Cover Photograph by Kyle Dubay
Donor Bill of Rights
Friends of Casco Bay recognizes that philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. This tradition of giving and sharing is primary to 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 nonprofit causes they support, Friends of Casco Bay declares that all donors have these rights:
I.
Friends of Casco Bay recognizes that philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. This tradition of giving and sharing is primary to 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 nonprofit causes they support, Friends of Casco Bay declares that all donors have these rights:
II.
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.
III.
To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
IV.
To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
V.
To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
VI.
To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality.
VII.
To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
VIII.
To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
IX.
To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
X.
To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
This Donor Bill of Rights is based on the template developed by Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits.