Ethics Awareness Month: Leading with Integrity

October marks Ethics Awareness Month, a time for all members of the fundraising profession to reaffirm our shared commitment to ethical principles that guide our work and strengthen public trust in philanthropy.

As the Global Chair of AFP and a long-time member of AFP, I have seen firsthand how integrity is the foundation of meaningful donor relationships, effective nonprofit leadership, and sector-wide impact.

This month, I had the privilege of joining the AFP Bluegrass Chapter in Lexington, Kentucky, for a meaningful conversation on ethics in fundraising. Together, we explored real-life scenarios and discussed how the AFP Code of Ethical Standards and Member Code of Conduct serve as practical tools for navigating complex decisions.

The AFP Code of Ethics is not simply aspirational — it is enforceable, accessible, and essential to our work. It protects donors, upholds the credibility of our profession, and provides a clear framework for ethical decision-making in challenging situations.

As AFP leaders, especially at the chapter level, you play a critical role in helping your members understand and apply the Code. I encourage you to:

• Integrate ethics education into your programming throughout the year.
• Promote the Code of Ethical Standards and Member Code of Conduct as core member resources.
• Create space for dialogue around ethical challenges fundraisers face in today’s environment.
• Support your members in using the Code as a guide to both everyday decisions and more complex dilemmas.

With more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, I remain deeply committed to upholding and advancing AFP’s ethical standards. These are more than rules — they reflect our values, shape our reputation, and ensure we remain worthy of the trust placed in us.

I invite all members and chapters to use this month as an opportunity to recommit to ethical practice, engage in honest dialogue, and lead by example.

Together, let’s continue to elevate our profession by placing ethics at the center of all we do.