The Ethics of Commission in Fundraising: A Defence

Abstract

A long-standing moral injunction in fundraising is that the fundraiser should not be compensated via commission. But this rule, while well intended, tends to disadvantage small not-for-profits. This article defends the ethics of commission in fundraising, especially proposal writing, and proposes a model for compensation via commission, which is no more objectionable than other remunerative methods. The arguments developed in the article raise further questions about approaches to mobilising funds for not-for-profit and non-governmental organisations.