Donation policy

1. Introduction

The Living Open Source Foundation is committed to promoting economic growth, community empowerment, and providing open-source education and expertise to underprivileged individuals across Africa. Donations play a crucial role in helping us achieve these goals. This policy outlines the principles, procedures, and guidelines for receiving, managing, and utilizing donations.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this Donation Policy is to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective management of all contributions made to the Living Open Source Foundation. It aims to foster trust between the Foundation and its donors by clearly outlining how donations will be used to support the Foundation’s mission.

3. Types of Donations

The Living Open Source Foundation welcomes various types of donations, each contributing to the advancement of our mission:

• One-Time Donations: A single contribution made by an individual, organization, or corporation. These donations support specific programs, events, or general operations.
• Recurring Donations: Ongoing support provided through regular contributions on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. These help sustain the Foundation’s long-term initiatives.
• In-Kind Donations: Contributions of goods or services, such as hardware, software, volunteer time, or professional expertise, that benefit the Foundation’s projects and programs.
• Memorial and Honorary Donations: Donations made in memory or in honor of a loved one, colleague, or friend to celebrate their legacy.
• Sponsorships and Grants: Financial support from companies, organizations, or foundations earmarked for specific projects, events, or operational costs.

4. Donation Acceptance

The Living Open Source Foundation accepts donations in various forms, ensuring flexibility and ease for our donors. These include:

• Monetary Donations: Cash contributions made through different channels.
• In-Kind Donations: Non-monetary gifts such as equipment, software, and volunteer services.
• Sponsorships and Grants: Provided by organizations in support of our activities.

5. Payment Methods

The Living Open Source Foundation offers multiple payment options for donors to ensure convenience and security.

Accepted methods include:

• Bank Transfer: Direct deposit to the Foundation’s official ABSA bank account.
• Mobile Money: Contributions via mobile payment platforms such as MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, and other regionally available services.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Donations made using major credit or debit cards through secure online payment gateways.
• Online Payment Platforms: Payments through trusted services such as PayPal, Stripe, or other similar platforms.
• Checks: Donors can send checks made payable to the Living Open Source Foundation.

6. Donation Use

All donations will be used exclusively to further the mission of the Living Open Source Foundation. Funds may be allocated to:

• Educational Programs: Training and certification programs for individuals across Africa.
• Community Projects: Initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged communities through open-source technology.
• Operational Costs: Necessary expenses such as administrative costs, staff salaries, and logistics for running the Foundation.
• Growth Initiatives: Expansion of the Foundation’s reach, including marketing, partnerships, and event organization.

7. Donation Acknowledgment

The Living Open Source Foundation will acknowledge all donations, regardless of size, within a reasonable time frame. Donors will receive:

• A written acknowledgment via email or letter.
• Public recognition (unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous).
• Regular updates on how their donations are being used, including impact reports.

8. Donor Privacy

The Living Open Source Foundation is committed to protecting the privacy of its donors. We will not share, sell, or trade any personal information of our donors with any third-party entities, except as required by law. Donors who wish to remain anonymous may indicate their preference during the donation process.

9. Transparency and Accountability

The Living Open Source Foundation will maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all donations received. Regular financial reports, including audited accounts, will be made available to the public through our website to ensure transparency and accountability.

10. Refund Policy

Donations to the Living Open Source Foundation are generally non-refundable. However, in the case of an error in donation processing, requests for refunds will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Donors may contact us at donate@livingopensource.org for refund inquiries.

11. Donor Rights

Donors have the right to:

• Receive timely, truthful, and accurate information about how their donations are being used.
• Access the Foundation’s financial statements and reports.
• Request anonymity for their donations.

12. Policy Review

This Donation Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and in line with the Foundation’s mission and ethical standards. Amendments to the policy may be made as needed.

For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please get in touch with us at donate@livingopensource.org.

Living Open Source Foundation Refund and Cancellation Policy (Terms and Conditions)

1. Introduction

The Living Open Source Foundation is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in its interactions with donors, partners, and event participants. This Refund and Cancellation Policy outlines the terms and conditions regarding the refund and cancellation of donations, event registrations, and other financial transactions with the Foundation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Donations made to the Living Open Source Foundation.
• Event Registrations for workshops, conferences, and training sessions organized by the Foundation.
• Other Financial Transactions including sponsorships, grants, and in-kind support that may have financial implications.

3. Donations Refund Policy

3.1 General Refund Policy 

Donations made to the Living Open Source Foundation are typically non-refundable. The Foundation values each contribution and uses all donations to support its mission and programs. However, refunds may be issued in cases of:

• Error in Payment Processing: If a donor mistakenly enters an incorrect amount or makes an unintended duplicate donation.
• Fraudulent Transactions: In cases where a donation is made fraudulently or without the donor’s consent.

3.2 Refund Request Procedure

Donors seeking a refund must submit a request via email to donate@livingopensource.org within 14 days of the transaction, including the following details:

• Full name of the donor.
• Date and amount of the donation.
• Reason for the refund request.
• Proof of payment.

The Foundation will review the request and respond within 7 business days. If approved, refunds will be processed using the original method of payment. Refunds may take up to 14 business days to appear, depending on the payment method.

3.3 Partial Refunds

In certain cases, partial refunds may be issued depending on the nature of the request, the amount donated, and the time elapsed since the donation was made.

4. Event Registration Refund and Cancellation Policy

4.1 Event Cancellations by Participants

Participants who have registered for an event (e.g., workshops, training, or conferences) organized by the Living Open Source Foundation and wish to cancel their registration must submit a written cancellation request via email to events@livingopensource.org. Refunds for event registration fees will be issued as follows:

• Full Refund: If the cancellation request is received at least 14 days before the event start date.
• Partial Refund: 50% of the registration fee if the cancellation request is received between 7 and 13 days before the event start date.
• No Refund: No refunds will be issued for cancellation requests received less than 7 days before the event start date.

4.2 Event Cancellations by the Foundation

If the Living Open Source Foundation cancels an event due to unforeseen circumstances, registered participants will receive:

• A full refund of the registration fee or
• The option to transfer the registration to a future event of the same value.

4.3 Event Postponement

In the case of event postponement, participants will have the option to:

• Retain their registration for the new date, or
• Request a full refund if they are unable to attend on the rescheduled date.

5. Sponsorship and Grant Refunds

Sponsorships and grants are subject to individual agreements between the sponsoring or granting entity and the Living Open Source Foundation. Refunds for sponsorship or grant contributions will follow the terms outlined in the agreement. Refund requests for sponsorships must be made directly with the Foundation, and any disputes will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

6. Processing of Refunds

Refunds will be processed using the same payment method used for the original transaction. Depending on the payment provider, refunds may take up to 14 business days to reflect in the donor’s or participant’s account.

7. Membership Cancellation

Members can cancel their membership at any time by giving notice before the current membership cycle ends. Cancellation requests should be made via email or through the member portal.

• Refunds: Membership fees are non-refundable. However, if cancellation occurs within 7 days after renewal and no benefits have been used, a partial refund may be considered.
• Impact of Cancellation: Once canceled, all membership benefits will be lost. Members can reapply anytime, but previous benefits won’t be reinstated

8. Changes to the Policy

The Living Open Source Foundation reserves the right to update or modify this Refund and Cancellation Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. It is the responsibility of the donor or event participant to review the policy periodically.

9. Contact Information

For any inquiries, refund requests, or cancellations, please contact us at:

Email: donate@livingopensource.org