DONATION ACCEPTANCE POLICY

The SAVE OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION (SOCH) deeply values the contributions and generosity of its donors, which enable us to fulfill our mission of preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage. This policy outlines the terms and conditions for refunds and cancellations of donations made to SOCH, ensuring fairness and transparency while addressing the specific needs of our donors.

Scope

This policy applies to all donations made to SOCH via online payment platforms, credit cards, bank transfers, cheques, demand drafts, or any other mode of contribution. By making a donation, donors acknowledge and accept the terms of this policy.

Donation Refund Policy

1. Refund Eligibility:

1. • Refunds may be issued in cases of erroneous donations or if the donor changes their decision within the stipulated time.
   • Refunds are not applicable if a tax exemption certificate (Form 10BE) has already been issued and claimed by the donor for the relevant financial year.
   • Donations made for specific campaigns or purposes that have already been utilized or committed to the intended purpose are non-refundable.

1. Refund Request Procedure:

1. • Donors must submit a written request for a refund within X days of making the donation. Requests can be sent to SOCH’s official email at __________________or via post to:

SOCH Foundation Address: 206 Plot no. B1 & B2 2^nd Floor Ashoka Apartments Community Centre Ranjit Nagar, Delhi, India, 110008

1. • The request must include the following details:
     
     • Date and amount of the donation.
     • Mode of payment (credit card, online payment, cheque, etc.).
     • Proof of the transaction (bank statement, receipt, or confirmation email).
     • Reason for the refund request.

1. Processing Time:

1. • Refunds will be processed within 7 to 30 working days, depending on the method of payment and third-party banking channels involved.
   • Refunds will be made using the same payment method originally used for the donation.

1. Conditions for Refunds:

1. • The original donation receipt must be returned to SOCH before processing the refund.
   • If the donation was made via cheque or demand draft, the refund will be initiated only after the funds have been cleared in SOCH’s account.
   • If the donation was made towards a specific event or program that has been completed, the refund request will not be entertained.

1. Exceptional Cases:

1. • In the event of an error attributable to SOCH (e.g., incorrect processing), SOCH will bear the transaction costs associated with the refund.
   • SOCH reserves the right to seek additional documentation from donors to verify the refund claim.
   • Refunds for recurring donations will only be processed for the most recent transaction and not for past contributions.

1. Unclaimed Donations:

In cases where donors fail to provide sufficient information for refund processing, the donation amount will be treated as unclaimed and utilized for the foundation’s activities.

Cancellation of Recurring Donations

1. Donors contributing through automated recurring donations may cancel their contributions at any time by providing written notice to SOCH at least 15 days before the next scheduled deduction.
2. Cancellation requests can be submitted via email or postal mail to SOCH’s official contact points. The donor must include the donor ID, subscription details, and proof of previous payments.
3. Recurring donations canceled after the scheduled deduction will not be eligible for refunds.

General Conditions

1. Non-Refundable Contributions:

1. • Donations made with claimed tax exemptions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act are strictly non-refundable.
   • Refunds will not be processed for donations made more than X days prior to the refund request.
   • Donations made through third-party platforms (e.g., crowdfunding sites) are subject to the refund policies of those platforms.

1. Force Majeure Clause:

SOCH is not liable for delays or inability to process refunds due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to banking failures, natural disasters, or technical disruptions.

1. Discretionary Authority:

1. • SOCH reserves the right to decline refund requests that do not meet the terms and conditions outlined in this policy.
   • SOCH may, at its sole discretion, approve refunds in exceptional cases not covered under this policy.

1. Tax Implications:

1. • Donations under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act provide tax benefits to donors. Any refund of such donations may result in the donor being required to reverse the claimed deduction in their income tax return.
   • Donors must ensure that they have not already claimed tax exemption for the refunded amount. If claimed, the reversal of the donation in their tax return is the donor’s responsibility and may lead to reassessment or additional tax liabilities.
   • Donors are strongly advised to consult their tax advisors before requesting a refund to understand the potential consequences under the Indian tax laws.

1. Privacy and Data Protection:

1. • Donor information provided during refund or cancellation requests will be handled in strict compliance with applicable data protection laws.
   • SOCH ensures that no donor information is shared with third parties without explicit consent, except as required by law.

1. Fraudulent Transactions:

1. • Any donation identified as fraudulent or suspected of being made with unauthorized funds will not be eligible for a refund.
   • Such transactions will be reported to the relevant authorities for further investigation.

1. Jurisdiction and Dispute Resolution:

1. • Any disputes arising under this policy will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts where SOCH is registered.
   • SOCH will attempt to resolve disputes amicably but reserves the right to legal remedies if necessary.

1. Administrative Charges for Refunds:

In cases where the refund is not due to an error by SOCH, an administrative fee may be deducted to cover processing costs.

1. Foreign Currency Donations:

Refunds for donations made in foreign currency will be processed in Indian Rupees (INR) at the prevailing exchange rate, and any currency conversion fees will be borne by the donor.

1. Amendments to the Policy:

SOCH reserves the right to amend this policy at any time. Donors will be notified of significant changes through the organization’s website or via email.

Contact Information

For queries or requests regarding this policy, donors may contact us at:

• Email: _________________________
• Phone: +91 [Insert Contact Number]
• Address: 206 Plot no. B1 & B2 2^nd Floor Ashoka Apartments Community Centre Ranjit Nagar, Delhi, India, 110008

SOCH is committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. We encourage donors to exercise due diligence while making donations and to reach out to us for clarifications if needed. By adhering to this policy, we aim to build a trustworthy and mutually respectful relationship with our contributors.