How much can a meshulach take?

Question:

i would like to collect money for a tzadaka organization. What is the maximum commission that i can ask for?
Thanks

Answer:

HI,

Thanks for your question.

The issue here really is that if the meshulach takes too much money then the people donating the money would not have consented to give to the organization if so much os going to the collector, then the money collected can be geneiva.   There are different opinions as to what a meshulach can take. The Chazon Ish (Orchos Rabeinu 3 pg. 138, also in Derech Sicha Vayechei pg. 210) that it a maximum 35%. Other say different amounts. Maaseh Tzedakah pg. 43 ftnt. 4 says in the name of R’ Sheinberg zt”l that it is 25%, R’ Eliyashiv is quoted as saying between 30-40%, but the less the better, and in Shut Birkas Yehudah (4 Y:D 8) he quotes Horav O. Yosef zt”l between 10-20%.

The best thing is to speak to the organization and see what they say.

Best wishes