Working with accidental contributions to "Local - Youth Camp Registration"?

[nathangg]

Related topic: viewtopic.php?t=45950

We've now had 2 people contribute to the "Local - Youth Camp Registration" who do not have youth. Our ward also did not have a camp this year that necessitated funds from families.

However, it appears that this category might be causing some confusion. Some well-meaning ward members are adding funds (essentially "donating" through the online donation form) to this category. We're going to talk to these individuals, letting them know that this category is different and "contributions" to this category won't show up in as a tax deductible donation.

In thinking ahead, I'm curious what the official response to one of these individuals asking: "Can you refund the money so I can make a donation to fast offering or humanitarian aid instead (so it shows up as a charitable donation)?"

I think the answer is still probably, "no, we can't refund donations", right? (Even though this doesn't count as a tax-deductible donation, it is still falls under the "donation" umbrella, right?)

It just seems that in one sense we aren't calling this a donation (because it isn't tax deductible), but it feels like the answer to "can I get a refund?" might also still be "we're sorry, you can't".

I think we'll talk with the individuals and see if they want to do an adjustment (which we can do through LCR Finance).

Thank you,
Nathan

PS: I think by putting this category on the donations.churchofjesuschrist.org page, it makes it feel like this category is a traditional "donation" category. There is nothing online that indicates this is not a tax-deductible category and the website even appears to call it a donation.

Screenshot 2025-09-07 093534.png

[russellhltn]

When in doubt, consult the Handbook:

34.3.7
Contributions Cannot Be Refunded
When tithes and other offerings are given to the Church, they belong to the Lord. They are consecrated to Him. All such contributions are freewill offerings. They are made without reservation of purpose, retention of control, ownership in any form, or expectation of any benefit by the donor other than the Lord’s blessings.

Stake presidents and bishops inform those who contribute tithes and offerings that these contributions cannot be refunded. Nor can prepaid missionary funds be refunded.

The first paragraph doesn't seem to apply to youth camps. The second doesn't mention it at all.

[waltbristow]

This used to be funds that went into the "Other" account. My understanding is that, for example, if a youth ends up not going to camp, the funds can be "refunded." These funds do not show up on the annual tax statement.

[ebachhi]

Good point about confusion. Since these camp payments aren’t tax deductible anyway, I’d frame it to members as a payment that can be reallocated if needed. A straight refund is messy, but an internal adjustment in LCR (to move it where they really intended) usually solves the issue without breaking policy.