Ethics

"The ideas of philanthropy, trust and ethics are shared by people around the world, and everyone involved in the philanthropic process – no matter where they are – should know that fundraisers are bound by a common set of standards and best practices."

Paulette V. Maehara, CFRE, CAE
President and CEO of AFP International

Code of Ethics

Trust makes philanthropy possible. AFP Washington builds this trust with an iron-clad commitment to ethical fundraising, set forth in the AFP Code of Ethics and the Donor Bill of Rights.

AFP Washington is the only membership organization in the world to set the standards and create an enforceable code of ethics for fundraisers.

Ethical Leadership at AFP

Every year, AFP's 30,000 members across 206 chapters around the world sign the association's Code of Ethics, which holds them to the profession's highest standards and a commitment to put the philanthropic mission above personal gains. AFP Washington members do not work just for their organization, they represent the philanthropic trust economy every day.

Donor Bill of Rights

AFP, along with several professional organizations, pioneered the Donor Bill of Rights and the e-Donor Bill of Rights, which outline the ethical practices donors can expect from the organizations they support. Many AFP members send the Donor Bill of Rights along with thank you letters to their donors and post the Code of Ethics in their workplace.

Additional Resources for AFP Members

For more information about fundraising ethics, visit AFP International's extensive ethics website for access to position papers, online emerging issue discussions and FAQs on key questions such as why percentage-based compensation is unacceptable in our profession.

Enforcing the Ethics Code

Direct your questions or concerns in confidence to AFP's international president or fill out the AFP complaint form. Complaints are forwarded to and investigated by the AFP Ethics Committee.