ePhilanthropy Foundation: Ethics Self Test

Ethics Self Test

In its effort to promote high ethical standards in online fundraising and to build trust among donors in making online transactions and contributions to charities of their choice, the ePhilanthropy Foundation created the ePhilanthropy Code of Ethics as a guide to all who share this goal. Those wishing to join the growing number of organizations formally endorsing the ePhilanthropy Code of Ethics should email us at ethics@ePhilanthropy.org.

We invite all organizations and providers to complete this anonymous ePhilanthropy Ethics Self Test.
(NOTE: No data or results are maintained by the Foundation.)

To aid organizations in their efforts to adhere to the principles of the ePhilanthropy Code of Ethics this self-test has been developed to allow nonprofits an opportunity to evaluate their online practices, and to receive recommendations for improvements. This self-test seeks to highlight elements of the Code of Ethics by helping to identify problems or raise questions about the ePhilanthropy practices of a nonprofit organization (NGO) and/or for profit provider. Ethics questions and concerns should be sent via our Ethics Center (http://www.ePhilanthropy.org/ethicscenter).

1. Is the identity and contact information of the organization represented by the website clearly and specifically displayed? Yes No Uncertain
2. Are instructions available for those providing personal information on the website to have their name and contact information removed upon request (opt out/unsubscribe)? Yes No Uncertain
3. Are online transactions transmitted between the website and the nonprofit/NGO (or data vendor) using encryption (secure) technology? Yes No Uncertain
4. Does the organization communicate electronically (email) ONLY with those who have given permission for such communication? (Opt in/ subscribe)? Yes No Uncertain
5. Is a privacy statement, aimed at protecting the interests and privacy of those interacting on the website, clearly and specifically displayed? Yes No Uncertain
6. Is it clear to someone completing a transaction on your website, who is handling their confidential information, whether that is the nonprofit themselves or a vendor chosen by the nonprofit? Yes No Uncertain
7. Are logos, graphics and copyrighted information on the website used with permission? Yes No Uncertain
8. Is the organization in compliance with governmental regulations, designations, registrations and certifications? Yes No Uncertain
9. Are policies in place within the organization to protect online visitors from any problems that may arise from a transaction on the organization's website? Yes No Uncertain
10. Are all legitimate complaints received from any transaction completed on the website handled quickly and in accord with best practices for fair resolution of the matter? Yes No Uncertain
11. Are all donations received from the website used to support the mission of the organization represented by the website? Yes No Uncertain
12. Is the legal control of donations and proceeds from website transactions transferred for use of the organization in the fastest possible way? Yes No Uncertain
13. Is all gift recognition or other fulfillment promises made as a result of an online transaction completed in a timely basis? Yes No Uncertain
14. When third party vendors, such as ASP services or other website partners are charging transaction fees, is the relationship between the organization processing the transaction and the charity disclosed? Yes No Uncertain
15. Are you aware of any unethical or questionable practices related to website transactions that might erode donor confidence if fully disclosed? Yes No Uncertain
(all submissions are anonymous)

Development of the ePhilanthropy Ethics Self Test was made possible

through the generous support of the following:

Cisco Systems Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Convio, Inc.

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