Submittable Adopts New Standards for Ethical Fundraising

The platform now aligns with national nonprofit ethics guidelines, impacting transparency for corporate giving programs.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy stone plinth supporting a singular metallic component, symbolizing structural integrity and ethical standards. — Submittable has officially adopted the National Council of Nonprofits' principles to enhance donor transparency and accountability across its corporate giving software. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should online fundraising platforms be required to follow standardized ethical principles for transparency and nonprofit consent?

Missoula-based software company Submittable has formally endorsed the National Council of Nonprofits' Principles for Ethical Online Fundraising. This commitment aligns the platform with industry standards focused on donor transparency and nonprofit consent.

Why it matters

The principles address rising operator concerns regarding unauthorized fundraising and hidden platform fees, providing a framework for software providers to maintain accountability. By adopting these standards, platforms aim to build trust with the nearly 40,000 nonprofit organizations already represented by the Council's network.

Submittable is now one of 15 online fundraising platforms to adopt these principles, which are backed by 52 associations representing nearly 40,000 nonprofit organizations. The standards were established to formalize expectations across the digital giving sector.

The players

Submittable

A Missoula-based software company that provides employee giving and fundraising platforms.

National Council of Nonprofits

A national network of state and regional nonprofit associations that develops ethical standards for the charitable sector.

The details

Submittable formalized its support by signing the National Council of Nonprofits' ethical standards, which mandate requirements for nonprofit consent, donor transparency, and platform partnership. The company already discloses fees at the point of donation within its employee giving software, a practice emphasized by the principles to ensure operational accountability.

October 21, 2026: Submittable announced its endorsement of the NCN principles.

Market Landscape

Submittable's adoption follows a broader industry push for transparency in digital donation platforms. This move aligns the company with the National Council of Nonprofits' Principles for Ethical Online Fundraising to address concerns over hidden fees and unauthorized solicitation.

Operators using third-party giving platforms should audit their current vendor contracts against these principles to ensure fee transparency and consent practices. Those managing corporate giving programs should prioritize platforms that provide clear, upfront disclosures to maintain donor trust.

The takeaway

Adopting these principles signals a commitment to the accountability standards now favored by a wide network of nonprofit organizations. Business owners should cross-reference their current platform providers with the list of participating companies to ensure their giving tools align with these transparency benchmarks.