AFP believes that to guarantee human freedom and social creativity, people must have the right to freely and voluntarily form organizations to meet perceived needs, advocate causes, and seek funds to support these activities. To guarantee these rights, AFP's purposes are to:

• Foster development and growth of fundraising professionals committed to preserving and enhancing philanthropy.
• Establish a code of ethics and professional practices.
• Require member adherence to a professional code of ethical standards and practices.
• Provide training opportunities for fundraising professionals.
• Implement programs that ensure cultural and social diversity in our membership and leadership.
• Collect, research, publish, and disseminate historical, managerial, and technical information on philanthropy and philanthropic fundraising.
• Promote public understanding of philanthropy and philanthropic fundraising.
• Conduct activities that maintain and develop legislation favorable to philanthropy.
• Enlist, organize, and support members to achieve our purposes. Foster international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and education among fundraising professionals worldwide.
• Use all necessary and proper means to accomplish our purposes.
• Provide a valid and reliable certification program for fundraising professionals.