The Institute of Fundraising developed on behalf of the EFA a source document for a “Common Code of International Ethics for Fundraisers” which is based on an evaluation of national codes of ethics that were provided by national bodies of fundraisers. 50 countries were contacted; contacts included fundraisers, charities or governments. National bodies of 17 countries provided their code of ethics for fundraisers, while 12 countries do not have any codes and all remaining contacts could not provide any information regarding this enquiry. Based upon this, the EFA has played a major role in developing an International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising.

Twenty-four countries approved the International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising, the culmination of four years of international dialogue. This is an historic moment of which fundraisers can be rightfully proud, marking the occasion of the first formal document governing fundraising activity worldwide.
The meeting was the fourth International Summit, commencing in Toronto in 2003 and concluding in Noordwijkerhout in the Netherlands in 2006. It is the purpose of this Statement of Ethical Principles to foster the growth of a worldwide fundraising community.

Fundraisers work in many varied fields, countries and circumstances. They share several fundamental values and practices. They work to make the world a better place. It is for these reasons that fundraisers strive to identify and employ best ethical practices which will build public trust and encourage philanthropy.The document identifies five key principles: honesty, respect, integrity, empathy and transparency.

It is expected that fundraisers adhering to the International Statement will, first and foremost, adhere to the most rigorous interpretation of the law, and of the Code of Ethics of their own membership associations.

The six areas of responsibility address donations, stakeholders, communications, reporting, payments and national laws. Standards for each of these areas are elablorated in the Statement.

Over the next three months [1 February 2007] ratification will be undertaken by the participating national associations.

1. International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising (October 2006)

2. Context Document for the International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising (October 2006)

3. Proposal for a Common Code of International Ethics for Fundraisers (2004)