As Development professionals, it is a given that you treat your donors and prospects truthfully and ethically. You are representing your school, and you are asking your supporters to put their trust in your school for the proper stewardship of their money. To that end, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) with the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), CASE, and The Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits, has developed The Donor Bill of Rights. These principles have been endorsed by numerous organizations.
The Donor Bill of Rights outlines all the information a donor has the right to know, including access to the organization’s financial statements, the mission of the organization, and the names of the governing body. It also ensures that the donor’s gifts are being used as intended, among other things.
You can check out The Donor Bill of Rights on the AFP Web site. You are also permitted to download and use the document (there are English, Spanish, and French versions). If you sign the AFP’s Permission Form, you are permitted to reproduce or print the document.
For more insight about ethics and development, ISM Consortium members can log on to isminc.com/consortium and read Ethical Issues for the Development Office from Ideas & Perspectives Vol. 27. No. 8.
