Ethics Scenario #103: The Best Time of Your Life Retirement Community

103. Viola is the executive director of The Best Time of Your Life Retirement Community, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt assisted living facility, subsidized by one particular faith community, which has a long waiting list for being considered for residency in the modern, luxury facility. An older couple, Peter and Faith, are meeting with Viola, and are disappointed to learn that the average wait for an apartment in the facility to become available is two years. Viola tells them that if the couple is willing to make a $30,000 donation to the institution, this will entitle them to shave as much as a year off the wait, although there is still no guarantee that there will be an opening as others have made that commitment.

a. Is the waiting list avoidance policy of the Retirement Community ethical?