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 contributors and prospective contributors can have full confidence in the non-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all contributors have these rights.

1. To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use contributed resources, and of its capacity to use contributions effectively for their intended purposes
    
2. 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.
    
3. To have access to the organization's 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 contributions is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
    
7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the contributor will be professional in nature.
    
8. To be informed whether those seeking contributions are volunteers or employees of the organization.
    
9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
   
10. To feel free to ask questions when making contribution and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.
     

Adopted by United Way Foundation of Central Connecticut. Developed by American Association of Fund-Raising Council (AAFRC), Association of HealthCare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE). Initially endorsed by Independent Sector, National Catholic Development Conferences (NCDC), National Committee on Planned Giving (NCPG), National Council for Resource Development (NCRD), and United Way of America.