Can I refund an event registration or gift while a dispute is pending?

No. A transaction cannot be refunded while it is in dispute. This applies to event registration payments, donations, and other GiveCampus transactions, including requests for either full or partial refunds. Having refund permission or a remaining payment balance does not override an active dispute.

When can the transaction be refunded?

A refund can be considered only after the dispute has been dropped or resolved in the school's favor and the processor has confirmed the resolution so the payment is no longer disputed. Normal refund requirements still apply, including the payment's eligibility, remaining refundable balance, applicable refund window, and administrator permissions.

The donor saying they contacted their bank or asked to withdraw the dispute is not enough. Wait for the confirmed outcome and the payment status to update. If the status still shows Disputed, contact GiveCampus Support to verify it before attempting a refund. Do not promise an immediate refund after a donor requests withdrawal.

What should we do while the dispute is pending?

If the donor recognizes the transaction and wants to withdraw the dispute, they should contact their card issuer. Share any withdrawal confirmation with GiveCampus Support and continue working with Support on the dispute. A withdrawal request does not immediately close the case or remove any outstanding response requirements.

Do not try a partial refund, a bulk event refund, or another payment method to bypass the dispute. Changing an RSVP, canceling an event registration, or removing an activity does not resolve the payment dispute.

What if the dispute is decided in the donor's favor?

A lost dispute is handled as a chargeback, not as a separate refund to issue afterward. Do not issue a second reimbursement for the same disputed amount. Ask Support to help reconcile the payment and chargeback if the outcome or balance is unclear.

Suggested response for an event registration

No—we cannot refund the registration while the dispute is pending. A refund can only be considered after the dispute is dropped or decided in your school's favor and that outcome is confirmed on the payment. If the donor has asked their bank to withdraw it, please share the confirmation with us so we can verify the status. Their withdrawal request alone does not make the payment refundable yet.