Ethics Scenario #29: Kidney Disease Research Foundation

29. Steven is a senior fundraiser for a local United Way. He has recently been elected Chairman of the Board of the Kidney Disease Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization. At his first board meeting, he tells the senior fundraiser for that organization, Harry, that he can be helpful finding prospects to purchase tickets to the Foundation’s annual fundraising ball. The next day, Steven examines his database at the United Way and compiles a list of 250 likely major donors who should receive invitations to the Research Foundation’s fundraiser. He copies the names, addresses, phone numbers, and some personal data on his flash drive, converts it into an Excel file, and sends it to Harry by email.

a. Is Steven’s action ethical?

b. Is Steven’s action legal?

c. If not, to what extent may Harry use the information he has from his job at the United Way to promote fundraising for the Kidney Disease Research Foundation?