Donations & Fundraising

MCR is committed to conducting fundraising honestly, transparently, respectfully and for legitimate charitable purposes.

Donations may support approved MCR programs and community initiatives in accordance with the purpose represented to the donor.

Use of donations

Unless a donation has been accepted for a specific approved purpose, donations may be applied to MCR’s charitable programs, assistance activities and reasonable costs associated with delivering those charitable activities.

Where MCR accepts a donation for a designated purpose, reasonable steps will be taken to apply it consistently with that purpose.

If circumstances make the original purpose impossible or impractical, MCR will manage the funds in accordance with applicable legal, governance and donor requirements.

Donations do not purchase influence

A donation does not provide a donor with:

• control over MCR;

• preferential access to assistance;

• influence over beneficiary selection;

• governance authority; or

• entitlement to direct MCR’s charitable decisions.

Fundraising conduct

Fundraising conducted on behalf of MCR must:

• be authorised;

• be truthful and not misleading;

• accurately describe the purpose of the fundraising;

• respect people’s dignity;

• protect children and vulnerable people;

• comply with MCR policies;

• appropriately account for money received; and

• comply with applicable fundraising requirements.

MCR will not knowingly exploit a person’s trauma, poverty or vulnerability to obtain donations.

Tax deductibility

MCR will not represent that a donation is tax deductible unless MCR holds the necessary endorsement and the particular donation qualifies under applicable taxation requirements.

A general receipt or acknowledgement of a donation should not be interpreted as confirmation that the donation is tax deductible.

Refunds

Donations are generally voluntary.

Requests for refunds will be considered where appropriate, including where:

• an error has occurred;

• a duplicate payment has been made;

• a donation was unauthorised;

• the donor reasonably misunderstood the transaction; or

• another exceptional circumstance justifies a refund.