Colour of money: Should non-profits accept 'tainted' donations?

Pragmatists will argue money is the same, no matter its source. What if funds are taken with naming rights? Caution is advised.

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The consequences of tainted money can be more far-reaching than initially thought at the time the money was offered and taken.

Picture this: You are on the board of a charity. Like most other non-profits, it is short of cash. Now imagine that a person or organisation of dubious repute offers a massive donation. Would you take it?

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 30, 2019, with the headline Colour of money: Should non-profits accept 'tainted' donations?. Subscribe