About ADRFCO

On the theory that effective self-regulation helps prevent unnecessary government regulation, the Association of Direct Response fundraising Counsel [abbreviated ADRFCO and pronounced Ad-Rif-Co] was founded in 1986 to protect the legitimate interests of direct-response fundraising consultants.

ADRFCO was formed to achieve three main goals:

1.

To create and enforce the industry’s first set of comprehensive ethical standards,

2.

To represent its members’ interests before state and federal government, and

3.

To educate non-profit organizations and the general public about the use of direct-response fundraising.

Isn’t it ironic that direct mail fundraisers – who have served as advocates for so many worthwhile causes over the years – have often had no advocate to speak for themselves?

Thanks in part to the efforts of direct-response fundraisers, dreaded diseases have been cured, impressive monuments have been raised, and great institutions of learning and art have been created. This is an industry that from the very beginning has not just sought to make a profit, but to make a difference.

Yet this is also an industry under attack.

It’s under attack because of widespread public ignorance about who direct mail fundraisers really are and what they do, and because of the harmful actions of a few unethical practitioners.

ADRFCO is dedicated to educating the public about the positive impact direct response fundraising has had on all of our lives.

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