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 ensure that
philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general
public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full
confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they
are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these
rights:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. To have access to the organization’s most recent
financial statements.
4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes
for which they were given.
5. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
6. To be assured that information about their donation is
handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent
provided by law.
7. To expect that all relationships with individuals
representing organizations of interest to the donor will be
professional in nature.
8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are
volunteers, employees of the organization or hired
solicitors.
9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted
from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and
to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers