> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.giftcollective.nz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.giftcollective.nz/raising-money/receiving-contributions.md).

# Receiving contributions

For general guidance about receiving contributions through Open Collective, check out [their documentation](https://documentation.opencollective.com/getting-started/understanding-contributions).

## Payment methods

Contributions made by credit/debit card are automatically credited to your Collective's balance.

Contributions made by bank transfer are credited to your Collective's balance when we receive them. Each contribution has its own six-digit reference number, which should be included in the payment reference.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If a bank transfer is made without including the right reference number, the funds may not be credited to your Collective's balance.
{% endhint %}

## Purchases vs. donations

When creating a [contribution tier](https://documentation.opencollective.com/collectives/raising-money/setting-goals-and-tiers), you'll be asked to select a receipt type. The receipt type you should select depends on whether the contribution is for a purchase, or for a donation.

### Purchases

If there is *any* way the donor could obtain a material benefit from a contribution in a given tier, then it is a purchase, and you **must** select `Non-Donation Payment Receipt` for that tier. This includes:

* Merchandise and ticket sales
* Workshops and training, even if the training is free of charge for other participants
* Other goods or services

### Donations

If there is no material benefit available to the donor from from a contribution in a given tier, then it is a donation, and you should select `Donation Receipt` for that tier.

{% hint style="info" %}
Even if there's no direct link between a contribution and a benefit, you shouldn't describe your tiers in such a way that it could be confused. For example, avoid using phrases like "covers the cost of one person".
{% endhint %}

Donations for which donation receipts are issued are eligible for donation tax credits in New Zealand, as The Gift Trust is a registered [donee organisation](https://myir.ird.govt.nz/tools/?LINK=DONREQ).

## Refunds

Purchases are refundable at our sole discretion, as long as a `Non-Donation Payment Receipt` was issued for the contribution.

If a `Donation Receipt` was issued for the contribution, **no refund is available**, as we have no way of ensuring that the associated donation tax credit will not be claimed. This applies regardless of whether the contribution was a donation or a purchase.

Exceptions may be made if a contribution was made fraudulently, if an error occurred, or in other exceptional circumstances at our sole discretion. No partial refunds can be made, and your Collective will still be charged a [host fee](/collectives/costs.md#fiscal-host-fees) on refunded amounts.

We can only give a refund if your Collective has sufficient balance to cover it, and to cover the host fee on the refunded amount.

### Requesting a refund

To request a refund on behalf of a contributor, email <contact@giftcollective.nz> with:

* The reference number of the contribution
* The name and contact details of the contributor
* The circumstances that require the refund
* (Bank transfer contributions only) The bank account to which the contribution should be refunded

Requests for refunds must be made within 30 days of the contribution.