A Donor's Bill of Rights can help you determine what is reasonable to expect of an organization to which you are considering making a donation. Developed by the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the National Society of Fund-Raising Executives, A Donor's Bill of Rights identifies ways in which a donor's interests can be promoted and protected. This document has also been endorsed by Independent Sector, the National Catholic Development Conference, theNational Committee on Planned Giving, the National Council for Resource Development, and the United Wayof America.
A Donor's Bill of Rights proclaims: "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." A donor has the right 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.
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.
Have access to the organization's most recent financial statements.
Be assured that their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given. Receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
Be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the fullest extent provided by the law.
Expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
Be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors. Have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization intends to share. Feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.
Join others who have given:
Center for Community and Family Services City of Pasadena
California Black Chamber of Commerce The Association of Black Employees
FriendshipBaptistChurch Delta Sigma Theta Soroity, Inc. - Pasadena
IBEW Local 45 Economic Development & Vocational Edu.Dept.
Southern CaliforniaEdison North West Commission - City of Pasadena
