A Donor Bill of Rights

Philantrophy 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 philantrophy 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.

One
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.

Two
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.

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

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

Five
To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

Six
To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the exptent provided by law.

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

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

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

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

Developed by:

American Association of Fund Raising Counsel (AAFRC)
Association for Healthcare Philantrophy (AHP)
Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE)

Endorsed by (in formation):

Independent Sector
National Catholic Development Conference (NCDC)
National Committe on Planned Giving (NCPG)
National Council for Resource Development (NCRD)
United Way of America

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