The Donor's Bill of Rights

The Donor Bill of Rights was developed to assure that donors and prospective donors could have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support. The vast majority of charities respect these principles.

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

• 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.

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

• To be assured gifts will be used for the purposes for which they are given.

• To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

• To be assured that the information about donations is handled with respect and confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

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

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

• 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 answers.