The charities that take blood money

There’s no point being too picky over the source of donations, but the line must be drawn somewhere.

889_MW_P47_blowing-it

The Sackler Courtyard at the V&A: laundering reputations
(Image credit: Credit: ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo)

Like most people, one likes do to one's bit for charity. And it's nice to see business leaders and their heirs giving back to society. Even when that wealth is acquired by perhaps less-than-scrupulous means, most people would agree that there is no point in charities being too picky. After all, "many of our greatest cultural icons were created and maintained by each era's most ruthless robber barons", as Allen Francis notes in The Guardian. "Are we to tear them down now because the money behind them carried an original sin?"

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.