If you’re having trouble finding a specific disbursement on the Benevity Causes Portal, there are several factors that may explain the delay or why it hasn’t appeared yet. Below are common reasons and key details to help you understand the process.
Processing timelines
Donations are aggregated over a specific period, typically monthly. The "Period End Date" indicates when this aggregation closed, but processing times for disbursements can vary. For example, donations made in September are usually disbursed by the end of October. For additional details, see When are donations sent?
Disbursing entity
Benevity works with a global network of foundation partners to aggregate and disburse funds. If a specific foundation partner is responsible for your disbursement, it may take extra time for the funds to appear in your account due to their processing timelines.
Note: Disbursements are sent by our foundation partners, not directly by Benevity. Be aware of this when searching for related bank transactions, as the sender name may reflect the foundation partner (e.g., UK Online Giving Foundation) instead of Benevity.
Payment method
Disbursements are sent through various methods, including electronic funds transfer (EFT), PayPal, or checks. If there is a delay with your selected payment method, it could cause the disbursement to take longer to appear in your account. For instance, check payments may take longer to process compared to electronic transfers.
Incomplete Information
Ensure that your nonprofit’s profile on Benevity is up to date, especially your banking details. Missing, outdated, or incorrect banking information could result in delayed or failed disbursements. It's essential to regularly review and update your organization's information to avoid any interruptions.
If your nonprofit’s profile on Benevity is missing or has outdated banking information, disbursements may be delayed or fail entirely. To avoid interruptions, ensure your organization’s details, especially banking information, are accurate and up to date. Learn how to update your details.
Regulatory or tax requirements
Nonprofits must comply with all local regulatory and tax requirements to receive disbursements. This includes:
- Maintaining an active charitable status.
- Filing relevant tax documentation.
- Meeting additional local obligations.
Noncompliance can result in delays or withheld funds until these requirements are met. Learn more about how Benevity assess eligibility of nonprofit organizations.
Local currency disbursements
We always disburse to your organization in your local currency, using the exchange rate applicable on the day of disbursement. However, the downloadable reports will reflect the original currency in which the donation was made.
Funds are sent by foundation partners, such as the UK Online Giving Foundation, to the bank account listed in your Benevity Causes Portal profile. After the disbursement is initiated, it may take a few business days for banks to complete the transfer.
Check payments
Check payments may require up to four weeks to process through the mailing system. When a payment shows as “Sent,” it does not mean it has arrived—only that it has been dispatched. Once the disbursement process begins, you’ll see the status change from "Current" to "In Progress" on your dashboard.
While we cannot provide an exact timeline for when donations will be disbursed, please rest assured that our teams are working diligently to prepare and release them as quickly as possible.
For more information on tracking your donations and disbursements, refer to our guide on Understanding Donor Reports.