Donors

Ethical Fundraising Practices

1. Honesty
Honest fundraisers are truthful and sincere. They are scrupulously honest in their dealings with benefactors, prospective benefactors, grantmakers, volunteers, board members, the media, vendors, colleagues, and the public.

2. Integrity
Fundraisers of integrity are principled and honorable; they do not adopt an end justifies the means philosophy that ignores principles; they are courageous and act on their convictions.

3. Respect
Ethical fundraisers demonstrate respect for human dignity, privacy, and the right to self-determination of all competent adults; they are courteous and decent and provide others with the information they need to make informed decisions about their own lives. Ethical fundraisers do not use or disclose information learned in confidence for personal or professional advantage.

4. Fairness
Fair fundraisers are committed to equal treatment of all individuals. They do not take undue advantage of another’s mistakes or difficulties. They safeguard their ability to make independent professional judgments by scrupulously avoiding undue influences and conflicts of interest.

5. Safeguard Public Trust
Fundraising professionals have an obligation to lead by example, and to safeguard and advance the integrity and reputation of the organization they represent. They must at all times avoid even the appearance of impropriety.