Seven Ethical Challenges for Nonprofits

2. Compensation. This is a topic the Association of Fundraising Professionals spends a lot of time and energy on, namely “the issue of percentage-based compensation,” Burchill says. Fundraisers in the philanthropic sector should be motivated by the missions of their organizations, not by self gain. Percentage-based compensation can result in fundraisers profiting from donations to the organization. Making a personal profit should never be what motivates a fundraiser to elicit donations. Burchill adds that it’s OK to give bonuses, but bonuses can’t be tied to the amount of money a person raises.