The Portland Public Library adheres to the Donor Bill of Rights as described below in the first ten sections of this policy. The text of this statement (numbers 1 to 10) in its entirety 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.

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:

1. 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.

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 acknowledgment 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 organizations of interest to the donor 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 mailing lists that an organization may intend to share (for example, Annual Reports).

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

In order to respect the rights of its donors, the Library does not share its donor mailing list with individuals or organizations external the Library.

To be added to our mailing list or if you have any questions, please email Sandy Comstock in our Development office at comstock@portland.lib.me.us or call 207-871-1700 ext. 758. 

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