Good governance and ethics

The ethical rules and principles of different professions express the attitude, responsibility and approach to work required by the profession. Finnish fundraisers work in many fields and in different organizational cultures. However, their work goals have much in common: they work to help others, promote positive change and make the world a better place. To carry out their work, they share common fundamental values and practices.


Read the recommendations for 'Professional Values and Principles of Responsible Fundraising' prepared and approved by VaLa ry - download here. The recommendations have been prepared taking into account international guidelines in the field. Also read the 'Principles of Ethical Bequest Fundraising' - download here.


To promote responsible fundraising, VaLa recommends that its members and all communities review the ethics of their fundraising activities.

Good governance and open communication

The reliability of fundraising organizations and reporting on the use of donated funds and the results of the work are important to donors. Summary reports: Donor Research 2022 and Donor Research 2017 (Economic Research).

  • Social media is also becoming increasingly important in donor communication. One in four donors says they receive information about the donation, the activities of the fundraiser, and the results achieved through various social media channels.
  • Read the recommendations for cooperation between non-profit organizations and influencers on social media (04/2021) - download here. VaLa thanks PING Helsinki for its expertise in preparing the recommendations.
  • Download VaLa's presentation 'Social media influencers as philanthropists' on April 15, 2021 here.
  • Guidelines for good governance - Good governance practices for foundations and associations engaged in fundraising' (04/2021) can be downloaded here. VaLa thanks PwC Finland for its expertise in updating the guidelines. Download PwC's presentation of the updated guidelines on 20 April 2021 here and subscribe to the NonProfit-info newsletter.
  • The Ministry of Justice has published a recommendation on good governance for associations (11/2015) - download here.

Download materials for your use:* Professional Values and Principles of Responsible Fundraising

* Principles of ethical bequest fundraising * Collaboration between non-profit organizations and influencers on social media * Good governance of foundations and associations engaged in fundraising