Funding for trips is handled in two ways.
1. Deposits are collected and then passed onto the Airlines, Bus Companies, and Hotels. Those deposits are not refundable (to OTTOM from the travel provider or to the individual missionary). Airline tickets are purchased and Hotels and Bus are paid for in advance. If money in your trip account has been dispersed in this way, it cannot be refunded, regardless of if you have fully finished raising the funds for the trip or not.
2. Some funds are held until travel time and are used for expenses on the trip (such as meals in restaurants). If you are unable to travel these funds may be held in escrow for future travel for up to one calendar year.
As a ministry that accepts donations and gives tax receipts we must follow the IRS rules. If a donation is given as a gift, it is not eligible to be refunded.