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Enforcement Procedures

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Ethics Sanctions
AFP members who have been sanctioned in violation of the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards.

The Accountable Nonprofit Organization
"The Accountable Nonprofit Organization" is a statement of principles. It outlines the operations and procedures a charity undertakes to show it is accountable to donors, the people it serves, and the general public.

Code of Ethical Principles and Standards
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 Principles and Standards.

Code of Ethics: enforcement principles
The fundamental goal of the procedures for enforcing the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards is to eliminate unethical behavior, not to impose punishment.

Code of Ethics: the appeal process
The enforcement procedure includes an appeals process for members found guilty of violating the Code.

Code of Ethics: the complaint process
The complaint process permits any AFP member or person holding an AFP-sanctioned credential to report an alleged violation of the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards.

Code of Ethics: the enforcement process
The AFP Ethics Committee carries out the enforcement process if there is an alleged violation of the Code that is supported by a formal complaint and sufficient documentation.

Donor Bill of Rights
To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, AFP and other fundraising organizations declare that all donors have the following rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fundraising Ethics
AFP has prepared an FAQ for ethical behavior in fundraising (revised February 2009). The document is available here as a PDF download. 

Guidelines for the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards
These guidelines are provided to assist AFP members and others in interpreting and using the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards. They are intended only as suggestions to help guide thinking about ethical behavior and not as prescriptions for all possible situations.