Donations and mutual aid
Donation, savings and income: three different things
A donation is a contribution with no repayment promised. Savings are funds set aside by their owner, sometimes in a group. Income is money received for work, a service or another defined right.
Understand the commitment
A solidarity fundraiser may help someone meet a need, but contributors are not automatically entitled to get their money back. A tontine rotates members’ savings; it does not automatically create a profit.
Check before acting
Ask who receives the funds, what they will be used for, whether repayment is expected and what proof will be shared. Tax and legal rules depend on the country and organization.