Gateway part of first higher ed system in the nation to sign fundraising ethics pledge

Published on Oct 7, 2019

Fundraisers and presidents from all 16 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), including Gateway Community & Technical College, recently signed the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethics pledge. They were joined by KCTCS President Jay K. Box and AFP President/CEO Mike Geiger along with KCTCS Vice President Benjamin Mohler and the development staff in Versailles. 

“This occasion marks the first time that an entire college system has comprehensively addressed the issue of ethics and ethical fundraising by taking on the mantle and standards of the AFP Code of Ethics, the only enforceable ethical code in the entire global fundraising profession,” said AFP President/CEO Mike Geiger. “The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has taken the leadership role not just among community colleges, not just in the state, but in the country—by abiding by the highest ethical standards in the fundraising profession. No other university or college or system has come close to what KCTCS is doing today.”

According to Mohler, the signing is not to introduce these standards into the KCTCS culture, but rather to publicly and formally reflect the organizational and individual commitment to ethics.

“This reflects a commitment to the greater good that’s deeply embedded in the DNA of KCTCS,” Mohler said.

“As a key provider of post-secondary learning options for Northern Kentucky residents, it is of the utmost importance that our development efforts reflect the highest standards of ethical conduct,” said Adrijana Kowatsch, Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs at Gateway. “We live these values every day, as we work to make connections between donors’ passion and our mission and programs.”

Throughout October, AFP and its partners will highlight the importance of ethical fundraising and provide new resources and tools for charities and fundraisers to demonstrate their commitment to the highest ethical standards.