Terms and Conditions

DIRECT MARKETING FUNDRAISERS ASSOCIATION

Terms and Conditions of Membership

The purpose of the Terms and Conditions of membership (“Terms and Conditions”) of the Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association (“DMFA” of “association” or “organization”) is to ensure all members are aware of and adhere to specified standards and rules.  The Terms and Conditions set forth the mission, values, and principles the members of DMFA agree to uphold in all settings and interactions with other DMFA members, which can include in-person meetings and any communications over e-mail, phone, text messages, social media, and networking websites.  As a DMFA member you agree to:  uphold the association’s mission; adhere to a code of ethics and conduct; foster a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and systemic change; and adhere to the association’s anti-harassment policy.

Mission

The mission of DMFA is to enhance the skills, knowledge and expertise of professional fundraisers engaged in direct mail, digital, multi-channel, or any other channel of fundraising, raise more revenue and provide better financial outcomes for the causes, organizations and companies they represent.  DMFA accomplishes this by providing strong communication platforms that include skills workshops, informative luncheons, webinars, virtual meetings and networking events a where members can aid one another, exchange ideas and promote harmony and ethical conduct for the common good and welfare of the entire industry.

The DMFA has always acknowledged that each member has taken on a mission to serve the greater good. Too often, the scale of those efforts is under appreciated. Part of our mission is to raise the profile of those hard-working individuals with our coveted DMFA Awards, Marketer of the Year Award and Spark Award , providing that recognition while showcasing for other members the success that can be achieved.

As a member of DMFA, you agree to be a part of advancing this mission in your professional capacity, along with fellow members and DMFA leadership and staff.

Code of Ethics and Conduct

DMFA requires all of its members to adhere to a code of conduct and ethics, which includes protecting confidential information and complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including avoiding activities that are violations of antitrust laws.

Protection of Confidential Information

DMFA members should, whenever possible, maintain the privacy and confidentiality of other members, as well as DMFA.  Members must not disclose to any person information about DMFA or other members that is confidential, proprietary, or not generally known to the public, pertaining to the business and affairs of DMFA or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers, or consultants, whether related to a specific transaction or to matters pertaining to DMFA’s interests and/or operations, except when specifically approved by the organization.

Adherence to Laws

DMFA members must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.  DMFA does not condone the activities of members who engage in the violation of the law, unethical business dealings, payments for illegal acts, indirect contributions, rebates, and bribery.  DMFA does not permit any activity that fails to stand under the closest possible public scrutiny.

All DMFA conduct should be above the minimum standards required by law.  Members must ensure their actions related to DMFA activities cannot be interpreted as being, in any way, in contravention of the laws and regulations governing DMFA’s operations.

Members should not represent DMFA or speak for the organization on any topic, unless the organization invites them to do so.  When dealing with anyone outside DMFA, including public officials, businesses, and governmental bodies, DMFA members should take care not to compromise the integrity or damage the reputation of the organization.

Avoiding Antitrust Violations

As an association, DMFA is subject to antitrust laws and prohibits any behavior among its leadership, staff, and members that violates antitrust laws and regulations.  Any members who coordinate or make agreements, however informal, on certain types of activities, could be engaging in illegal behavior.  Even information exchanges, informal conversations, or implied understandings with the effect of agreeing on prohibited subjects can violate antitrust laws.  In any DMFA-related activities, DMFA strictly prohibits its members from coordinating and making agreements about, and strongly discourages discussion of the following:

  • Decisions on setting pricing rates or other material terms of contracts,
  • Revenue optimization strategies for the benefit of our for-profit Members as opposed to their non-profit clients
  • Sharing information about any competitive issues, including plans, intentions, or strategies,
  • Decisions about whether or not to work with third parties or vendors,
  • Agreements on soliciting or poaching clients, and
  • Terms of employment of employees.

If a member fails to adhere to DMFA’s Avoiding Antitrust Violations policy, the member risks losing membership status, and both the member and DMFA risk criminal liability.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Systemic Change

By becoming a member of DMFA, you are agreeing to honor the association’s mission of inclusivity and equity.  DMFA’s mission is to further inclusivity and equity throughout the fundraising industry by making available educational opportunities and resources for individuals, non-profit organizations, and associated businesses in an effort to overcome institutional racism.

DMFA envisions a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are systemic throughout the fundraising industry; with career advancement and educational opportunities open to all, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, disability, nationality, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, gender, or identity markers of any kind.  Our programming and educational resources will inspire conversation, advocate for systemic change, and amplify the voices of diverse fundraising professionals.

DMFA will foster an inclusive professional environment that welcomes, encourages, and provides the tools necessary for each individual to reach their highest achievable professional fundraising goals.

Anti-harassment Policy

DMFA is committed to facilitating an environment in which all members are treated with respect and dignity and are free from bias, prejudice, and harassment from other members.  It is DMFA’s policy to ensure its members, during DMFA-related communications and convenings, do not engage in any discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or veteran status.

Sexual harassment can include but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.  Harassment can include but is not limited to:  verbal, written or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or genetic information or that of his/her relatives, friends or associates.

DMFA encourages reporting all incidents of discrimination or harassment.  Failure to adhere to the anti-harassment policy can result in possible loss of membership status and other possible liability.

Certification

Having received these DMFA’s Terms and Conditions of membership presented above, each Member understands and agrees that a violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action including possible suspension or termination of  membership. 

The terms and conditions go into effect February 1, 2025.