The Foundation believes that all donors have the following rights:

• To be informed of the Foundation's mission, of the way the Foundation 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 Foundation's governing Board, and to expect the Board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
• To have access to the Foundation's most recent financial statements and annual report.
• To be assured that gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
• To be assured that information about donations is handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy of the Foundation and consistent with provincial and federal Privacy Legislation.
• To have the right to see their donor record and to challenge its accuracy.
• To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition as per Foundation policy, and, if requested by the donor, to remain anonymous.
• To expect that all relationships with individuals representing the Foundation will be professional in nature.
• To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers or employees of the Foundation.
• To be removed from the Foundation's mailing or contact lists on request and to have donor information shared only in accordance with the Privacy Policy and applicable law.
• To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
• To receive an official donation receipt within the Foundation's stated processing period where the transfer qualifies as a gift, reflecting the eligible amount determined under the Income Tax Act and Regulations, including fair market value and any advantage for a non-cash gift.
• To receive, upon request, the Foundation's CRA registration number, information contained in the public portion of its most recent T3010 Registered Charity Information Return, and a copy of this Donor's Rights Policy.
• To be encouraged to seek independent advice from experts as deemed necessary by the donor to ensure they understand the consequences/impact of the proposed gift on the Donor's financial position, taxable income, or relationship with other family members.
• To receive a timely response from either a designated staff member or Foundation designate to a complaint about any matter that is addressed in this Donor's Rights Policy.
• A complainant who remains dissatisfied following identification of a complaint related to this Donor's Rights Policy shall be informed that they may appeal in writing to the Chair of the Board or designate, and shall be advised in writing of the disposition of the appeal.
• To be assured that the amount of their donation is not publicly disclosed without their consent.
• To be assured that recognition mechanisms created due to a gift shall not be arbitrarily changed or withdrawn. Unless otherwise negotiated at the time of the gift or changed through a joint agreement between the organization and the Donor or legal representative, the original form of the recognition mechanism will be maintained. If the mechanism cannot be physically retained, it will be changed to another consistent with the original agreement. If continuation of the recognition creates a reputational risk for the organization, it may be terminated or altered.

Canadian Law and Regulatory Compliance

A donor is entitled to accurate information about the Foundation and the intended use of a gift, respectful treatment, appropriate protection of personal information and an official donation receipt only where the legal requirements are met. The Foundation will explain any advantage, valuation, restriction or circumstance that reduces or prevents receipting.

The Foundation will not promise that every transfer is refundable or that every donor recommendation will be followed. Once accepted, charitable property is held for charitable purposes and may be returned, varied or redirected only where permitted by the gift terms and applicable law and after obtaining appropriate advice or authorization.

Application note: This template must be read with the Foundation's articles, bylaws, gift terms and the federal, provincial or territorial laws that apply to its incorporation, activities and operating jurisdictions. Organization-specific facts and provincial requirements require lawyer confirmation before adoption.

Monitoring: This policy will be reviewed every three years.

Board Acceptance: This policy was approved/reaffirmed at the ____________Board meeting.