Last updated: 27 October 2026
Summary
Short version: Contributions to innovations on the OCIIP Registry are voluntary charitable gifts. They are non-refundable once processed, except where fraud or misuse is confirmed through an OCIIP investigation.
1. Nature of contributions
Donations made through the OCIIP Innovation Registry are charitable gifts made voluntarily to support the work of individual innovators. They are not purchases, investments, loans, or payments for any product, service, or financial return.
By making a donation, you acknowledge that:
- You are giving money to support an innovator's work
- You will receive no financial return, equity, product, or service in exchange
- You accept that the innovator will use the funds for the stated purpose of the innovation
2. When refunds are not issued
Refunds are not issued in the following circumstances:
- The innovator's project does not proceed as planned
- The innovator's project does not reach commercial success
- You change your mind after donating
- You disagree with the innovator's approach or progress
- The innovation receives less support than its target
These are inherent risks of charitable giving. By donating, you accept them.
3. When refunds are issued
Refunds are issued in the following circumstances:
- Confirmed fraud: If OCIIP's investigation determines that a donation was obtained through deliberate misrepresentation of the innovation, the innovator, or the use of funds
- Verified misuse: If OCIIP determines that funds were used in a way that directly violates the Innovator Support Pledge
- Duplicate charges: If a payment was processed more than once for the same donation due to a technical error
4. How to report a concern
If you believe a donation should be refunded, contact OCIIP with the details of your concern:
- Email: info@ociip.org
- Include: Your name, email, innovation name, transaction reference (from your Paystack receipt), date of donation, and reason for the concern
We acknowledge every report within 5 business days.
5. How we investigate
When a report is received, OCIIP will:
- Acknowledge the report within 5 business days
- Pause further support for the innovation during the investigation
- Request information from the innovator and any other relevant parties
- Review the innovator's progress updates and use of funds
- Make a determination within a reasonable timeframe (typically 14–30 days)
- Notify the reporting supporter of the outcome
Investigations are conducted in good faith, and OCIIP may request additional information from the reporting supporter if needed.
6. Refund process
If OCIIP determines that a refund is warranted, the process is:
- The refund amount is confirmed with the affected supporter(s)
- OCIIP attempts to recover the funds from the innovator
- Where recovery is not possible, OCIIP will refund from its own reserve
- Refunds are processed back to the original payment method via Paystack
- The refund is typically completed within 10 business days of approval
7. Contact
For any question about this policy, contact us:
