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, Refuge House subscribes to the Donor Bill of Rights which was created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. It has been endorsed by numerous organizations.

1. To be informed of the Refuge House mission, of the way our organization intends to use donated resources, and of our capacity to use donations effectively for your intended purposes.
2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on our governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in it stewardship responsibilities.
3. To have access to our most recent financial statements.
4. To be assured your 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 your donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing Refuge House’s interests to you, our 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 your names to be deleted from mailing lists that Refuge House may intend to share.
10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.