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 assure that philanthropy 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:
- 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.
- To expect the organization's governing board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
- To be assured that gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
- To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
- To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with 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 or employees of the organization.
- To be assured that their names or addresses will not be shared.
- To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.