Code of Ethics

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s mission is to strengthen the social sector with a talented, prepared workforce. The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential recognizes individuals who have completed the requirements, including competency-related coursework, professional experience, service and leadership experience, and national conference attendance.

All CNPs are expected to adhere to the highest standards of ethics, conduct, and service to inspire public confidence and trust in the nonprofit sector. This Code of Ethics sets forth principles that underlie the professional responsibilities and conduct of CNPs. The principles provide guidance on issues that CNPs may encounter in their professional work. The principles and their respective guidelines should be adapted to the unique levels of authority and influence of each CNP as they progress throughout their careers.

As a result of adhering to these principles and guidelines, it is the hope of the Association of Certified Nonprofit Professionals (the Association) that members will feel empowered to enhance the quality of life for all those they can reach within their respective fields of practice. It should be the goal of every CNP to:

• Develop optimal human potential in each encounter and activity.
• Utilize professional knowledge to improve the lives of individuals, the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations, and the well-being of society as a whole.
• Initiate and engage in activities that empower individuals and/or communities to succeed.

As part of its commitment to advance and implement the Code of Ethics, the Association of CNPs provides a review process with three elements:

1. Responding to inquiries from members about ethical standards and handling ethical dilemmas
2. Reviewing requests for help from members who have been penalized for upholding the Code and providing support to them
3. Reviewing and seeking to resolve complaints/inquiries about a member whose actions may have violated the Code of Ethics

The complaint/inquiry process covers only ACNP members and is confidential. Neither the person named in a complaint/inquiry nor the person making the complaint/inquiry is publicly identified at any time. The Ethics Committee will defer its own review of a complaint/inquiry until any other bodies reviewing the actions (courts of law, legislative bodies, agencies, or other organizations involved) have completed their work, and will then determine if future evaluation is required. The Ethics Committee will not review any anonymous complaints/inquiries.

This is intended to be a constructive process that helps members understand how the Code is applied to specific situations. Issues identified in complaints/inquiries may be used—in generic terms—in the Ethics Committee's educational activities to help raise awareness of ethical challenges and expectations.

Approved: 6-2-18
Revised: 5-22-19