Advance Voluntary Donations

Advance Voluntary Donations

Access: Kindo Payable Administrators

Advance Donations


Some schools encourage families to contribute early by offering a reduced donation amount if paid before a certain date. This is fine to do - but wording matters.
The IRD has advised that calling these "discounted donations" or "early bird offers" can cause confusion, and may lead to families having their tax rebate claims rejected.


1. Use the term "Advance Donation"
  1. Always frame early contributions as advance donations.
  2. This makes clear the contribution is voluntary and not a required payment.

2. It's ok to reduce the amount - frame it correctly.
  1. You can offer a lower donation amount if paid early.
  2. Present both as suggested donation amounts, not as a discount or obligation.
  3. Avoid presenting donation requests as invoices - invoice style formatting or compulsory language may give the impression of a required payment.

✅ Use:
“The advance donation is $250 if paid before 31 March. After that, the suggested amount is $300.”

❌ Avoid:
"Pay $300 or get $50 off if you pay by 31 March."

3. Use donation - friendly wording

Suitable terms include:
  1. Suggested donation amount
  2. Advance donation if paid before...
  3. Thank you for supporting our school

Avoid terms like:
  1. Due Date
  2. Discount Applied
  3. Outstanding Balance
  4. Payment Required.

Setting up in Kindo


  1. Create a payment request item in the Payables Catalogue for your advance donation (e.g. 2026 Advance Donation).


  1. Apply to all students or groups as needed.
  2. Communicate with families using the recommended wording above.

Related articles:

  1. Voluntary donations - suggested ways to setup and manage