The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Finger Lakes Chapter will be celebrating October as Ethics Awareness Month. This international campaign highlights the importance of ethics in fundraising and the impact it has on the world.

This year’s third annual Ethics Awareness Month highlights the importance of ethics in fundraising, which, while always important, has become especially critical as charities navigate a new philanthropic environment dominated by the pandemic.  

AFP adopted its official Code of Ethical Standards in 1964, helping to foster the development and growth of fundraising professionals to enhance philanthropic and volunteer initiatives. The 25 standards in AFP’s Code address issues such as privacy, stewardship of funds, professional responsibilities and compensation, including a prohibition on accepting commissions or percentage-based fundraising.  

October is an opportune time to focus on ethics because it is the beginning of the “giving season,” the last quarter of the year when most charities receive one-third to one-half of their overall yearly funds. And as racial and social injustice comes to light, it is critical that fundraisers and charities alike review their fundraising practices, ensuring that not only are they abiding by the highest ethical standards, but also demonstrating that a commitment to ethics must include a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access. 

Join us for a conversation regarding Ethics and Fundraising on Thursday, October 28th, via Zoom!

THIS EVENT IS WORTH 1.0 CFRE Credit.