OMAHA, Neb. — The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) has joined 51 other state and regional nonprofit associations in endorsing a new set of national principles aimed at protecting charitable organizations and donors from unethical online fundraising practices.
The principles, developed by the National Council of Nonprofits, call for online fundraising platforms to operate with nonprofit consent, transparency, partnership and accountability.
Under the guidelines, nonprofits should have the ability to decide whether online fundraising platforms may solicit or collect donations on their behalf. The principles also emphasize that donors should receive clear information about where their contributions are going and any fees associated with donations.
According to the National Council of Nonprofits, some fundraising platforms collect donations for charities without their knowledge or permission, while charging fees or soliciting tips that reduce the amount ultimately received by nonprofit organizations. The council also said some platforms use outdated or inaccurate information that can misrepresent a nonprofit's mission or branding.
"There are hundreds of online fundraising platforms operating with little oversight, and the growth of artificial intelligence is expected to increase that number," said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. "When fundraising platforms operate unethically, they can undermine the trust nonprofits have built with donors and divert resources intended for communities and causes."
NAM CEO Anne Hindery said nonprofits throughout Nebraska and western Iowa deserve confidence that donations made in their names reach their intended destinations.
"These principles give nonprofits the ability to determine how their organizations are represented online while helping donors trust that their gifts are going where they intend," Hindery said.
The National Council of Nonprofits said organizations interested in endorsing the Principles for Ethical Online Fundraising Platforms can do so through the council's website.
NAM serves nonprofit organizations across Nebraska and western Iowa by providing resources, advocacy and support aimed at strengthening the nonprofit sector.