Code of Ethical Principles

I adhere strictly to the Code of Ethical Principles adopted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Philanthropy is an ideal, and it is vital that charitable organizations and professional fundraisers maintain the highest ethical standards, and that they communicate clearly with donors. When a donor responds positively, it is vital that the recipient organization honestly fulfills the intent of the donor.

Along with all AFP members, I aspire to:

· Practice my profession with integrity, honesty, truthfulness and adherence to the   absolute obligation to safeguard the public trust.
· Act according to the highest standards and visions of the my organization, my   profession and my conscience.
· Put philanthropic mission above personal gain.
· Inspire others through my own sense of dedication and high purpose.
· Improve my professional knowledge and skills, so that my performance will better   serve others.
· Demonstrate concern for the interests and well-being of individuals affected by my   actions.
· Value the privacy, freedom of choice and interests of all those affected by my actions.
· Foster cultural diversity and pluralistic values, and treat all people with dignity and   respect.
· Affirm, through personal giving, a commitment to philanthropy and its role in society.
· Adhere to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
· Advocate within my organizations, adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
· Avoid even the appearance of any criminal offense or professional misconduct.
· Bring credit to the fundraising profession by my public demeanor.
· Encourage colleagues to embrace and practice these ethical principles and standards of   professional practice.
· Be aware of the codes of ethics promulgated by other professional organizations that   serve philanthropy.

Standards of Professional Practice

In addition, while striving to act according to the above values, I agree to abide by the AFP Standards of Professional Practice.

Professional obligations

1. I shall not engage in activities that harm my organization, clients, or profession.
2. I shall not engage in activities that conflict with my fiduciary, ethical, and legal     obligations to my organizations and my clients.
3. I shall effectively disclose all potential and actual conflicts of interest before accepting     an assignment.
4. I shall not exploit any relationship with a donor, prospect, volunteer, or employee.
5. I shall comply with all applicable local, state, provincial, and federal civil and criminal     laws.
6. I recognize my individual boundaries of competence and I am forthcoming and truthful     about my professional experience and qualifications.

Solicitation and use of charitable funds

7. I shall take care to ensure that all solicitation materials are accurate and correctly     reflect my organization's mission and use of solicited funds.
8. I shall take care to ensure that donors receive informed, accurate, and ethical advice     about the value and tax implications of potential gifts.
9. I shall take care to ensure that contributions are used in accordance with donors'     intentions.
10. I shall take care to ensure proper stewardship of charitable contributions, including       timely reports on the use and management of funds.
11. I shall obtain explicit consent from the donor before altering the conditions of a gift.

Presentation of information

12. I shall not disclose privileged or confidential information to unauthorized parties.
13. I shall adhere to the principle that all donor and prospect information created by, or       on behalf of, an organization is the property of that organization and shall not be       transferred or utilized except on behalf of that organization.
14. I shall give donors the opportunity to have their names removed from lists that are       sold to, rented to, or exchanged with other organizations.
15. I shall, when stating fundraising results, use accurate and consistent accounting       methods that conform to the appropriate guidelines adopted by the American       Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for the type of organization       involved.

Compensation

16. I shall not accept compensation that is based on a percentage of charitable       contributions; nor shall I accept finder's fees.
17. I may accept performance-based compensation, such as bonuses, provided such       bonuses are in accord with prevailing practices, and are not based on a percentage       of charitable contributions.
18. I shall not pay finder's fees, commissions or percentage compensation based on       charitable contributions and shall take care to discourage my organizations from       making such payments.

Click Here for the full text of the AFP Code of Ethics

I also endorse the Donor Bill of Rights.

Click Here for the full text of the Donor Bill of Rights.