
Philanthropy thrives on voluntary contributions made for the collective benefit of society. It embodies the spirit of generosity and cooperation, essential to enhancing the quality of life. To uphold the public’s trust and ensure that donors and potential contributors feel confident in supporting nonprofit organizations, we affirm the following rights for every donor:
- Right to Transparency:
Donors have the right to be informed about the organization’s mission, how it plans to utilize donated resources, and its ability to use these resources effectively to achieve intended goals. - Right to Accountability:
Donors have the right to know the identities of the members of the organization’s governing board and to expect that the board exercises responsible stewardship. - Right to Financial Clarity:
Donors are entitled to access the organization’s most recent financial reports. - Right to Purposeful Use:
Donors can expect that their contributions will be used solely for the purposes for which they were given. - Right to Recognition:
Donors have the right to receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition for their contributions. - Right to Privacy:
Donors’ personal and donation information should be treated with respect and confidentiality, as permitted by law. - Right to Professionalism:
Donors can anticipate that all interactions with representatives of the organization will be conducted in a professional and ethical manner. - Right to Transparency in Fundraising:
Donors have the right to know whether the individuals soliciting donations are volunteers, employees, or external solicitors. - Right to Opt-Out:
Donors can request to have their names removed from mailing lists that may be shared with or sold to other organizations. - Right to Inquiry:
Donors have the right to ask questions and receive honest, prompt, and clear answers regarding their contributions.
This Donor Bill of Rights ensures that giving remains a rewarding and trustworthy experience, fostering a partnership of mutual respect between donors and the organizations they support.