Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethics Rules for Fundraisers
1. Purpose
This policy incorporates the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethical Principles and Standards (2024 edition) into Globalgood Corporation’s fundraising practice. It sets binding rules for compensation, donor communications, and confidentiality, ensuring all fundraisers uphold the highest professional integrity while protecting donor trust and Globalgood’s reputation.
2. Scope
Applies to:
- Existing Fundraisers—employees, volunteers, consultants, and partner organizations engaged in fundraising activities.
- Prospective Fundraisers seeking authorization to fundraise on Globalgood’s behalf.
- All jurisdictions and channels where Globalgood solicits funds.
3. Core Ethical Principles (AFP Articles 1–4)
- Public Trust – Act in donor interest; foster confidence in philanthropic process.
- Truthfulness – Provide accurate, complete information about Globalgood’s mission and use of funds.
- Integrity – Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose potential conflicts promptly.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Respect all people and promote equal opportunity in fundraising practice.
4. Prohibited Conduct
AFP Standard | Policy Enforcement at Globalgood |
#21 Compensation: No acceptance of percentage‑based compensation. | Fundraisers may not enter any arrangement where pay is calculated as a percentage of contributions. Only pre‑approved fixed‑fee or salary contracts are permitted. Violations lead to immediate contract termination and disciplinary action. |
#7 Misrepresentation: Shall not knowingly misrepresent Globalgood’s mission, needs, or fundraising results. | All marketing materials and verbal pitches must be fact‑checked and approved by Communications. Intentional exaggeration or deception is grounds for dismissal. |
#14 & #15 Donor Confidentiality: Keep all donor information confidential unless permission given. | Donor data must be stored in encrypted CRM; sharing externally requires written donor consent and DPO approval. |
#17 Conflict of Interest: Disclose any situation that may appear to divide loyalties. | Fundraisers must file annual Conflict of Interest forms and update within 30 days of any change. |
5. Permissible Compensation & Fee Structures
- Salary / Hourly / Fixed Retainer – Allowed.
- Performance Bonuses – Allowed if based on measurable non‑revenue KPIs (e.g., donor acquisition count, campaign milestones) and approved by the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).
- Percentage‑Based or Commission Compensation – Strictly prohibited (AFP Standard 21).
- Reimbursement of Reasonable Expenses – Allowed per Globalgood Expense Policy; must be pre‑approved and documented.
6. Donor Confidentiality Guidelines
- No public disclosure of donor names or gift amounts without explicit written permission.
- Anonymous Gifts – honored fully; only minimum personnel have access to donor identity.
- Data Protection – Aligns with GDPR Rules for Fundraisers (see separate policy) and Globalgood Privacy Policy.
- Third‑Party Processors – Must sign Confidentiality Agreements and Data Processing Addenda.
7. Misrepresentation & Transparency Controls
- Message Approval – All solicitation copy, social‑media appeals, grant proposals, and event scripts require prior review by the Communications and Compliance Offices.
- Impact Reporting – Use audited figures and independently verified program metrics.
- Fund Utilization Statements – Specify restricted vs. unrestricted gifts; honor donor intent.
8. Enforcement & Reporting
- Reporting Mechanism – Suspected ethics violations should be emailed to ethics@globalgoodcorp.org or reported
- Investigation – Compliance Office initiates inquiry within 3 business days and concludes within 30 days where possible.
- Sanctions – May include retraining, suspension, contract termination, restitution, and referral to AFP Ethics Committee or regulators.
9. Roles & Responsibilities
Role | AFP Ethics Responsibilities |
Fundraisers / Volunteers | Adhere to AFP standards; refuse percentage‑based pay; safeguard donor data |
Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) | Approve compensation contracts; oversee investigations; liaise with AFP |
Communications Department | Verify accuracy of fundraising messaging |
Finance Department | Audit compensation arrangements for compliance with Standard 21 |
Third‑Party Fundraising Consultants | Sign AFP Ethics Compliance Rider; submit quarterly compliance attestations |
10. Training & Certification
- AFP Code of Ethics webinar – mandatory within 30 days of onboarding and every 24 months thereafter.
- Fundraisers encouraged to pursue the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential; Globalgood reimburses exam fees for those who pass.
11. Record‑Keeping
Record | Retention Period |
Contracts & compensation terms | 7 years after termination |
Donor confidentiality agreements | 7 years post‑donation or as required by law |
Ethics investigation files | 7 years |
12. Non‑Compliance & Penalties
- Immediate suspension of fundraising authority.
- Contract termination or employment dismissal.
- Referral to AFP for further disciplinary action, including revocation of AFP membership.
- Legal action or regulatory penalties if laws were breached.
13. Review & Amendment
Reviewed annually by the CCO in consultation with AFP updates, and published under Legal Policies and Notices on globalgoodcorp.org.
14. Contact Information
Globalgood Compliance Office
Email: ethics@globalgoodcorp.org
Phone: +1 614‑829‑5030
Mail: 7211 Charleton Ct., Canal Winchester, OH 43110, USA
Disclaimer
This document summarizes AFP ethical standards and Globalgood policies and does not constitute legal advice. Fundraisers should consult qualified counsel for contract and regulatory matters.