Model Code of Ethics for Nonprofits and Foundations

Posted by on February 20, 2004

[posted from Philanthrophy News Digest]

Independent Sector Releases Model Code of Ethics for Nonprofits and Foundations

Independent Sector (<a href="http://www.independentsector.org/">http://www.independentsector.org/</a>), a national coalition of nonprofits, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, has officially adopted a code of ethics and released it as a model for nonprofits and foundations that are in the process of developing their own codes or reviewing existing ones.

The organization’s Statement of Values and Code of Ethics for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Organizations, drafted by members of the IS Ethics and Accountability Committee, identifies several values, including commitment to the public good, accountability to the public, and commitment beyond the law. It also outlines broad ethical principles in the areas of personal and professional integrity, mission, governance, legal compliance, responsible stewardship, openness and disclosure, program evaluation, inclusiveness and diversity, and fundraising.

"Donors, members of the public, and lawmakers are all taking a closer look at how the sector does its work," said Independent Sector president and CEO Diana Aviv. "We want to be sure that what they see meets the highest possible standards of ethical practice. Toward that end, we strongly urge all nonprofits and foundations to adopt a code of ethics to guide their governance and operations. The progress of developing such a code by the board and staff helps to infuse into the culture of the organization a recognition of how important it is to address issues of values and ethics on an ongoing basis."

More information and the complete text of the document can be downloaded from the IS Web site: <a href="http://www.independentsector.org/members/code_main.html">http://www.independentsector.org/members/code_main.html</a>

"Independent Sector Releases Model Code of Ethics for Nonprofits and Foundations." Independent Sector Press Release 2/10/04.

<a href="http://www.independentsector.org/media/code_ethicsPR2.html">http://www.independentsector.org/media/code_ethicsPR2.html</a>