Standards of Professional Ethics
- Members shall follow the letter and the spirit of laws and regulations affecting fundraising.
- Initial meetings with potential clients shall not be interpreted as services for which payment is expected.
- No payment or special consideration should be given to an officer, administrator, trustee, employee, or advisor from a not-for-profit organization as retribution for influencing the choice of a fundraising consultant.
- The fee for services shall be mutually agreed upon before services are rendered.
- A fixed rate shall be set according to the scope and nature of the professional services rendered. The rate shall not be based on the funds raised or expected.
- Contracts containing conditional fees, a commission, or a percentage of the funds raised are prohibited.
- Expenses related to fundraising come under the authority and control of the not-for-profit organization.
- Member firms shall not resort to any method that might mislead the public or cause damage to a client, such as by exaggerating past accomplishments, guaranteeing certain results, or setting unrealistic goals.
- After conducting an analysis or study, member firms must conclude an agreement with a client for the purposes of organizing a fundraising campaign only if there is a probability of success.
- Member firms must inform their current and potential clients of any possible conflict of interest.
- Members may not acquire or hold funds and/or gifts destined for the client organization.
- Members shall adhere to all applicable laws as well as to institutional policies regarding the use and distribution of confidential constituent information.
- Information is the property of the institution for which it was collected and shall not be given to persons other than those who are involved with the cultivation or solicitation effort or those who need that information in the performance of their duties for that institution.
- Members shall understand and agree to comply with organizations’ confidentiality policies before gaining access to organizational data.
- Member firms shall in good faith co-operate with fellow practitioners in curbing malpractice and eliminating unethical and undesirable conduct within or impinging upon the fundraising profession.
- Member firms observe these standards and others that apply to their professions and actively encourage colleagues to join them in supporting the highest standards of conduct.
