Resources on Ethics in Fundraising

On this page, you'll find a growing collection of resources and recommendations to help your organization navigate the ethics of fundraising. We currently have information specializing in grateful patient programs, and in the near future we'll add information on concierge programs. However, if you have some resources you'd like to contribute or have ideas on topics you'd like listed on this page, please send a message along to communications@ahp.org.

Resources From Your Peers

As a member of AHP, you have access to the rest of the membership through the AHP Huddle, including past discussion threads on various topics surrounding ethical fundraising. If you have trouble accessing your AHP Huddle account, or would like to learn more about becoming a member, please send a message to membership@ahp.org.

Publications (PDF)

Connect Articles

Below is a curated list of AHP Connect articles on the topic of ethics in fundraising. If you come across other resources you find helpful or if you would like to see more resources on a specific area of ethical fundraising, please send a message to communications@ahp.org.

AHP Standards of Professional Conduct

Members of AHP are required to follow these strict standards in professional conduct, and have a responsibility to be upstanding examples of the healthcare fundraising profession to their employers, donors, and general public. Learn more >>

CEO Corner: Ethically Advancing Our Mission

AHP's CEO Alice Ayres reminds us of the importance of ethical fundraising as well as the immense gratitude patients are demonstrating in hospitals across the continent. Read article >>

Donor Bill of Rights

The Donor Bill of Rights was developed, adopted, and endorsed in 1993 by leading organizations in healthcare philanthropy, and continues to be a core tenet of our missions, practices, and contributions to the profession. Learn more >>

Fundraising Under HIPAA

Written for U.S. fundraising professionals, these practical guidelines provide the regulatory facts that support grateful patient fundraising activities, while examining real-life program scenarios, helping you achieve success while staying in HIPAA compliance. Download your free copy >>

How Prospect Research Benefits the Healthcare System

Recommendations on how to use prospect research, including wealth screening, to enable the greatest possible benefit to the organization’s mission while it is being conducted ethically. Read article >>

Member Profile: Steven A. Rum

Steven Rum is Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations at Johns Hopkins Medicine, as well as one of the authors of “Ethical Issues and Recommendations in Grateful Patient Fundraising and Philanthropy. In this interview, he provides further explanation and background to the publications' ethics guidelines. Read article >>