Ethical dilemma:
Money for a good cause from a disreputable source
July 2004
A collegue under your supervision and working as a representative of your organisation has been working closely with the police and community to better establish links with and an understanding of the local youth in your area.
As a result they have mounted a major initiative to build a new community centre, with the main emphasis on youth entertainment and interaction. Local police have agreed to donate their labour and members of your organisation have agreed to help raise funds through several raffles, benefit nights, etc..
However, there turns out to be a major shortage of funding to get the initiative off the ground and there are very few available options to source more funding.
Your collegue is approached by a 'colourful identity' who offers to donate all of the money needed to fund the project. The potential donor is reputed to have been involved in criminal activity, although to your knowledge has never been charged with any crime.
Your collegue comes to you for advice.
Ethical questions:
- What are the issues?
- Who are the stakeholders?
- What should you do?
- What would you do?
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