Donation terms

Blackburn Cathedral Donation Policy

We are committed to ensuring transparency in how donations are handled and used. By making a donation, you agree to the following terms:

1. Acceptance & Use of Donations

• All donations are accepted at the sole discretion of Blackburn Cathedral. While we strive to honour donor preferences, all funds will be used in accordance with the Cathedral’s charitable objectives, ensuring they contribute to the sustainability and growth of our work.
• Donors may specify a preferred purpose for their gift (eg. mission and worship, buildings and fabric, music, education and outreach, etc.), and we will make every effort to allocate funds accordingly. However, if a donation cannot be used for the specified purpose, Blackburn Cathedral reserves the right to apply it to the area of greatest need.
• The Cathedral will not accept any gift that is inconsistent with our mission, values or ethical policies.
• Gifts of real property, personal property, in-kind contributions, non-liquid securities and donations with specific restrictions may require prior review before acceptance to ensure they do not create undue obligations or financial risk for the Cathedral.

2. Non-Refundable Donations

• Once a donation has been processed, it is considered final and non-refundable.
• Refunds will not be issued except in exceptional circumstances, such as an administrative error (eg. duplicate transactions). If you have concerns regarding your donation, please contact our finance team.

3. Donor Financial Security & Independent Advice

• Blackburn Cathedral strongly encourages donors to ensure their contributions are made in a financially responsible manner.
• We do not accept irrevocable gifts if doing so would compromise a donor’s financial security.
• The Cathedral does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend donors consult with their own financial or legal advisers before making a significant gift.

4. Gift Aid (for UK Taxpayers)

• If you are a UK taxpayer, your donation may be eligible for Gift Aid, allowing us to claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated at no extra cost to you.
• By selecting Gift Aid, you confirm that you have understood the rules applicable to your donation and the implication this may have upon you.

5. Privacy & Data Protection

• Blackburn Cathedral is committed to protecting donor privacy and we do not sell, share, or trade donor information with third parties. Any personal details provided during the donation process will be handled securely and in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
• If you wish to remain anonymous, we will respect your request and ensure only essential staff members have access to your details for the purposes of administering the transaction.

6. Donation Acknowledgment

• All donors will receive an email confirmation receipt after their donation has been processed.
• Aside from cash gifts and publicly traded securities, we do not assign a financial value to in-kind donations or gifts of property.
• If you do not receive an email acknowledgment or require further documentation, please contact our finance team.

7. Transparency & Accountability

• We are committed to using donations effectively and responsibly. Annual financial reports, including details on how donations are used, are available upon request or via our website.
• If you have any questions about how your donation will be used, we encourage you to get in touch before making your contribution.

8. Third-Party Compensation & Fundraising Ethics

• Blackburn Cathedral does not offer commissions, finders’ fees, or other incentives to third parties for directing donations or donors to us.
• Any fundraising activity conducted on behalf of Blackburn Cathedral must adhere to ethical guidelines and be pre-approved by The Dean and Chapter of Blackburn Cathedral.

For any further questions, please contact us.