As a civil society organization (CSO), we believe that giving is a voluntary act and that generosity and sharing enhance the quality of our lives. Because we value the trust and respect that civil society organizations and their projects must earn from the public—and because we care deeply about ensuring that donors and potential donors can give safely and wisely—we stand behind and support the rights of donors. We recognize that all donors have the following rights:

1. To be informed about the organization’s mission and vision, how their donation will be used, and the organization’s capacity and intent to use donations effectively for their intended purposes
2. To have access to information about the governing board and management, and to expect prudent and responsible stewardship from organizational leaders
3. To have access to current financial information
4. To be assured that their donations will be used for the purposes for which they were given
5. To receive appropriate acknowledgment and thanks
6. To request that their donations be kept confidential in accordance with the law
7. To expect that all interactions with the organization’s representatives will be conducted in a professional manner
8. To know whether the individual soliciting their donation is a volunteer, an employee of the organization, or an external fundraiser contracted for this purpose
9. To have their contact information removed from mailing or contact lists if it is to be shared with others
10. To ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and clear answers