Five Universal Principles as a Fundraiser

I recently read these five principles in Advancing Philanthropy, the journal of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). These principles are included in the AFP document entitled International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising. I believe in these five principles and I am sharing them verbatim.

Honesty: Fundraisers shall at all times act honestly and truthfully so that the public trust is protected and donors and beneficiaries are not misled.

Respect: Fundraisers shall at all times act with respect for the dignity of their profession and their organization and with respect for the dignity of donors and beneficiaries.

Integrity: Fundraisers will act openly and with regard to their responsibility for public trust. They shall disclose all actual or potential conflicts of interest and avoid any appearance of personal or professional misconduct.

Empathy: Fundraisers will work in a way that promotes their purpose and encourage others to use the same professional standards and engagement. They shall value individual privacy, freedom of choice and diversity in all forms.

Transparency: Fundraisers stimulate clear reports about the work they do, the way donations are managed and disbursed, and costs and expenses, in an accurate and comprehensible manner.