Donation Refund Policy
Chandler Education Foundation (“CEF”) is dependent upon the generosity of public and private donations to pursue our mission. We are exceedingly grateful to those who share our passion and want to partner with us to financially support our CUSD students and teachers (“Donors”). As such, CEF wants to adhere to the highest ethical standards, committing to honor Donor intent and the public interest entrusted to us as a 501(c)(3).
Subsequently, in order to protect the trust placed upon us by the public as a tax-exempt corporation, we must strictly adhere to a policy that does not allow for refunds of donations, except under very special circumstances as outlined below.
Recurring Donation Refund
Donors have the option to give recurring donations. CEF can refund the donation of the previous month only. To change or stop a monthly recurring donation, a written request must be submitted to CEF at least 15 business days prior to the stop date. Please send such request to ChandlerEdFoundation@CUSD80.com .
Overpayment or Error Refund
Should an error be made by CEF or its banking facility which results in an overpayment, CEF Board of Directors may, in consultation with the Donor, refund by either a credit of the overpayment to the Donor, or alternatively send a check for the full amount of the overpayment.
Violation of Gift Agreement
When a donation exceeding $25,000 is given, CEF may engage with the Donor through a written Gift Agreement. The purpose of the Agreement is to document how CEF intends to utilize the gift. Such an Agreement will allow the Donor to approve or modify the intended use of funds before they are utilized. Once signed by the Donor, a refund cannot be considered unless it is determined that CEF has violated the terms of the Agreement.
Failure to Honor Donor Intent
When donating, if the Donor requests in writing how they specifically wish their donation to be utilized (e.g., scholarships, books, teacher support, emergency funds.), CEF will make every effort to honor their request and utilize the donation in a fashion consistent with the Donor’s wishes. A refund may be considered if CEF fails to honor the written intent of the donor.
Requirements to complete a donation refund:
Donors must submit a signed written request, to include the following:
- Full name;
- Phone number;
- Mailing address;
- Email address;
- Basis for refund request;
- Donation amount;
- Date of donation; and
- Method of payment.
Such request must be mailed to CEF at: 1851 E. Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert AZ 85297
CEF will only consider refunding a donation if such a request is made within thirty (30) days of the original donation during the calendar year in which the donation was made - unless otherwise agreed upon in writing - provided the Donor has not claimed a tax deduction from their donation (proof of tax return may be required).
Refunds are returned to the Donor via the original payment method within thirty (30) days of approval of the refund by CEF. If the refund is made by check, the check will be mailed via certified mail to the Donor’s address as listed on the donation request with CEF, along with a letter stating the reason for the refund and including language notifying the Donor that the original gift may not be claimed as a charitable donation to CEF.
Donors are responsible to report any change of address to the CEF office.
To fulfill the responsibility granted to CEF by the public as a tax-exempt corporation, donation refund requests for any other reason cannot be considered.
All refund requests more than $5,000 will need approval by the CEF Executive Committee and/ or the CEF Board of Director’s.
