Association of Fundraising Professionals Donors Bill of Rights

A 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 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 at FOCAS Ministries declare that all donors have these rights:

I. To be informed of the organization¹s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization¹s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

III. To have access to the organization¹s most recent financial statements. (See FOCAS¹s Annual Report on the News and Video section of the web site.)

IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

V. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition

VI. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

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. (FOCAS Ministries does not share or disclose its donor mailing list.)

X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.