical screening of donor prospects? We could say it is a means of checking the ethics of a prospective donor against a set of criteria agreed by the Trustees or Governing body of your organisation.

Is it important to screen prospective donors on their ethical credentials? Organisations may consider it important to do some level of ethical screening in order to: Ensure the visions and practices of the prospect are not in direct conflict with the mission of the charity Establish whether there is a good match between prospect and charity Maintain good business practice, and best fundraising practice in cultivating and soliciting donors

Is it important…..? Reassure and inspire confidence in other donors and prospective donors Prevent controversy and high profile in the media Prevent major internal and political battles.

Other issues to consider Getting the balance right: keeping research profiles factual and objective whilst providing recommendations on ethical suitability of prospect What to include in a profile, what to leave out Reputation In-depth screening of all corporate and individual investments, connections and networks Time and resource issues No ethical criteria to guide you, what do you do?

Conclusions and best practice tips Use your organisation’s ethical policy as a benchmark for your research Ask to review if the ethical policy is not relevant, outdated or unworkable Continue to undertake your research using best practice: present the information factually date and source everything choose the best and most reliable sources where possible highlight where sources may be unreliable and need further checking clearly mark subjective recommendations as such

Conclusions….. Keep ethical screening in perspective. Don’t panic!! Not your personal responsibility to decide whether or not to solicit or accept a donation. Your job is to research and present the information as objectively and clearly as possible to help others make that decision.