AFP Code of Ethics
Ethical standards and principles are the foundation for maintaining public trust and every nonprofit depends on public trust for funding! To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public AFP has adopted a comprehensive Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice that provide AFP members with a set of guidelines and standards based on generally accepted principals for professional fundraising practices. Every AFP member signs an agreement to abide by this code annually when renewing his or her membership.
Ethics Resources
AFP Suncoast Chapter Ethics Bibliography
Suncoast Chapter Recommends
A list of helpful works in the study of ethics and fundraising.
Code of Ethical Principles and Standards
Code of Ethics
The foundation of philanthropy is ethical fundraising, and a key mission of AFP is to advance and foster the highest ethical standards through its Code of Ethical Principles and Standards.
Guidelines for the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards
Guidelines
These guidelines and examples are provided to assist AFP members and others in interpreting and using the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards. They are intended only as suggestions to help guide thinking about ethical behavior and not as prescriptions for all possible situations.
Donor Bill of Rights
Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights.
Social Media Guidelines: Ethical, Safe and Effective Practical Standards
Social Media Guidelines
The goal of AFP's Social Media Guidelines is to both provide fundraising professionals guidance on social media for their workplace and to establish guidelines for Organization leaders to use with their staff, consultants, volunteers, members, stakeholders and affiliated groups. This document also covers the conduct and expectations of the public when participating in an organization's social media or social networking platforms.
The Complaint Process
The Complaint Process Link
The complaint process permits any AFP member or person holding an AFP-sanctioned credential to report an alleged violation of the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, through an ethics query or formal complaint.
Additional Information and Resources
See AFP’s Ethics Page