Association of Philanthropic Counsel

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Get To Know APC

Committed to Advancing Philanthropy

As a group of independent and small philanthropic consulting firms from across the nation, we are committed to ensuring that nonprofit organizations of all sizes can engage experienced, qualified counsel by strengthening their abilities, growing the resources, and expanding the knowledge and networks of our members.

advancing philanthropy

Mission

APC provides philanthropic consultants with community, education, and knowledge about best practices to strengthen their businesses and empower each client to meet its mission.

Collegiality

We are stronger when we support one another and APC. We believe that connecting with colleagues helps us improve our service to clients and our knowledge.

Inclusion & Diveristy

We commit to seek diverse perspectives, broaden our points of view, and apply that knowledge to our work. We believe listening and learning are essential to the health of our sector.

Integrity

We believe in putting the client’s interests first and providing professional counsel with the highest level of integrity. We commit to follow industry best practices for our clients.

Knowledge

We believe in life-long learning and are committed to staying informed of trends and resources in fundraising in order to best support the nonprofit organizations we serve.

Quality of Service

We believe every nonprofit deserves quality fundraising guidance. We commit to working diligently to help clients realize their missions through successful governance, deliberate strategies, and successful fundraising based on tested approaches that we know work.

APC Code of Ethics & Professional Standards

Upheld by Association of Philanthropic Counsel Member Firms

Code of Ethics

Accurately represent their professional expertise and experience.

Base fees on the value of their professional expertise and experience; mutually agree with clients on fees in advance of engagements; and not accept compensation based on a percentage of charitable contributions.

Refrain from guaranteeing financial fundraising results.

Maintain the confidentiality of privileged client information.

Disclose real and perceived conflicts of interest.

Uphold the Donor Bill of Rights.

Standards of Professional Practice

Promote the spirit of philanthropy.

Serve institutions whose missions they support.

Assist clients in making decisions that advance their missions and strengthen their organizations.

Support volunteers and staff in fulfilling their roles as fundraisers and refuse to serve as a paid solicitor.

Avoid receiving and processing charitable gifts on behalf of clients.

Place authority over and control of fundraising expenses with clients.

Refrain from charging a fee for initial meetings with prospective clients interested in engaging their services.

Continually update their professional knowledge.

Advocate legislation and regulations promoting philanthropy.

Adhere to all laws and regulations governing the profession.

Provide high quality service and draw upon the professional expertise of other APC members

 

What Members Say

My company, and for that matter, me, would not be where and who I am without the great APC members I have been honored to know through the years – could not have done it without them!

My membership in APC gives me access to colleagues who face the same challenges I do each day. Knowing I have a place to get confidential answers to questions about the business of the business is invaluable.

APC Leadership

2023-24 Executive Committee

Officers

ChairMichael Rubin, CFRE, Michael D. Rubin & Associates
Vice Chair Patti Ward, Patti Ward CFRE
SecretaryRachel Branaman, Talem Consulting
TreasurerKerry Kaufmann, CPA, CGMA, Carter
Immediate Past ChairDavid Coyne, CFRE, The Sheridan Group

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Members at Large

Jeri Alcock, Rose City Philanthropy
Diane Gedeon-Martin, The Write Source, LLC
Beth Hershenhart, Innovative Resources Group
Maureen Mahoney Hill, CFRE, Advancement Advisors
Dayna Stock, PhD, The Rome Group

2023-2024 Committees

Education Committee

Co-ChairMary Pat O’Gorman, The Rome Group
Co-Chair
Rachel Branaman, Talem Consulting

 

Membership Committee

ChairPatti Ward, CFRE

 

Marketing Committee

Co-ChairEllen Bristol, Bristol Strategy Group
Co-ChairJeri Alcock, Rose City Philanthropy

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Sponsorship Committee

ChairMelanie Norton, CFRE

 

2024 Winter Forum Committee

ChairBen Mohler, ACFRE, Giving Three

 

2023 Summer Forum Committee

ChairMichelle Crim, CFRE