This is my stumble upon site and another experiment in web 2.0.  I want to create active links to other sites of interest that I have blogged on. 

About Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Nonprofits

The Giving Institute, formerly the American Association of Fundraising Counsel (AAFRC) sought to enhance the professionalism of a field that was disorganized and sometimes misunderstood and mistrusted. Their first act was to develop a fair practice code. The code, known today as the Standards of Practice and Professional Code of Ethics, is widely accepted as a model for professional ethics in the field.

Since 1935, the Giving Institute and its member firms have embraced and embodied the core values of ethics, excellence, and leadership in advancing philanthropy. Serving clients of every size and purpose, from local institutions to international organizations, Giving Institute member firms embrace the highest ethical standards and maintain a strict code of fair practices.

MISSION: To educate and engage members in the ethical delivery of counsel and related services to non-profits through research, advocacy, and best practices.

VISION: To develop extraordinary leaders in the world of philanthropy.;

PURPOSE: Giving Institute provides shared experiences for executives of member firms who can become leaders in philanthropy.

POSITIONING STATEMENT:Giving Institute provides shared experiences for executives of member firms who can become leaders in philanthropy.

Beyond this original mission to promote the evolution of the professional fundraising field, the Association's other commitment—promoting philanthropy—has also expanded through the years. Giving USA was first published as a public service in 1955.

In 1985, three Association leaders, Arthur D. Raybin, John Grenzebach, and Charles E. Lawson, incorporated the Giving USA Foundation formerly the AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy to carry out and expand a number of the public service goals of the Association. Today the Foundation publishes Giving USA, the annual yearbook on American philanthropy, and supports research and education. Giving Institute continues to provide financial support, expertise, and leadership to the Foundation and works in partnership with it to advance philanthropy and promote ethics in the fundraising profession.