Donor 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 Vision Loss Resources, we declare that all donors to Vision Loss Resources have these rights:

  1. To be informed of the mission of Vision Loss Resources, of the way Vision Loss Resources intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
  2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the Vision Loss Resources governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
  3. To have access to Vision Loss Resources’ most recent financial statements.
  4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
  5. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
  6. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
  7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing Vision Loss Resources will be professional in nature.
  8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
  9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from Vision Loss Resources mailing lists.
  10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

The text of this statement was adapted by Vision Loss Resources from the Donor Bill of Rights, which was developed by the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals and adopted in November 1993.