About the AAFRC

The American Association of Fundraising Counsel sought to enhance the professionalism of a field that was disorganized and sometimes misunderstood and mistrusted.

The founding firms of the American Association of Fundraising Counsel sought to enhance the professionalism of a field that was disorganized and sometimes misunderstood and mistrusted. Their first act was to develop a fair practice code. The code, known today as the Standards of Practice and Professional Code of Ethics, is widely accepted as a model for professional ethics in the field.

Beyond this original mission to promote the evolution of the professional fundraising field, the Association's other commitment—promoting philanthropy—has also expanded through the years. Giving USA was first published as a public service in 1955.

In 1985, three Association leaders, Arthur D. Raybin, John Grenzebach, and Charles E. Lawson, incorporated the AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy to carry out and expand a number of the public service goals of the Association. Today the Trust publishes Giving USA, the annual yearbook on American philanthropy, and supports research and education. The American Association of Fundraising Counsel continues to provide financial support, expertise, and leadership to the Trust and works in partnership with it to advance philanthropy and promote ethics in the fundraising profession.