Transparent guidelines for donations supporting our sacramental ministry
Earth Connection Community is a 501(c)(3) religious organization. Our mission is to facilitate the sincere practice of our sacramental tradition, including the preparation and administration of sacred ceremony for our community. All donations received by our organization support this religious mission, including the preparation of sacrament, the maintenance of our ceremonial space, the support of our ministers and facilitators, and the continuation of our spiritual community.
We accept charitable donations to sustain our sacramental ministry. Participation in our sacred ceremonies is offered to members and participants of our religious community as part of our ministry. There is no fee or charge for ceremony. We do request suggested donations to support our ability to continue holding ceremony and serving our community.
As part of our religious duty of care, all participants undergo a ministerial contraindication screening prior to ceremony. Our ministers have a sacred obligation to ensure that participation in our sacrament is appropriate for each individual.
If our ministerial screening determines that participation in ceremony is not appropriate for an individual at this time — including but not limited to the use of contraindicated medications, certain diagnosed conditions, or other factors identified during the screening process — the individual's full donation will be returned. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method within 7–10 business days. This is the sole circumstance under which donations are returned as a matter of policy.
We recognize that life circumstances change. As donations to our ministry are irrevocable charitable gifts, donors do not have a contractual right to a refund or transfer. However, we are committed to pastoral care for our community.
If a donor is unable to attend their scheduled ceremony, we ask that they contact us as soon as possible. At our organization's sole discretion and as an expression of pastoral care, we may:
These accommodations are offered in the spirit of community and are not guaranteed. The earlier a donor contacts us, the more likely we are able to accommodate their situation. Donors who do not contact us prior to ceremony and do not attend will be considered to have made their donation without accommodation.
In the rare event that we must cancel a scheduled ceremony due to unforeseen circumstances, we will work with all registered participants individually to accommodate them at the next available ceremony date at no additional donation. We are committed to honoring the intent of every donation received and ensuring that each donor has the opportunity to participate in ceremony.
Earth Connection Community is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donors will receive a written acknowledgment of their donation for their records.
Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your donation. The tax treatment of donations to religious organizations may depend on a number of factors specific to your individual circumstances.
If you have any questions about this policy or your donation, please contact us directly. We are always happy to speak with members of our community.