Draft for trustee and legal review
This policy wording is a proposed draft. It will be finalised after approval by the governing body and review against the Patashala's registration documents and applicable law.
1. Purpose of Donations
Donations may be used for Vedic education, student learning and welfare, teaching activities, books and learning resources, meals or Annadanam where applicable, facilities and other charitable educational activities approved by Shree Gautama Veda Patashala.
2. Voluntary Contributions
A donation is a voluntary contribution towards the Patashala's charitable and educational purpose. It is not a purchase of goods or services and does not create an entitlement to personal services, admission, a particular result, or any other benefit. Donors may not require the Patashala, its Acharyas or students to provide services in exchange for a donation or use a donation to direct academic, spiritual or administrative decisions.
3. Acceptance and Use of Funds
Shree Gautama Veda Patashala reserves the right to accept or decline a proposed donation, subject to its governing documents and applicable law. Decisions relating to the use and administration of donations rest with the authorised governing body of the Patashala. The decision of the governing body on acceptance and allocation shall be final, subject to applicable law.
4. Donations for a Specific Purpose
A donor who wishes to support a particular activity should discuss the designation with Shree Gautama Veda Patashala before transferring funds. If the stated purpose is fully funded, becomes impracticable or cannot be carried out, the Patashala may, subject to applicable law and appropriate internal approval, apply the funds to a closely related charitable educational purpose. Shree Gautama Veda Patashala will make reasonable efforts to contact the donor where the donor's contact details are available.
5. Authorised Payments and Receipts
Donations should be made only through payment channels formally authorised and published by Shree Gautama Veda Patashala. Donors should verify the recipient name and payment details before completing a transaction, and should retain the transaction confirmation. The Patashala will issue receipts in accordance with its approved procedures and applicable legal requirements. Donors should not transfer funds to unofficial accounts or intermediaries.
6. Tax Benefits
Any statement about tax exemption or deduction will be made only if Shree Gautama Veda Patashala has the relevant current approval and meets applicable legal requirements. A donation receipt does not by itself guarantee tax deductibility. Donors are responsible for checking their individual tax position with a qualified adviser where necessary.
7. Refunds, Duplicate and Erroneous Payments
Voluntary donations that have been successfully received are ordinarily not refundable. However, a donor may contact Shree Gautama Veda Patashala if a duplicate, excess, failed, mistaken or otherwise erroneous payment appears to have occurred. The request should include the transaction reference, date, amount and proof of payment. The Patashala will review the request and communicate its decision. Any approved refund will be processed through an appropriate method, subject to payment-provider requirements and applicable law.
8. Contributions from Outside India
Contributions originating outside India will be accepted only where Shree Gautama Veda Patashala is legally permitted to receive them and all applicable registration, prior-permission and other requirements are met. Prospective donors should contact the Patashala and receive confirmation before initiating an international transfer.
9. Donor Privacy and Recognition
Donor information will be collected and used for purposes such as processing contributions, issuing receipts, maintaining statutory and financial records, communicating about the donation and meeting legal obligations. Information may be shared with authorised payment providers, professional advisers or public authorities where reasonably necessary or required by law. A donor's name, photograph or contribution details should be publicly acknowledged only in accordance with the Patashala's approved practice and the donor's stated preference, where applicable.
10. Communications and Updates
Shree Gautama Veda Patashala may provide receipts, relevant updates or information about its activities using the contact details supplied by the donor. Donors may request that non-essential communications stop. Records that the Patashala is legally required to retain may be kept for the required period.
11. Questions and Grievances
Questions about a donation, receipt, donor details or a payment issue may be sent to the authorised contact published on the official website: [Insert official donation contact email and/or phone number]. The Patashala should acknowledge and review such requests through its approved internal process.
12. Policy Updates
Shree Gautama Veda Patashala may revise this policy when needed to reflect changes in its activities, governance or applicable law. The latest approved version and effective date will be displayed on the official website.
13. Governing Requirements
This policy is subject to the registered entity's governing documents and applicable Indian law. Where there is any inconsistency, applicable law and the registered governing documents will prevail.
Questions about your donation?
Questions about a donation, a receipt or a payment issue? Contact the Patashala with your transaction reference, date and amount.