UNA is the catalyst in creating a strong, vibrant, mutually supportive nonprofit community in Utah.

“UNA’s Ethical Standards helped our board and staff to review our operating procedures in a thoughtful and productive manner.” Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake

Nonprofit Ethics

Statement of Core Values

» Full Standard of Ethics
» Affirmation Statement (PDF)

As members of the Utah Nonprofits Association, we affirm the following core values:

Integrity. Our organizations’ activities, services, and programs are consistent with our stated missions, compatible with our organizational capacity, respectful of the interests of our varied constituencies, and managed with the highest level of professionalism.

Respect and Dignity. We respect the dignity and autonomy of each person, and the integrity, privacy, pride, beliefs, and cultures of our varied constituencies—the people we serve, our employees, donors, volunteers, and others. Policies that govern our working relationships with these constituencies (e.g., client confidentiality, fair process) reflect this commitment.

Good Citizenship. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. We keep the broader interests of the community in mind even as we advance our own specific interests, and look for opportunities to become partners with those working in the private and public sectors. We value respectful, reasoned dialogue with one another when we disagree.

Care and Loyalty. As organizations we enable our individual board members to exercise their duties of care and loyalty. Individual board members are reasonably informed and participate in board decisions in good faith. They do not use their position for individual personal advantage.

Truth-telling and Openness. We provide truthful information about our missions, program activities, use of donations, and finances. We are accessible and responsive to members of the public who express an interest in the affairs of our organizations.

Accountability. The true measure of our success as nonprofits is whether individual lives—and our communities—change for the better as a result of our work. Being mission-focused, producing measurable outcomes, conducting program evaluations, and developing and maintaining sound financial management are important elements of our accountability.

Stewardship. We are able to accomplish our missions through the generosity of others. We respect donors’ intentions and restrictions on the use of their gifts, and promote responsible stewardship of the resources they entrust to us for the accomplishment of our work.

Excellence. We support and encourage visionary governance, exemplary management, excellent service and program delivery, and exceptional staff. We value and uphold the
highest ethical and professional standards in all working relations.