Donation/refund policy

Donation & Refund Policy

First Step Independence Inc.

Effective Date: October 9, 2026
Last Updated: October 9, 2026

1. Introduction

First Step Independence Inc. is committed to promoting independence, dignity, and community through charitable and educational activities. Our work focuses on education, training, and support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for individuals with physical, developmental, or cognitive challenges and those facing socioeconomic barriers to independent living.

This Donation & Refund Policy explains how donations are accepted, processed, acknowledged, and handled when a donor requests a refund.

By making a donation through our website, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

2. Donations

We welcome voluntary contributions from individuals and other supporters who wish to support our charitable and educational mission.

Donations can be made through the donation form on our website:

Website: https://firststepindependence.org/

Available donation options may include the amounts displayed on our donation page, as well as other amounts or methods that we may make available from time to time.

All donations must be submitted voluntarily and authorized by the donor or an individual legally authorized to use the relevant payment method.

3. Use of Donations

Donations are intended to support First Step Independence Inc.’s charitable and educational activities, programs, services, and related organizational expenses.

Depending on organizational needs and applicable restrictions, contributions may be used to support:

  • Education and training initiatives.
  • Programs promoting independent living skills.
  • Support services for individuals with disabilities or other challenges.
  • Community-focused charitable activities.
  • Administrative and operational expenses necessary to deliver our mission.

Unless a specific donation is expressly accepted as restricted, donations may be allocated according to the organization’s needs and priorities.

If a donation is designated for a particular program, we will handle that designation in accordance with our stated terms and applicable law.

4. Donation Processing and Confirmation

Donations submitted through our website may be processed by third-party payment service providers, including Stripe where applicable.

Once a donation has been successfully processed, the donor may receive an electronic confirmation or receipt using the email address provided during the donation process.

Donors are responsible for ensuring that the information submitted with their donation is accurate.

If you do not receive confirmation of your donation, please contact us with the transaction details so that we can investigate.

5. Refund Policy

Donations are generally considered voluntary contributions and are not automatically refundable. However, we recognize that errors and exceptional circumstances can occur.

First Step Independence Inc. may review refund requests in circumstances including:

  • Duplicate donations: The same donation was unintentionally submitted more than once.
  • Incorrect donation amount: An accidental entry or selection resulted in an unintended amount.
  • Unauthorized transactions: A donation was made without the payment account holder’s authorization.
  • Payment processing errors: A technical issue caused an incorrect or failed transaction.
  • Other exceptional circumstances: A request warrants review under our internal procedures and applicable law.

Refund requests will be assessed individually. A refund is not guaranteed simply because a donor changes their mind after making a donation.

Nothing in this policy limits any refund, cancellation, or other rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

6. How to Request a Refund

To request a refund, contact us using the details below.

Email: info@firststepindependence.org
Phone: (310) 692-4577

Please include the following information in your request:

  • Your full name.
  • The email address used for the donation.
  • The donation date and amount.
  • The payment transaction reference, if available.
  • The reason for requesting a refund.

For security reasons, do not email your complete credit card number, card security code, password, or online banking credentials.

We may request additional information reasonably necessary to verify the transaction and assess your request.

7. Refund Review and Processing

We will review refund requests and may contact the donor for clarification or verification.

If a refund is approved, it will generally be initiated through the original payment method, where supported by the payment processor.

The time required for the refunded amount to appear in the donor’s account depends on the payment provider and the donor’s bank or card issuer.

We will communicate any relevant refund decision or next steps using the contact information provided by the donor.

8. Unauthorized or Suspicious Transactions

If you believe that a donation was made using your payment method without your authorization, please contact us promptly.

You should also contact your bank, card issuer, or payment provider to report the transaction and follow its instructions for disputing unauthorized payments.

We may investigate the transaction and cooperate with the relevant payment provider or financial institution as appropriate.

9. Donation Cancellations

A completed donation generally cannot be cancelled as though it were an unprocessed payment. However, donors who believe that a transaction was submitted in error may contact us to request a review.

If recurring donations are offered in the future, separate cancellation instructions will be provided for those arrangements. This policy does not assume that recurring donations are currently available.

10. Tax Deductions and Donation Receipts

The tax treatment of donations depends on the organization’s legal status, the donor’s circumstances, and the laws applicable to the donation.

Donors should not assume that a contribution is tax-deductible unless the organization is eligible to provide the relevant tax treatment and the applicable requirements are met.

Please contact us if you need information about donation acknowledgments or available receipts.

11. Changes to This Policy

First Step Independence Inc. may revise this Donation & Refund Policy to reflect changes in its donation procedures, payment services, organizational activities, or legal obligations.

Updates will be published on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.

Any changes will be applied subject to applicable law and any rights that have already arisen.

12. Contact Information

For questions about donations, payment confirmations, or refund requests, please contact:

First Step Independence Inc.

Website: https://firststepindependence.org/
Email: info@firststepindependence.org
Phone: (310) 692-4577

Please provide your donation date and transaction reference, where available, so we can identify the transaction and assist you.

First Step Independence Inc.
Independence. Dignity. Community.

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