"AFPs Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice has been amended and expanded to apply to for-profit businesses involved with or supporting fundraising. (follow this link)"
"The changes, which include the addition of seven new standards and the alteration of one standard, now allows for-profit businesses to join AFP as members and actively promote ethical and efficient fundraising."
This announcement from AFP is most welcome. As a long-time CFRE, I have annually signed a statement that affirms my commitment to the AFP Code of Ethics. It's great to see that they are now placing pressure on businesses serving the nonprofit sector.
I am especially happy with the following amendment to the standard regarding percentage-based compensation:
"Standard 21 now reads (new language in italics): Members shall not accept compensation or enter into a contract that is based on a percentage of contributions; nor shall members accept finder’s fees or contingent fees. Business members must refrain from receiving compensation from third parties derived from products or services for a client without disclosing that third-party compensation to the client (for example, volume rebates from vendors to business members)."
I have a great deal more to say about the matter of commissions and percentage-based compensation as it especially relates to public broadcasting, but I'll save it for another post.
Talk to you soon!
Bob
Views, Observations and Musings about the Nonprofit World and my Weltanschaung
About Me
- Bob Stein
- Northern Virginia, United States
- A fundraising consultant for fifteen years, following a successful career as a performing arts executive and fundraiser, Bob Stein heads MajorGiving, a consulting group that provides support to nonprofits in the areas of fund development, strategic planning, executive recruitment. He also serves as a Commissioner on the Virginia State Public Broadcasting Board and as a Trustee of Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
