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, Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind declares that all donors have these rights:

I. To be informed of Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind’s 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 Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind’s Board of Trustees, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

III. To have access to Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind’s most recent financial statements.

IV. To be assured my 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 my donation 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 my name to be deleted from mailing lists that an Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind may intend to share.

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

The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel (AAFRC), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). It has been endorsed by numerous organizations, including National Committee on Planned Giving, United Way of America and CFRE International.