Donor's Bill of Rights

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 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 they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

	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.

	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.

	To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements.

	To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

	To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.

	To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

	To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

	To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

	To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share. (Mary's Comfort mailing and e-mail lists are never shared).

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

The text of this statement in its entirety was developed by the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel (AAFRC), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE). Copyright NSFRE and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is your Federal Tax Status?

A: As of October 6, 2008, we are a 501(C)(3) PUBLIC CHARITY.

ALL DONATIONS ARE FULLY TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

Q: How are the funds that you collect for the ministry allocated?

A: At least 80% of your donation goes toward Immediate Intervention. We work directly with the organization to rescue widows and orphans in their distress. No more than 10% of the donation is used to support the ongoing administrative work of Mary's Comfort Ministries. Contributions are applied toward promoting and fulfilling the needs of widows and orphans, assisting victim recovery and restoration, giving lectures and seminars, distributing informative brochures within our communities, and providing direct help, information and assistance to widows and orphans.

Mary's Comfort Ministries

A ministry for widows and orphans