Ethical Fundraising Guidelines

Ethical Fundraising Guidelines

Through fundraising Asmbly Makerspace Inc. (Asmbly) secures philanthropic support for its operations, programming and physical assets. We earn and keep the trust of our donors by maintaining the high ethical standards outlined in this policy. As an organization we commit to following these guidelines.

Transparency and Accountability

Donors have a right to know where their money is going, exactly how it is being used, and what impact it is making. Asmbly will provide clear, accurate, and timely reports about the use of funds. Asmbly will maintain financial accountability by responsibly managing and tracking funds through the CRM and accounting systems to ensure gifts are being used for their intended purpose. The organization will comply with all applicable laws and regulations and not engage in any activities that harm donors or the organization.

Respect for Donor Intent

Ethical fundraising respects the intent of the donor. When a donor gives to a specific cause, program, or project, it is the Asmbly’s responsibility to ensure the funds are used accordingly. Violating donor intent can not only harm the organization's relationship with that donor but also damage its reputation in the broader community.

Honest Communication

Honest and transparent communication forms the bedrock of ethical fundraising. All promotional materials, campaign messages, and donor interactions should accurately represent the organization's mission, activities, and needs. Misleading or exaggerated claims can erode trust and ultimately harm the organization.

Donor Privacy and Confidentiality

Respecting donor privacy is another cornerstone of ethical fundraising. Donors' personal information should be handled with utmost care, not shared or sold without explicit permission. Furthermore, organizations should respect the wishes of donors who choose to remain anonymous by providing clear methods such as a check box for donors to make their wishes known.

Recognition and Stewardship

Donor recognition and stewardship are integral parts of ethical fundraising. While acknowledging donor contributions publicly is important, it must be done in a manner that respects their wishes and sensitivities. Regular communication and updates on the impact of their giving can help maintain a healthy relationship with donors.

Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest in fundraising occurs when a fundraiser’s personal, financial, or professional interests could improperly influence their professional judgment or decision-making. These conflicts—whether actual, potential, or perceived—threaten institutional integrity and donor trust. Fundraisers should disclose potential conflicts of interests on the Conflict of Interest form and avoid situations that may result in an actual or potential conflict of interest. Fundraisers should also decline gifts or invitations from donors or potential donors that provide a personal benefit.

Professional Conduct

Lastly, those involved in the fundraising process must exhibit professional conduct at all times. This includes maintaining appropriate boundaries in donor relationships, refraining from any form of coercion in soliciting donations, and ensuring fairness and respect in all interactions.

Ethical fundraising is not just about adhering to laws and regulations, but also about maintaining the trust and faith of your donors and the public. It's about balancing the goal of raising funds with respect for the wishes and rights of the donor. By adopting these principles, non-profits can build a strong ethical foundation that ensures the sustainability and success of their fundraising efforts.

Categorization

This is a board policy maintained by the secretary of the board. Changes to this policy require board action. You can learn more about the board of directors here. Contact board@asmbly.org for comments or questions.

This policy was approved by the Board of Directors 07/15/2026.