Donation Policy Emergency Relief and Development (“we,” “us,” “the Organization”) is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (EIN: 88-3292864) , incorporated in Virginia. We provide emergency relief and development assistance. By donating, you agree to this policy.
1. Tax Deductibility: Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law. No goods or services are provided in exchange for gifts unless we tell you otherwise in writing. If you receive goods or services (for example, at an event), we will tell you the value, and only the amount above that value is deductible. We will email a receipt for every gift. Please keep it for your records, since gifts of $250 or more require written acknowledgment for tax purposes. We are not tax advisors, so please consult your own advisor. Donors outside the United States should check whether their gift is deductible in their country.
2. Use of Donations and Board Control: All gifts become the Organization’s property and are used for our charitable mission. Our Board of Directors keeps full authority over how funds are used. You may suggest a preference, but we cannot accept gifts that require us to direct funds to a specific person, family or non-charitable purpose.
3. Restricted and Emergency Gifts: If you designate a gift for a specific emergency, region or program, we will use it for that purpose where it is lawful and practicable. If the need has been met, funds exceed what can be used effectively, conditions make delivery unsafe or impossible, legal restrictions prevent delivery, or the designated program ends, we may use the funds for a similar charitable purpose, as the Board decides. Gifts made without a designation are unrestricted and used where need is greatest.
4. Administrative Costs: Part of every gift may support fundraising, administration and program support costs needed to operate the Organization. Our financial reports and IRS Form 990 are available on our website and on request.
5. Refunds and Chargebacks: Donations are final and generally non-refundable. We will review refund requests made in writing within 30 days of the gift for errors, duplicate charges, or unauthorized use. Disputing a legitimate donation with your bank or card issuer instead of contacting us may cause us to incur fees. We may recover those fees where permitted by law.
6. Recurring Gifts: By choosing a recurring gift, you authorize us to charge your payment method at the interval you select until you cancel. You can cancel or change your gift at any time by contacting info@erdusa.org. Cancellations take effect for the next scheduled charge, provided you notify us at least 5 business days before it. For ACH gifts, you authorize debits from your account under applicable NACHA rules.
7. Payment Processing and Security: Gifts are processed through third-party payment providers that follow industry security standards. We do not store full card numbers on our servers. You are responsible for entering accurate information. We may decline, reverse or cancel any gift we suspect is fraudulent or unauthorized.
8. Privacy: We do not sell, rent, or trade donor information. We share it only with service providers who help process gifts and communications, or as required by law. You may request anonymity or opt out of communications at any time.
9. Non-Cash and Other Gifts: We may accept stock, cryptocurrency, donor-advised fund grants, and in-kind gifts, subject to our Gift Acceptance Policy. We may decline or return any gift that is impractical to handle, carries liability, or is inconsistent with our mission. Non-cash gifts are valued by the donor. We do not provide appraisals. Donors are responsible for any IRS forms, including Form 8283 for non-cash gifts over $500. We will sign the form where it is required and appropriate. We generally sell stock and crypto soon after receipt unless the Board decides otherwise.
10. Right to Decline or Return Gifts: We may decline, return or redirect any gift that:·
violates law, including U.S. sanctions and anti-money-laundering rules;·
comes from a source that could harm our reputation or mission;·
carries conditions inconsistent with our mission or independence; or·
would create a conflict of interest.
11. Sanctions and Legal Compliance: We operate in places with complex legal environments. We comply with U.S. laws, including OFAC sanctions and anti-terrorism financing laws, and use due diligence on partners and recipients. Delivery may require government licenses or be limited, delayed or redirected as a result. We are not responsible for delays or changes caused by legal restrictions, security conditions or access limits.
12. No Guarantee of Outcomes: Relief and development work is carried out in unpredictable and often dangerous conditions. We cannot guarantee specific results, timing or locations.
13. Political Activity: We do not take part in political campaigns. Donations cannot be used to support or oppose any candidate for public office.
14. Donor Rights: Donors are entitled to know our mission and how funds are used, see our financial statements, receive acknowledgment and recognition (or anonymity), have their information protected, and have questions answered promptly.
15. Minors: Donors must be 18 or older, or have a parent or guardian’s permission.
16. Changes: We may update this policy at any time. The version on our website applies, and it shows the date of the last update.
