The Association of Philanthropic Counsel (APC) and its members abide by a comprehensive set of performance expectations designed to guide the relationships between APC member firms and their clients. The result of a year-long process, the Performance Expectations were established in 2005 and lay out key areas through which APC members are asked to evaluate their current and future client engagements. The Performance Expectations join APC’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice to form the core of the association’s efforts to promote high standards in ethical, quality consulting.

Through these documents, we are able to clearly articulate the values all APC members hold to be essential to a successful relationship with nonprofit organizations. APC clients can be confident that when they retain professional counsel, they can understand from the beginning what we stand for and what type of behavior they should expect. It’s key to our building trust with these organizations.

The Code of Ethics, the Standards of Professional Practice and the Performance Expectations are designed to work together, and they are intended to support the ethical standards of other national organizations such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Among the key elements supported by APC is a pledge to uphold the Donor Bill of Rights, which was established by AFP in cooperation with other national organizations involved in the philanthropic sector.

APC Code of Ethics/Statement of Professional Practice/Performance Expectations (pdf)

MISSION

The Association of Philanthropic Counsel promotes best practices and upholds ethical standards in the delivery of professional philanthropic services to nonprofit organizations and enhances members’ business operations through professional development and interaction.


VISION

APC is the preeminent network of philanthropic counsel whose members:

• Maximize their effectiveness through shared knowledge,
• Define evolving best practices for the profession,
• Influence change in the sector,
• Empower nonprofits as agents for change, and
• Nurture responsive philanthropy.

VALUES

APC members are committed to:

• Advancing ethical standards for consultative services,
• Establishing professional standards for members,
• Promoting best practices for philanthropic consulting and business functions,
• Sharing knowledge among members,
• Fostering collegiality among members,
• Serving the consulting profession and
• Welcoming and respecting members of diverse race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and religious and political beliefs.