Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, browsing, or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of the website after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. About Comunidad Connect

Comunidad Connect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007, dedicated to alleviating poverty and creating generational change in Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. Our programs include Together For Health (community health clinics), Homes For Good (housing construction), Youth Development (sports and leadership), and Cultural Connections (service-learning trips for academic, corporate, faith, and common interest groups).

3. Acceptable Use

You agree to use our website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe upon or restrict the use of this website by others. Specifically, you agree not to:

• Use the website for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable laws or regulations
• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information through any form on the website
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the website, its servers, or any systems connected to the website
• Interfere with or disrupt the website's functionality, including through the use of automated scripts, bots, or other means
• Transmit spam, chain letters, or other unsolicited communications through our contact forms or other channels

4. User Accounts

Certain features of our website, such as the trip portal and admin dashboard, require authentication. Access to these features is restricted to authorized users, including registered trip participants and Comunidad Connect staff with @comunidadconnect.org email addresses. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

5. Cultural Connections Trips

Our Cultural Connections program facilitates service-learning trips to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. By registering for a trip, you agree to the following:

Registration and Participation

Trip registration requires providing accurate personal information, including emergency contact details and relevant health information. You must be at least 18 years old to register independently; participants under 18 must have written parental or guardian consent. Registration does not guarantee participation; Comunidad Connect reserves the right to decline or cancel registrations at its discretion.

Health and Safety

You are responsible for disclosing any medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, or other health information that may be relevant to your participation. Travel to developing countries involves inherent risks, including but not limited to exposure to disease, limited medical facilities, adverse weather, and unpredictable conditions. You acknowledge these risks and agree to follow all safety guidelines provided by Comunidad Connect staff and trip guides.

Itinerary Changes

All trip itineraries are tentative and subject to change based on weather, national holidays, community partner availability, safety concerns, and other circumstances beyond our control. Comunidad Connect reserves the right to modify itineraries, accommodations, or activities at any time to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.

Code of Conduct

Trip participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and responsibly at all times. This includes respecting local customs and cultures, following instructions from trip guides and Comunidad Connect staff, and refraining from any behavior that could endanger themselves or others. Comunidad Connect reserves the right to remove any participant from a trip for violations of this code of conduct, without refund.

6. Donations

Comunidad Connect is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Donations made through our website are processed by our third-party payment partner, Neon CRM. By making a donation, you confirm that the funds are your own and that you are authorized to make the donation.

Tax Deductibility

Donations to Comunidad Connect are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law under IRS Section 170. You will receive an acknowledgment for your records. For donations of $250 or more, we will provide a written acknowledgment as required by IRS regulations. Please consult your tax advisor for specific guidance on deductibility.

Refund Policy

Donations are generally non-refundable. If you believe a donation was made in error or if you have been charged incorrectly, please contact us at ccinfo@comunidadconnect.org within 30 days. We will review your request on a case-by-case basis.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is the property of Comunidad Connect or its content providers and is protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content on this website without our prior written consent. The Comunidad Connect name, logo, and related trademarks are the property of Comunidad Connect and may not be used without permission.

8. User-Submitted Content

By submitting content through our website (including contact form messages, trip feedback, photos, and documents), you grant Comunidad Connect a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and display such content for purposes related to our mission and operations. You represent that you own or have the necessary rights to submit such content and that it does not violate any third party's rights. Comunidad Connect reserves the right to remove any user-submitted content at its sole discretion.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Comunidad Connect, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of our website or participation in our programs. Our total liability for any claim arising from these Terms shall not exceed the amount you paid to Comunidad Connect, if any, in the twelve months preceding the claim. This website and its content are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Comunidad Connect, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your violation of these Terms, your use of the website, or your participation in any Comunidad Connect program.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the website shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Georgia. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts.

12. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. We will post the updated Terms on this page and update the "Last Updated" date. For significant changes, we may also notify you via a prominent notice on our website. Your continued use of the website after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: