As the holiday season ramps up, so does charitable giving, whichkeeps non-profit organizations busy through the remainder of theyear.

In 2016, total charitable contributions for the year reached$390.05 billion, according to Giving USA. More than 60% ofnon-profits filed a D&O claim in the last 10 years, 85% ofwhich were employment related.

Related: 7 tips to protect nonprofits and their volunteersfrom risks

Travelers’ nonprofit D&O product manager Tom Herendeenoffers 10 tips for non-profit organizations to keep in mind duringthis season of giving to help make campaigns successful whilecontrolling risks for their organizations, directors, andofficers.

Herendeen says D&O claims can be expensive to defend and candivert a lot of attention and energy away from the non-profit’smission, so it’s important for these organizations to have riskmanagement plans in place to protect themselves and theiremployees.

Donor privacy should also be a major focus, Herendeen says.

“Donors generally want to know where their contributions will bespent, they want to connect with the causes they fund, and theyalso want to know that their personal information will be safethrough that process,” Herendeen says. “Many directors and officersare volunteers, so they want to know they’re protected in thisprocess if there were to be a claim in these fundraisingefforts.”

Related: Keys to finding & keeping the rightemployees

Here are Travelers’ top 10 tips for running a successfulfundraising campaign, and protecting your organization in theprocess:

Tip #1: Do your homework

If using outside vendors, vet them thoroughly. Any sanctions fromcharity regulators, or other potential red flags? By using afundraising professional, see how telemarketing laws may apply toyour organization and what risks you might face.

“Due-diligence is especially important if you’re using anyoutside professional fundraisers, in making sure that you’recomplying with any laws that may apply, and that you’re dealingwith reputable vendors as they’re representing your organization,”Herendeen said.

Tip #2: Be transparent

Let donors know where their contributions are going and whatpercentage is allocated to overhead and marketing costs.

Tip #3: Add it up

Present your financial information (Form 990) on your website ormake it available to donors upon request.

Tip #4: Don’t punish good deeds

Implement a privacy policy and advise donors that their personalinformation will not be shared with third parties. Protect donordata with state-of-the-art security tools and procedures.

Tip #5: Turn donors into doers

Engage donors by communicating about your organization and its goodwork. Their time, expertise, advice and creativity can beinvaluable to your cause.

Tip #6: Make it easy

Consider accepting online donations through a secure portal. Allowdifferent forms of contributions (one-time donation, monthly, twicea year, etc.) and issue receipts promptly. User-friendly steps willbe valued by your donors and may keep them comingback.

Tip #7: Say “Thank You”

Provide your donors with newsletters or regular updates to show howtheir donations are being put to work and how important they are tothe organization’s mission.

Tip #8: Protect the organization

Have a risk management plan and Directors & Officers insurancein place.

“Transparency, documentation, good governance of theorganization goes a long way in protecting from risk, but alsobuilding confidence from stakeholders, donors and thecommunity.”

Tip #9: Take notes

Document board meeting minutes and keep records on keyissues.

Tip #10: Build confidence with goodgovernance

Adopt and implement conflict of interest and whistleblowerpolicies. This helps your organization address potential problemsearly.

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