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, the Arc of Westchester Foundation declares that all donors have these rights:
- To be informed of The Arc Westchester’s mission, of the way it 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 Arc Westchester’s and the Foundation’s Boards of Directors, and to expect these boards to exercise prudent judgment in their stewardship responsibilities.
- To have access to The Arc Westchester’s and the Foundation’s most recent financial statements.
- To be assured that gifts to The Arc Westchester Foundation will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition. - To be assured that information about individual donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
- To expect that all relationships with individuals representing The Arc Westchester’s and the Foundation’s operations or programs that are of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
- To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of The Arc Westchester Foundation or hired solicitors.
- To be assured that The Arc Westchester Foundation donor’s name will not be shared with any other organization without the expressed permission of the donor.
- To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
