E-Donor Bill of Rights
The E-Donor Bill of Rights is intended to complement the longstanding Donor Bill of Rights of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and provide further and more detailed guidance for the new world of online giving. In addition to the rights outlined in the Donor Bill of Rights, online donors should demand the following of their solicitors:
- To be clearly and immediately informed of the organization’s name, identity, nonprofit or for-profit status, mission, and purpose when first accessing the organization’s Web site.
- To have easy and clear access to contact information other than through the Web site or email.
- To be assured that all third party logos, trademarks, trustmarks, and other identifying, sponsoring, and/or endorsing symbols displayed on the Web site are accurate, justified, up-to-date, and clearly explained.
- To be informed of whether or not a contribution entitles the donor to a tax deduction and of all limits on such deduction based on applicable laws.
- To be assured that all online transactions and contributions occur through a safe, private, and secure system that protects the donor’s personal information.
- To be clearly informed if a contribution goes directly to the intended charity or is held by or transferred through a third party.
- To have easy and clear access to an organization’s privacy policy posted on its Web site and be clearly and unambiguously informed about what information an organization is gathering about the donor and how that information will be used.
- To be clearly informed of opportunities to opt out of data lists that are sold, shared, rented, or transferred to other organizations.
- To not receive unsolicited communications or solicitations unless the donor has “opted in” to receive such materials.