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The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) recently released an update to its Code of Ethical Standards. While AFP members commit annually to upholding these standards, they serve as a critical ethical framework for anyone engaged in philanthropic work. Following these standards fosters confidence in the fundraising profession and strengthens the relationships between donors and the organizations they support.

The updated standards are grouped into five categories that form the foundation of ethical fundraising:

· Public Trust and Transparency

· Conflicts of Interest

· Solicitation and Stewardship of Philanthropic Funds

· Donor Privacy

· Fair, Equitable, and Transparent Compensation Practices

At first glance, these standards may seem straightforward, suggesting they are universally understood and are incorporated into the daily operations of most organizations. But, on their own, the standards are not policies or processes. Rather, they are guideposts for ethical practice. It’s up to fundraising professionals to translate these standards into actionable policies and processes that that uphold these principles and ensure both personal and institutional integrity every day.

Examples of ethical practice include:

· Accurately reporting fundraising results in accordance with standard practices;

· Maintaining transparency in fundraising communications, especially when presenting a case for support;

· Declining personal benefits from professional relationships to avoid conflicts;

· Avoiding real or perceived conflicts of interest;

· Stewarding contributions in alignment with donor expectations, and;

· Protecting and respecting the privacy of donors.

Turning Ethical Standards into Daily Practice

Now is the perfect time to review and refresh your organization’s policies and practices. As ethical fundraisers, we have a responsibility to ensure that these standards aren’t just words on paper but are reflected in how we work every day. Here are a few steps you can take:

· Assess Your Current Practices. Review your organization’s fundraising policies. Are they aligned with the standards? Where could they be improved?

· Engage Your Team. Make ethics a regular part of team discussions. Host a training session or workshop to review the updated standards and encourage your team to reflect on how they can integrate ethical practices into their daily responsibilities.

· Create or Update Policies. If you don’t already have formal processes, now is the time to establish them. Whether it’s refining stewardship practices or rethinking how you address conflicts of interest, small adjustments can make a big impact on building trust.

· Review Your Donor Communications. Review your existing fundraising materials. Are they clear and transparent? Ensure that cases for support, appeals, and impact reports are aligned with ethical fundraising practices. Avoid any ambiguity that might mislead donors about how their contributions are being used.

· Stay Educated. Make it a habit to stay informed by attending webinars, getting involved with AFP, and leveraging other resources that can keep your team updated on best practices in ethical fundraising.

In an ever-evolving philanthropic landscape, ethical standards are more important than ever. By embedding these principles into the fabric of your organization, you not only reinforce trust with donors but also demonstrate a commitment to transparency and integrity that will benefit your mission for years to come.

As fundraising professionals, we must embrace ethical practices to inspire confidence and foster lasting, meaningful relationships with donors who are deeply invested in our organizations.
 

Author

Mary Simboski,
Senior Managing Director