On Philanthropy: Rethinking, Revising the 'Donor Bill of Rights'

In 1993, four respected organizations worked closely together to publish a list of 10 “rights” intended to establish a stronger relationship between philanthropists and their nonprofit beneficiaries.

However, 23 years ago the world was vastly different—as was the world of philanthropy. Because of far-reaching changes that have taken place since then, the "Donor Bill of Rights" and its 10 precepts now are significantly out of date.

When this document was first published, technologies like the internet and digital cellular communication were embryonic. Nonprofits had no websites. Access to online information about an organization’s mission, programs, finances and leadership was little more than a futuristic dream.