Ethics and Donor Rights

Ethics and Donor Rights

AFP Code of Ethical Standards

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

Ethical standards and principles are the foundation for maintaining public trust, for every AFP member.  AFP provides a self-governed process for addressing ethical concerns. 

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 Standards.

For versions in Spanish and French, visit the Ethics page on the AFP Global site.


Donor Bill of Rights

The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel (AAFRC), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). It has been endorsed by numerous organizations.

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 general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, AFP and other fundraising organizations declare that all donors have the rights listed in the Donor Bill of Rights.

For versions in Spanish and French, visit the Donor Bill of Rights page on the AFP Global site.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fundraising Ethics