Mission and Ethics

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cleveland Chapter is dedicated to elevating the fundraising profession, providing valuable educational programming to our members, and serving the community by promoting ethical and professional practices in philanthropy.

To promote philanthropy, stewardship and donor trust, AFP:

  • Promotes consistent and high professional practice standards to ensure donor trust and guard against abuses that can occur in the fundraising process.
  • Requires members to comply with a Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice, which provides concrete guidelines for fundraising professionals in philanthropic organizations.
  • Was instrumental in creating the Donor Bill of Rights, which outlines what donors have the right to expect from charitable organizations.
  • Encourages fundraisers to become certified and receive the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. This credential, held by more that 4,000 fundraising professionals, verifies fundraising experience and knowledge. AFP also provides the Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) program for senior professionals.