Code of Ethics, with guidelines and standards

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

Every year, AFP International´s members 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 members do not work just for their organization, they represent the philanthropic trust economy every day.

Download the full AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice with guidelines.

Download a summary of the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice.

Donor Bill of Rights, with guidelines and standards.

The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. It outlines 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.

Download the AFP Donor Bill of Rights.

Additional Resources for AFP Members

For more information about fundraising ethics, visit AFP International´s Ethics page for access to white 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 national president or fill out the AFP complaint form found on the Enforcement Procedures page of the AFP International website. Complaints are forwarded to and investigated by the AFP Ethics Committee.

updated 09/10/08