Philanthropy: A Commitment to the Common Good
Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the benefit of society. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that significantly contributes to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy continues to merit the respect and trust of the general public, and to assure donors and prospective donors that their support is appreciated and responsibly managed, we affirm that all donors have the following rights:
Donor Bill of Rights:
- Informed Mission & Use of Resources
Donors have the right to be informed about the organization’s mission, how the organization plans to use donated resources, and the organization’s ability to use donations effectively for their intended purposes. - Knowledge of Governance
Donors are entitled to know the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities. - Access to Financial Information
Donors have the right to access the organization’s most recent financial statements. - Assurance of Proper Use
Donors are assured that their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given. - Acknowledgement & Recognition
Donors will receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition for their contributions. - Confidentiality of Information
Donors can be confident that information about their donation is handled with respect and confidentiality, in accordance with the law. - Professional Relationships
Donors should expect that all relationships with individuals representing the organization will be professional in nature. - Clarity of Solicitation
Donors have the right to know whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization, or hired solicitors. - Control Over Mailing Lists
Donors have the opportunity to have their names removed from mailing lists that the organization may intend to share. - Freedom to Ask Questions
Donors are encouraged to ask questions when making a donation and have the right to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.
