A Donor Bill of Rights

*On Philanthropy*

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights.

To be informed of the organization's mission, of the
way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its
capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

II.

To be informed of the identity of those serving
on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to
exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

III.

To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements.

IV.

To be assured their gifts will be
used for the purposes for which they were given.

To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

VI.

To be assured that the information
about their donations with respect to confidentiality to the
extent provided by law.

VII.

To expect that all relationships with
individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor
will be professional in nature.

VIII.

To be informed whether those seeking
donations are volunteers, employees of the
organization, or hired solicitors.

IX.

To have the opportunity for their
names to be deleted from mailing lists
that an organization may intend to share.

To feel free to ask questions
when making a donation and to receive prompt,
truthful and forthright answer.