Donor Bill of Rights
In these days of economic hardship, cultural heritage institutions are relying on their donors more than ever. It’s therefore imperative that professionals working at all levels in these institutions have training in proper donor stewardship.
Lists like the following (a one-page “donor bill of rights”) make that task fairly easy. Post it on the wall above your phone, make ticklers on your calendar, and implement processes to be sure your donors are well-cared for. Thanks to the Association of Fundraising Professionals for developing this handy reference.
1. Inform donors of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for intended purposes.
2. Inform donors 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.
3. Give donors access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
4. Assure donors their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
5. Ensure donors receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
6. Assure donors that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
7. Assure donors that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
8. Inform donors whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization, or hired solicitors.
9. Give donors the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
10. Give donors the freedom to ask questions when making a donation and give them prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.
