How can we ensure our nonprofit operates ethically?

Summary:

While no one can guarantee that everyone will always be highly ethical, there are certain measures you can take to guide toward ethical behaviors.

The Free Management Library provides a free, on-line 'Guide to Ethics Management: An Ethics Toolkit for Managers'. The guide explains:
- how to set up an ethics management program
- roles and responsibilities in the program
- how to develop a code of ethics and a code of conduct
- how to recognize and address ethical dilemmas
- and how to train employees about the ethics management system.
See http://www.mapnp.org/library/ethics/ethics.htm

The ePhilanthropy Foundation offers an online Code of Ethics Self Test -- a web-based tool to help charitable organizations adhere
to sound ethical online fundraising and other philanthropic practices.

The Self Test is available for anyone to take at
http://ephilanthropy.org/selftest. It poses 15 simple questions that, when
answered, provide an instantaneous report, identifying areas of strengths
and weaknesses as applied against the ePhilanthropy Code of Ethics.

The ePhilanthropy Code of Ethics is also
available online at the Foundation's web site at
http://ephilanthropy.org/ethics

In addition to the Self Test, the Foundation's
web site provides extensive expert advice and Internet links providing tips,
training and best practices for improving online donor relations,
fundraising, and advocacy.