The AFC is committed to setting best practice in fundraising consultancy in UK, thereby safeguarding the interests of clients in the not-for-profit sector, donors and beneficiaries.
We promote the highest standards in consultancy and ensure that our voice is heard by government departments, regulatory bodies and relevant organisations within the not-for-profit sector.
Read more about the AFC, or head straight over to our membership page to join now. Please ensure you meet all the criteria before completing the application form at the bottom of the page.
Quality and Ethics
We are a growing organisation that welcomes consultancies, both large and small, who share our desire to drive the very highest standards in fundraising consultancy in UK.
At our heart is the AFC Code of Practice, which works in tandem with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice .
Our Code, which all AFC members endorse and adhere to, underpins all we do and defines our very existence. Over the years the Code has been sharpened so that it remains current and adapts to the requirements of an ever-changing world.
The AFC uses the Code for self-regulation, which reassures organisations that they can be confident when engaging an AFC member. Indeed, we have a Complaints Procedure for clients who are dissatisfied with their consultant and believe that the Code has been breached.
Representation
The AFC believes it is very important that the voice of fundraising consultancy is heard particularly with regard to decisions made around fundraising legislation. We are the only organisation in the UK that solely represents this specific area of fundraising.
With the establishment of the Fundraising Standards Board and the changes to how we work that will inevitably come, it is even more important that ever that we are vocal and our views taken into account with regard to best practice.
Marketing Opportunities
Most organisations are anxious of engaging a fundraising consultant.
By being a member of the AFC you are telling your clients and potential clients that you have the expertise and experience to inspire confidence and give them the knowledge that you are committed to the highest levels of fundraising practice.
As a member, you may use the AFC logo on your marketing materials and, depending on the type of membership you choose, you may feature on the AFC website itself.
CFRE
To demonstrate our commitment to best practice, we are sponsoring the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in the UK. Originally an accreditation from USA, it has now extended worldwide with examinations held in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
It differs from other qualifications in the UK as it is not a ‘once off’ examination. Rather, it requires an initial examination and, thereafter, continuing evidence of professional development and fundraising performance.
As a member of the AFC you qualify for a 20% discount on CFRE application and examination fees.
The AFC Community
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits to joining the AFC is being part of a growing network of people just like yourself and facing the same challenges. By joining the AFC, you will have opportunities to network and socialise amongst an extremely collaborative group of people who share a wide range of fundraising experiences.
We listen to our members and endeavour to meet demands where possible. We value and respect our members’ opinions and, whilst we enjoy friendly competition among each other, this is underpinned by mutual respect.