Giving to a Project

Can I get my money back if the student I support ends up not going?

According to Campus Outreach's interpretation of the tax codes and laws, tax-deductible contributions are nonrefundable. These funds will, however, stay in the short-term missions fund and assist other Campus Outreach sponsored trips. If you cancel your involvement after travel documents are purchased (airfare, visas, etc.) you will be expected to cover all of the fees, penalties and losses incurred at that point.

How is the cost determined?

Each team budget can contain 30 or more major expense categories. Some of these include airfare, vehicle rental and gasoline, housing costs, food, visas, training materials, ministry materials, travel & health insurance, construction materials, and much more. Every effort is made to minimize costs without jeopardizing the quality, effectiveness or safety of the ministry. A trip team leader works closely with the in-country leaders and presents a budget that is reviewed and approved by the board.

Are gifts to missions trips considered Board-designated or donor-restricted?

Gifts to Campus Outreach projects are considered Board-Designated gifts. This means that Campus Outreach leadership can decide how funds can be used in all of the various circumstances that may come up in mission trip planning. This could include using funds from this year's Thailand trip for various expenses related to the Thailand project, or if fundraising goes very well, future Thailand needs. Board-Designated giving gives Campus Outreach leadership the ability to decide how to use missions funds in a way that works best for the overall organization. In no circumstances are projects gifts Temporarily or Permanently Donor Restricted to a specific trip or a specific short-term missionary's expenses on that trip.

Which expenses can be reimbursed?

A team member is not allowed to control which expenses can be reimbursed from the funds raised. Funds raised well in excess of the funds needed cannot be directed by the team member, but are under the direction and control of Campus Outreach leadership. Coach class airfare to and from the missions site, and onsite meals and transportation are typically reimbursable when approved in advanced. Airfare for side trips and non-coach tickets are not reimbursable. Immunizations are not reimbursable, but a team member can request a tax receipt for immunizations. In general team member should seek email approval from their trip leader, prior to incurring an expense.

What if less money comes in than needed?

Sometimes God uses a serious lack of support as an indicator that a person should not go on a particular project. The guideline we follow is that a participant must have 100% raised 30 days before departure. If this does not occur, please discuss it with your team leader and you will be given the option of paying the difference or postponing your involvement. As previously mentioned, any surplus funds raised by other team members can go to help support team members who are under-supported.

What if more money comes in than is needed?

Throughout this ministry the participant will function as part of a team. Your effectiveness is determined not just from an individual standpoint, but also as a team. Also, each person’s ability to raise funds varies depending on who they know, how many people they know, their ability to communicate effectively,etc.. Therefore, since the goal is to fund the entire team, any monies given beyond what you will need will go to support other team members who are struggling with their funds. Finally, if more money comes in than is required by a team, the funds can go to assist other teams who are struggling.

Will my donation be tax deductible?

Yes.