"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 that they are asked to support, we declare that all
donors have these rights:
I. To be informed of the organization'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 the
organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise
prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
III. To have access to the organization's most recent financial
statements.
IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for
which they were given.
V. To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
VI. To be assured that information about their 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 their names to be deleted from mailing
lists that an organization may intend to share.
X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive
prompt, truthful and forthright answers."
For more information, write The Postal History Foundation, 920 N. First
Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719, or call (520) 623-6652. or contact the