1. Our Commitment

Samol Welfare Foundation (“the Foundation”) is deeply grateful for every contribution made towards animal welfare and our programmes. We are equally committed to transparency and fairness in how we handle donations, including the rare instances where a donor may need a return or refund. This policy explains when a refund is possible, how to request one, and the timelines involved.

2. General Policy — Donations Are Non-Refundable

As a matter of principle, donations made to the Foundation are voluntary contributions towards our charitable objectives and, once successfully processed, are treated as final and non-refundable. This is standard practice for registered charitable organisations, as funds are typically allocated or committed to ongoing programmes soon after receipt. Donors are encouraged to review the donation amount and organisation details carefully before confirming a contribution.

3. Exceptions — When a Refund May Be Considered

Notwithstanding the general policy above, the Foundation will consider a return/refund in the following circumstances, each assessed on its facts:

Scenario	Refund Treatment
Duplicate donation (same amount charged twice in one transaction attempt)	Full refund of the duplicate amount, processed to the original payment source.
Technical/gateway error (amount debited but donation not registered)	Full refund, or the donation is manually reconciled and a valid receipt issued, at the donor’s choice.
Excess amount entered in error	Refund of the excess amount only, on written request with proof of payment.
Unauthorised/fraudulent transaction	Refund after verification, in line with the payment gateway’s/bank’s applicable process and timelines.
Donation made by genuine mistake (e.g., wrong organisation selected) and reported within 7 days	Reviewed case-by-case; refund at the sole discretion of the Foundation, less any payment gateway charges already levied.
Change of mind after a valid, correctly processed donation	Not eligible for refund. The donation is treated as a voluntary, irrevocable contribution once successfully processed.
Recurring/monthly donation — future instalments	Not a refund, but future instalments can be cancelled any time by writing to us; already-processed instalments are not refunded.

• Write to us at care@samolwelfare.com within 7 days of the transaction, from the email/phone number used to donate.
• Include the transaction ID/reference number, date and amount of donation, payment method used, and a brief reason for the request.
• Attach supporting proof where available, such as a bank/payment gateway statement showing the debit.
• The Foundation will acknowledge the request within 7 working days and communicate the outcome within 15 working days of acknowledgement.

5. Refund Timeline and Mode

Approved refunds are processed to the original mode of payment (the same card, bank account, or UPI ID used for the donation) within 7–14 working days of approval, subject to the processing timelines of the respective bank or payment gateway, which are beyond the Foundation’s control. Refunds are not issued in cash or to a different account/instrument than the one used originally, except where the original mode is no longer available, in which case the donor will be asked for alternate verified bank details.

6. Effect on Tax Receipts (80G)

Where an 80G donation receipt has already been issued for an amount that is subsequently refunded, the receipt will be cancelled and a revised receipt (if any amount remains valid) will be issued. Donors are responsible for not claiming tax deduction on any refunded amount, in line with applicable Income Tax provisions.

7. Recurring Donations

Donors may cancel future instalments of a recurring/monthly donation at any time by writing to us at least 5 working days before the next scheduled charge. Instalments already processed before the cancellation request is received are treated as completed donations and are not refunded, except where they independently qualify under Section 3 above.

8. Non-Monetary and In-Kind Contributions

This policy applies to monetary donations only. In-kind contributions (materials, supplies, equipment, etc.) are non-returnable once accepted, save in cases of a genuine, mutually agreed error in the item or quantity delivered.

9. Policy Review

This policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in law, payment processes, or organisational practice. The version in effect at the time of a donation will govern that transaction.

For any questions about this policy, please contact us at care@samolwelfare.com