# NSFRE publishes updated code of ethics

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2000/01/23/nsfre-publishes-updated-code-ethics/
- Published: 2000-01-23T00:00:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The US National Society of Fundraising Executives has published an amended version
of its code of ethical principles.

The NSFRE has updated its Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional
Practice. The code applies to NSFRE members and those holding certifications granted
or sponsored by NSFRE while they are engaged in engaged in raising charitable gifts
for philanthropic, not-for-profit organisations. The original code was adopted in
November 1991.

The code is well set-up. In addition to stating the various standards and principles,
the code includes several examples each of the code in practice and examples of 
unethical practice. Standard 6, for example, states that “member recognise their
individual boundaries of competence and are forthcoming and truthful about their
professional experience and qualifications. ” Standard 14 states “members shall 
give donors the opportunity to have their names removed from lists that are sold
to,rented to, or exchanged with other organisations.”

## Advertisement

Standard 16 tackles the perennial issue of whether fundraisers should work on a 
percentage or commission basis. NSFRE, like the UK’s Institute of Charity Fundraising
Managers, comes down against the practice. The NSFRE code states that “members shall
not accept compensation that is based on a percentage of charitable contributions;
nor shall they accept finder’s fees.”

There are 18 standards, together with five appendices which include details such
as how to register a query about a possible violation of the code and an NSFRE complaint
form.

www.nsfre.org

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