Donor Resources
Thousands of Heartland neighbors are still experiencing unforeseen financial adversity and food insecurity due to the lingering effects of the pandemic. We have a social and fiscal responsibility to support our neighbors in need. And with your continued generosity—we are doing just that. Every day, we are filling hearts with hope and tables with nutritious food, breaking the vicious cycle of food insecurity, one donation at a time.
give with confidence
Charity Navigator—an organization that evaluates a nonprofit’s financial health—has given Food Bank for the Heartland a 4-star rating. This is the highest score possible, and means we’ve taken the necessary steps to lead with accountability, integrity, and transparency.
Food Bank for the Heartland also complies with the AFP Code of Ethical Standards.
Give with confidence, knowing your donations go directly back into our communities to help the 1 in 7 people—with 1 in 5 being children—who are considered food insecure. Thank you for trusting us with your time, treasures, and talents. Your support means so much to us and those we serve.
donor bill of rights
© 2015, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), all rights reserved. Used with permission from 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
- To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
- To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
- To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
- To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donors will be professional in nature.
- To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
- To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share. (Food Bank for the Heartland does not sell or trade its donors’ personal information. The Food Bank will periodically use a third party to communicate only with its donors.)
- To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.
For additional information, including our annual reports, financial audits, and 990 forms, click here. View the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement, our Privacy Policy, and our Accessibility Policy here.
E-donor bill of rights
Principles of the eDonor Bill of Rights
The eDonor Bill of Rights is intended to complement the original document (above) and provide further and more detailed guidance for the new world of online giving. In addition to the rights outlined in the Donor Bill of Rights, online donors should demand the following of their online solicitors:
- To be clearly and immediately informed of the organization’s name, identity, nonprofit or for-profit status, its mission, and purpose when first accessing the organization’s website.
- To have easy and clear access to alternative contact information other than through the website or email.
- To be assured that all third-party logos, trademarks, trustmarks and other identifying, sponsoring, and/or endorsing symbols displayed on the website are accurate, justified, up-to-date, and clearly explained.
- To be informed of whether or not a contribution entitles the donor to a tax deduction, and of all limits on such deduction based on applicable laws.
- To be assured that all online transactions and contributions occur through a safe, private, and secure system that protects the donor’s personal information.
- To be clearly informed if a contribution goes directly to the intended charity, or is held by or transferred through a third party.
- To have easy and clear access to an organization’s privacy policy posted on its website and be clearly and unambiguously informed about what information an organization is gathering about the donor and how that information will be used.
- To be clearly informed of opportunities to opt out of data lists that are sold, shared, rented, or transferred to other organizations.
- To not receive unsolicited communications or solicitations unless the donor has “opted in” to receive such materials.
For additional information, including our annual reports, financial audits, and 990 forms, click here. View the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement, our Privacy Policy, and our Accessibility Policy here.