SWFF Friday Re:connect - July 2024

South West Fundraisers Forum online networking event - an informal space to network, learn and be empowered to raise more. 

Ethical Fundraising and Problematic Philanthropy

The way that we view philanthropy is rightly changing. A number of recent developments have increased scrutiny on how philanthropists, companies and trusts accrued their wealth, and the ethical implications of this for charities and social enterprises. But how much should this matter to your organisation? In a challenging financial climate, when is it right to say no to a donation? How can you balance your obligation to protect your organisation’s reputation, but maximise resources at the same time? How can you find a path forward when people have differing and strongly-held personal views? And if you have to make a controversial decision, how can you justify it when challenged? Organisations that debate these questions quickly realise things aren’t as clear-cut as they hoped. You might want to say you’ll never take donations linked to gambling, alcohol and pornography - but what about grants from the National Lottery Community Fund? What about the many household name companies that sell alcoholic products, and mainstream publishers that produce pornographic magazines?

Mike Zywina, Director of Lime Green Consulting, is well-placed to advise on these issues. In his day-to-day work providing strategic consultancy and bid writing support, he regularly helps charities and social enterprises to wrestle with these ethical dilemmas. Mike also lives in Bristol, a city that attracted public attention in 2020 following the toppling of the statue of Edward Colston, the controversial slave trader and prolific philanthropist.

In Mike’s talk, he’ll cover:

• The recent spotlight on problematic philanthropy,      including Edward Colston and the Sackler Trust
• The many ‘greyer areas’ that might make you stop and      think twice
• The emerging case against philanthropy
• Recent examples of organisations that have accepted and      rejected contentious donations
• The dilemma for charities and social enterprises
• How to start a challenging conversation within your      organisation
• What you can use, and what you shouldn’t use, to make      difficult decisions about donations

The session will not be recorded to enable people to talk openly and frankly. We hope you’ll join us and be part of the conversation!