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Association of Philanthropic Counsel

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Join the Association of Philanthropic Counsel

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APC Membership Criteria

Upholding the Highest Ethical Standards and Verifiable Integrity

Membership is open to sole practitioners as well as firms with multiple employees or contractors whose primary professional endeavor is philanthropic consulting (annual and/or capital campaigns, board development, strategic planning, development communications, grant writing, development planning or training, or planned giving) where at least 60% of their business is comprised of these services to nonprofit organizations, and who meet the following criteria:

  • The principal of the firm must possess at least five years’ professional fundraising experience with nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.
  • Maintains a client profile that consists of at least 60% nonprofit, charitable, and/or public organizations including significant service to 501(c)(3) organizations.
  • Has experience in serving organizations as staff in a development, executive management, or in a paid consultant role.
  • Possesses educational qualifications and training from institutions of higher education and/or professional organizations. A bachelor’s degree, CFRE, or CASE designation is required.
  • Conducts business in an ethical manner and within the APC code of ethics and all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Interfaces with nonprofit, charitable, and/or public institutions with legally constituted nonprofit governing boards.
  • Encourages and seeks public understanding of the needs addressed by these nonprofit organizations.
  • Serves causes that exemplify the definition of the word “philanthropy.”
  • Provides professional fundraising guidance and advice to nonprofit organizations and is financially remunerated for such services from at least two clients annually.
  • Assists in the success of their nonprofit client organizations.
  • Achieves positive results from such services which are acknowledged by clients.
  • Provides service that advances the fundraising profession, e.g. offices held in professional organizations such as AFP, presentations, or publications.