PHILANTHROPY
is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is this 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 Community Foundation for Muskegon County’s mission, of the way the Community Foundation 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 Community Foundation for Muskegon County’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

III
To have access to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County’s most recent financial audit.

IV
To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.

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

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

VII
To expect that all relationships with individuals representing the Community Foundation for Muskegon County of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

VIII
To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County or hired solicitors.

IX
To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may intend to share.

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