Ethics Scenario #82: American Disaster Relief Fund

82. The American Disaster Relief Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity, raises money to support relief efforts in American cities suffering from natural disasters. After Hurricane Sandy, the ADRF launched a massive ad campaign in local newspapers and on the Web soliciting donations from those touched by the disaster, showing horrific pictures of the destruction. On its donation page, in almost unreadable fine print, there is a disclaimer that says that “your donations may be used to fund general administrative expenses of the ADRF and for future natural disasters like Sandy.”

a. Is the Fund acting ethically in its fundraising pitches?