Fundraising is easily one of the most scrutinized activity of charities and nonprofits. This page provides resources to understand ethical issues in fundraising and manage risks associated with fundraising activities.
Codes of Ethics
- Imagine Canada's Ethical Fundraising & Financial Accountability Code (Most of these standards are now included in the new Standards Program.)
- Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principles & Standards
- Canadian Association of Gift Planners Code of Ethics
- Donor Bill of Rights
Fundraising Activities
- Evaluating fundraising (Charity Law Information Program)
- Fundraising by Registered Charities- Guidance from the Canada Revenue Agency
- The New CRA Fundraising Guidance: What Practioners & Boards Need to Know - Charity Tax Tools, Imagine Canada (webinar slides)
- Charitable Fundraising: Tips for Directors & Trustees - Ontario Public Guardian & Trustee
- Commentary on Tips from the Ontario Public Guardian & Trustees - Carters Professional Corporation
- Fundraising activities - Charity Tax Tools, Imagine Canada
- Gifts & Receipting - Charity Tax Tools, Imagine Canada
- Donation or Sponsorship? Know the Rules, Reap the Rewards - Charity Tax Tools, Imagine Canada (webinar slides)
Fundraising Costs
- New Rules for Charities' Fundraising Expenses and Program Spending: Questions for Directors to Ask- Chartered Accountants of Canada
- Calculating Your Fundraising Ratio - Community Sector Council of Newfoundland & Labrador
- Cost of Fundraising: Questions & Answers - Imagine Canada & Association of Fundraising Professionals
- The Elephant in the Room: The High Cost of Fundraising - Dana Young
- Guide to Giving (answers to donors' questions about fundraising) - Imagine Canada
Research
- Perspectives on Fundraising: What Charities Report to the CRA - Research Commissioned by The Muttart Foundation
- Talking About Charities - Research Commissioned by The Muttart Foundation
Donor Records and Privacy
- Regarding Donor Lists: CMA Code of ethics
- Financial Responsibilities of Not-for-Profit Boards (The Muttart Foundation)
- Donor Bill of Rights (AFP)
Fundraising Standards
Imagine Canada's new Standards Program includes 14 standards relating to fundraising. See Section C of the Standards Program Handbook for more information on these standards.