Professional Code of Ethics (Undated)

Member Firms believe it is in the best interest of the client that:

Initial meetings with prospective clients should not be construed as services for which payment is expected.

No payments or special consideration should be made to an officer, director, trustee, employee, or advisor of a not-for-profit organization as compensation for influencing the selection of fundraising counsel.

Fees should be mutually agreed upon in advance of services.

A flat, fixed fee is charged based on the level and extent of professional services provided. Fees are not based on the amount of charitable income raised or expected to be raised.

Contracts providing for a contingent fee, a commission, or a fee based on percentage of funds raised are prohibited. Such contracts are harmful to the relationship between the donor and the institution and detrimental to the financial health of the client organization.

Fundraising expenditures are within the authority and control of the not-for-profit organization.

Member Firms feel it is in the best interest of clients that solicitation of gifts is undertaken by Board members, staff and other volunteers.

Subsequent to analysis or study, a Member Firm should engage a client only when the best interest of the client is served.

Member Firms should not profit directly or indirectly from materials provided by others, but billed to the Member Firm, without disclosure to the client.

Member Firms do not engage in methods that are misleading to the public or harmful to their clients; do not make exaggerated claims of past achievement; and do not guarantee results of promise to help clients achieve goals.

Any potential conflict of interest should be disclosed by the firm to clients and prospective clients.

Member Firms will not acquire or maintain custody of funds and/or gifts directed to the client organization.