Purpose of this policy

This policy applies to donations made directly to the Gratia Mission through its website or another authorised payment method.

A donation is a voluntary contribution for which the donor does not receive goods or services of equivalent value in return.

How donations are used

Donations may be used to advance the Gratia Mission’s purposes, including:

• Purchasing and distributing Bibles, rosaries and Catholic resources
• Printing educational and outreach materials
• Postage, packaging and delivery
• Website, technology and communication costs
• Payment-processing, banking, insurance, registration and professional costs
• Other reasonable operating expenses connected with the Mission’s activities
• Future projects consistent with the purposes represented to donors

Donation amounts associated with particular examples, such as the approximate cost of a Bible or rosary, explain the intended impact of support. Unless expressly stated otherwise, they do not guarantee that the exact donation will purchase a particular item.

One-off donations

The Gratia Mission currently accepts one-off donations only. Each authorised donation is processed once for the amount selected by the donor.

We do not currently offer automatic recurring donations or subscriptions.

The donor is responsible for reviewing the donation amount and payment details before confirming the payment.

Payment processing and security

Online donations may be processed by an external payment provider. The provider shown during checkout may collect and process payment information under its own terms and privacy policy.

The Gratia Mission does not require donors to send complete payment-card details by email. Donors should use only payment links published on the official Gratia Mission website or supplied through a verified Gratia Mission contact.

Processing or banking fees may be deducted from a donation before the net amount is received.

Receipts and tax deductibility

Where contact information is provided and the payment system supports it, donors may receive a transaction confirmation or receipt.

Donations are not currently tax-deductible. Any receipt issued is a record of payment and is not a tax-deductible gift receipt.

If the Gratia Mission’s tax status changes, this policy and the donation page will be updated. A future change will not make earlier donations retrospectively tax-deductible unless applicable law expressly provides otherwise.

Project-specific donations

Where a donation appeal expressly states that money is being raised for a particular project or purpose, the Gratia Mission will apply the proceeds to that represented purpose.

If the stated purpose becomes impossible, impracticable or fully funded, we will consider the terms of the appeal, applicable law and the donor’s wishes. Where reasonably practicable, we may contact the donor to seek consent to apply the donation to a closely related purpose or to arrange a refund.

Comments entered by a donor do not create a binding restriction unless the Gratia Mission expressly accepts that restriction.

Excess funds

If a general fundraising target is exceeded, excess funds may be applied to the continuing costs of that activity or another activity consistent with the purpose described in the appeal.

If an appeal states a different arrangement for excess funds, the stated arrangement will apply.

Donation refunds

Donations are generally final because the Gratia Mission may commit or use funds soon after receiving them. However, a refund request may be considered where:

• The donation was made in error
• An incorrect amount was entered
• A duplicate payment occurred
• The payment was made without the account holder’s authorisation
• A technical error affected the transaction
• The Gratia Mission cannot apply a restricted donation as agreed
• A refund is required by law

Requests should be made as soon as reasonably possible by emailing hello@thegratiamission.com. Include the donor’s name, email address, transaction date, amount, receipt or reference number and reason for the request.

We may request reasonable evidence and identity verification. Refund decisions are made individually, subject to applicable law and whether the funds have already been irrevocably applied.

Approved refunds will ordinarily be returned through the original payment method. Processing times depend on the payment provider and financial institution. Processing fees that cannot be recovered may be deducted where lawful and disclosed.

Unauthorised transactions

If you believe a payment method was used without authority, contact the Gratia Mission and the relevant bank or payment provider promptly.

We may require reasonable evidence while the matter is investigated before issuing a refund.

Chargebacks and payment disputes

Donors should contact us first where practical so that payment concerns can be reviewed promptly.

Nothing in this policy prevents a donor from exercising rights available through their bank, payment provider or applicable law. Fraudulent or knowingly false payment disputes may be challenged using relevant transaction records.

Refusing or returning donations

The Gratia Mission may refuse or return a donation where accepting it may:

• Be unlawful
• Conflict with the Mission’s purposes or values
• Create an unreasonable condition or obligation
• Damage the Mission’s independence or integrity
• Involve suspected fraud or misuse
• Expose the Mission or another person to unacceptable risk

Any return remains subject to payment-provider requirements and applicable law.

Donor information and privacy

Personal information associated with donations is handled according to our Privacy Policy. It may be used to process payments, issue confirmations, maintain records, prevent fraud, respond to enquiries and meet legal obligations.

Making a donation does not automatically subscribe a donor to marketing communications. Donor names will not be published without permission or another lawful basis.

Donation complaints

Questions or complaints about a donation may be sent to hello@thegratiamission.com.

Include enough information for the payment and concern to be identified. We will assess the matter and respond within a reasonable period.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy when our donation system, operations, tax status or legal obligations change. The current version will be published on our website with the date of its latest revision.

Contact details