Ethical Decision-Making Models for Nonprofit Fundraisers
This paper reviews Michael J. Rosen's article "Doing Well By Doing Right: A Fundraiser's Guide to Ethical Decision-Making," published in the International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing (2005). The review summarizes Rosen's argument that donor trust is central to charitable giving and that a code of ethics alone is insufficient for navigating complex situations. It examines two decision-making models Rosen recommends: the Fischer Model, tailored specifically for fundraising professionals, and the Josephson Institute's seven-step general decision-making framework. Together, these models provide structured guidance for ethical choices that align with organizational values and long-term stakeholder relationships.
- Introduction: Trust and Ethics in Fundraising: Donor trust drives charitable contributions and ethics training
- The Limits of a Code of Ethics: Codes of ethics alone cannot address all situations
- The Fischer Model for Fundraising Professionals: Mission-aligned model for fundraising ethical decisions
- The Josephson Institute's Seven-Step Decision-Making Framework: Seven sequential steps guiding general ethical decisions
- Conclusion: Structured models supplement values in fundraising ethics
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What makes this paper effective
- The review efficiently distills the source article's core argument — that structured decision-making models are necessary supplements to a code of ethics — without editorializing or adding unsupported claims.
- It clearly distinguishes between the two models presented, noting which is sector-specific (Fischer) and which is general-purpose (Josephson Institute), helping readers understand the scope of each tool.
- The sequential breakdown of the Josephson Institute's seven steps demonstrates strong summarization technique, preserving the logic and naming conventions of the original framework.
Key academic technique demonstrated
This paper demonstrates concise source summarization: the writer accurately reproduces the structure and content of a journal article — including named models and numbered steps — while maintaining the author's original argument flow. This technique is essential for book reviews, annotated bibliographies, and literature reviews at the undergraduate level.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens by establishing the article's central thesis (donor trust and the need for ethics training), then transitions to the insufficiency of codes of ethics alone. It presents the Fischer Model briefly before devoting most of its analytical space to the more detailed Josephson Institute framework, walking through all seven steps in order. A properly formatted bibliography entry closes the paper.
Introduction: Trust and Ethics in Fundraising
In "Doing Well By Doing Right: A Fundraiser's Guide to Ethical Decision-Making," Michael J. Rosen argues that trust is a foundational factor in charitable giving — influencing not only whether donors will contribute to an organization, but also how much they are willing to give. While organizations may believe they employ people of good character who will naturally do the right thing, complex situations continue to challenge even well-intentioned individuals, making ethics training a necessity rather than an optional supplement.
The Limits of a Code of Ethics
Rosen acknowledges that having a code of ethics is a necessary foundation for any nonprofit or fundraising organization. However, he contends that a code alone is not sufficient to ensure ethical decision-making, because no code can anticipate every circumstance a professional might face. For this reason, Rosen recommends the use of formal decision-making models that can improve the quality of decisions while keeping professionals true to their core values.
The Fischer Model for Fundraising Professionals
Rosen presents two models he believes offer particular value to fundraising professionals. The first is the Fischer Model, which was designed specifically for those working in the fundraising field. This model recommends that decisions be aligned with an organization's mission and values, that they strengthen long-term relationships with colleagues, donors, volunteers, and the community, and that they preserve and foster personal integrity in the decision maker.
Conclusion
Rosen's article ultimately argues that formal decision-making models are indispensable tools for fundraising professionals seeking to act ethically in complex, unanticipated situations. A code of ethics sets the standard, but structured frameworks like the Fischer Model and the Josephson Institute's seven-step process equip practitioners with the practical guidance needed to uphold that standard in real-world circumstances.
Bibliography
Rosen, Michael J. "Doing Well By Doing Right: A Fundraiser's Guide to Ethical Decision-Making." International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing. Vol. 10, Iss. 3 (Aug. 2005).
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