Ethics Scenario #52: Prentiss-Gabe Foundation

52. Frank is a development officer for the Prentiss-Gabe Foundation. While reviewing a confidential background check he commissioned from a private investigator he has hired to check out prospective donors, he discovers that one of the wealthiest and prominent members of the community, Roger, has a past criminal record of fraud. If this became widely known in the community, Roger’s reputation in the community would be tarnished. Frank decides he could leverage this knowledge subtly without overtly threatening Roger, but letting him know that Frank knows about Roger’s past, and that a donation to the foundation would help provide scholarships to needy children.

a. Is Frank’s plan to increase donations from Roger ethical?