Donor Bill of Rights

 

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 ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit 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 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 their 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 donation 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, 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.

 

Donor Acknowledgement

 

• a donor is entitled to receive acknowledgement of a donation from GSN, either by a written receipt (mail, email, etc) of Donation; and/or a personal thanks.

• a donor will be able to give prior approval before any recognition of their donation is made public.

• a donor is not subjected to undue influence, harassment, intimidation or coercion when approached for a donation.

• a donor is advised to seek independent advice if there is a reason to believe that a donation may affect the donor’s financial position, taxable income, or relationship with family members.

 

Donor Requests

 

Good Samaritan Network will comply with a donor’s request to:

• refuse to make a donation;

• limit to a certain amount, and/or the frequency of solicitations by GSN to the donor;

• not be solicited by mail, phone or other technology; or

• not receive printed material concerning GSN fundraising