Donor Bill of Rights

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to 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 non-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

I.        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.

V.       To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

VI.      To be assured that information about their donatioins is handled with 
          respect and with 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.

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

The Donor Bill of Rights is developed by the Association of Fundraising Professoinals, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits