Writing an Ethics Policy for Fundraising

Have the leaders of your nonprofit organization written an ethics policy or a “Code of Ethics” for the group? Not yet? Better get started.

A good place to start is with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics developed for fundraisers. Here’s the code that we all subscribe to when we become members of the AFP:

Code of Ethical Principles

Adopted 1964; amended October 2004.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) exists to foster the development and growth of fundraising professionals and the profession, to promote high ethical standards in the fundraising profession and to preserve and enhance philanthropy and volunteerism.

Members of AFP are motivated by an inner drive to improve the quality of life through the causes they serve. They serve the ideal of philanthropy; are committed to the preservation and enhancement of volunteerism; and hold stewardship of these concepts as the overriding principle of their professional life. They recognize their responsibility to ensure that needed resources are vigorously and ethically sought and that the intent of the donor is honestly fulfilled. To these ends, AFP members embrace certain values that they strive to uphold in performing their responsibilities for generating philanthropic support.

AFP members aspire to:
• practice their profession with integrity, honesty, truthfulness and adherence to the absolute obligation to safeguard the public trust;
• act according to the highest standards and visions of their organization, profession and conscience;
• put philanthropic mission above personal gain;
• inspire others through their own sense of dedication and high purpose;
• improve their professional knowledge and skills, so that their performance will better serve others;
• demonstrate concern for the interests and well being of individuals affected by their actions;
• value the privacy, freedom of choice and interests of all those affected by their actions;
• foster cultural diversity and pluralistic values, and treat all people with dignity and respect;
• affirm, through personal giving, a commitment to philanthropy and its role in society;
• adhere to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations;
• advocate within their organizations, adherence to all applicable laws and regulations;
• avoid even the appearance of any criminal offense or professional misconduct;
• bring credit to the fundraising profession by their public demeanor;
• encourage colleagues to embrace and practice these ethical principles and standards of professional practice; and
• be aware of the codes of ethics promulgated by other professional organizations that serve philanthropy.

View the Standards of Professional Practice that accompany this Code of Ethics.