Effective Date: October 5, 2009

Last Updated: September 24, 2025

Our Commitment to Stewardship

Teen Mother Choices (“TMC”) recognizes that every donation represents an act of trust, compassion, and partnership in our mission to support young mothers and their families.

We are committed to honoring that trust through responsible stewardship, ethical fundraising practices, financial accountability, and transparent communication regarding the use of charitable contributions.

This policy outlines our commitment to donors and the standards we follow in managing contributions.

Our Promise to Donors

Teen Mother Choices is committed to:

• Using donations in a manner consistent with our mission and charitable purpose.
• Exercising responsible financial stewardship.
• Providing accurate information about our programs and services.
• Respecting donor privacy and confidentiality.
• Maintaining transparency regarding organizational operations and impact.
• Complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing charitable organizations.
• Honoring donor intent whenever possible and practical.

How Donations Support Our Mission

Contributions to Teen Mother Choices help support programs and services that may include:

Crisis Support and Immediate Needs

• Emergency assistance
• Essential baby supplies
• Diapers and infant necessities
• Resource navigation and referrals

Resources and Referrals

• Community resource connections
• Educational support
• Healthcare referrals
• Housing assistance referrals
• Parenting support resources

Advocacy and Community

• Young mom support initiatives
• Community-building activities
• Mentorship opportunities
• Workshops and educational events
• Mobile Baby Showers
• Family-centered programming

Organizational Sustainability

Donations may also support:

• Staff and volunteer training
• Program administration
• Technology and communications
• Outreach and awareness efforts
• Fundraising activities
• General operating expenses necessary to sustain and expand services

Restricted and Unrestricted Gifts

Unrestricted Donations

Unless otherwise designated, donations are considered unrestricted and may be used where they are needed most to fulfill the mission of Teen Mother Choices.

Restricted Donations

When a donor designates a contribution for a specific purpose, program, campaign, or initiative, Teen Mother Choices will make every reasonable effort to honor that designation.

If circumstances make the designated purpose impractical, impossible, or no longer aligned with organizational needs, Teen Mother Choices reserves the right to redirect funds to a similar purpose consistent with its mission and applicable laws.

Donor Privacy

Teen Mother Choices respects and protects donor information.

We do not sell, rent, lease, trade, or exchange donor information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Donor information is used solely to:

• Process contributions
• Issue donation acknowledgments
• Provide tax documentation
• Share organizational updates
• Communicate impact and fundraising opportunities
• Maintain donor records

All donor information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Donor Recognition

Teen Mother Choices values every gift, regardless of size.

Donors may be recognized through:

• Annual reports
• Newsletters
• Website acknowledgments
• Event materials
• Impact reports

Donors who prefer to remain anonymous may request anonymity at any time, and their wishes will be honored whenever reasonably possible.

Donation Receipts and Acknowledgments

Teen Mother Choices will provide appropriate donation acknowledgments and tax documentation as required by law.

Receipts may be delivered through:

• Email
• Postal mail
• Online donation platforms

Donors are encouraged to retain donation records for tax purposes.

Teen Mother Choices does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Donors should consult qualified professionals regarding tax matters.

Financial Accountability

Teen Mother Choices is committed to responsible financial management and accountability.

The organization strives to:

• Maintain accurate financial records
• Monitor expenditures carefully
• Use funds efficiently and effectively
• Implement appropriate internal controls
• Review financial practices regularly
• Ensure resources are directed toward mission fulfillment

Financial decisions are guided by organizational leadership and governing board oversight.

Ethical Fundraising Practices

Teen Mother Choices follows ethical fundraising principles and strives to:

• Present truthful and accurate information
• Avoid misleading fundraising practices
• Respect donor intentions
• Honor donor confidentiality
• Use funds responsibly
• Conduct fundraising activities with integrity and professionalism

We believe fundraising should always reflect the values of dignity, transparency, and respect.

Online Giving Security

Online donations are processed through secure third-party payment providers.

Teen Mother Choices does not store complete credit card information on its servers.

While no system can guarantee absolute security, we take reasonable measures to work with reputable payment processors and safeguard donor information.

Donor Rights

Donors have the right to:

• Be informed of Teen Mother Choices’ mission and use of donated resources.
• Receive appropriate acknowledgment and tax documentation.
• Expect that donations will be used responsibly.
• Request anonymity.
• Ask questions regarding programs and finances.
• Have personal information protected and handled respectfully.
• Receive prompt and truthful responses to inquiries. 

Impact Reporting

Teen Mother Choices is committed to demonstrating the impact of donor support.

We may communicate organizational outcomes through:

• Annual reports
• Newsletters
• Impact stories
• Website updates
• Social media communications
• Campaign reports

Whenever possible, we strive to share measurable outcomes and meaningful stories that illustrate the difference donor support makes in the lives of young mothers and families.

Changes to This Policy

Teen Mother Choices reserves the right to update this Donor Transparency & Stewardship Policy as organizational practices evolve.

Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

Contact Information

Teen Mother Choices

Website: https://teenmotherchoices.org

Email: info@tmcint.org

Phone: 224-252-0295

Mailing Address: 6615 Grand Ave Suite B-417, Gurnee, IL

Questions regarding donations, stewardship practices, or this policy may be directed to the contact information above.