Terms of Service

Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding

Effective Date 06.23.25

Introduction

What We Do
Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding is dedicated to providing a secure, efficient, and transparent platform that empowers Users to support meaningful causes through donations or by creating social fundraising campaigns for authorized recipients or beneficiaries (“Recipients” or “Beneficiaries”) worldwide. Our Platform facilitates the collection and transfer of funds to individuals and organizations within the canonical Orthodox Christian Churches in the United States. While we endeavor to maintain the integrity and reliability of the Services, Commonwealth does not exercise control over, and expressly disclaims any liability for, the actions, omissions, or use of donated funds by Recipients or any third parties associated with campaigns hosted on the Platform or other related websites.

Scope and Purpose
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding platform, including our website, mobile applications, and any other services or features offered (collectively, the “Platform”). By utilizing the Platform, you enter into a binding legal agreement with Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding (“Commonwealth,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms set forth the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of all users, whether you are a donor, campaign organizer, beneficiary, or other participant. Please read these Terms carefully before engaging with the Platform.

Agreement to Terms
By accessing or using the Platform in any capacity, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, including any future amendments or updates. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of those changes. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must cease all use of the Platform immediately.

Arbitration and Waiver of Class Action
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to your use of the Platform, or these Terms, shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration administered by an established arbitration provider. By agreeing to these Terms, you waive your right to pursue claims in court, including your right to a jury trial, and waive any right to participate in class action litigation or class-wide arbitration.

Terms

Beneficiary
The individual, group, or entity for whose benefit a fundraising campaign is created, and who is the intended recipient of funds raised via the Platform.

Donor
Any person or entity who contributes monetary donations through the Platform to support a fundraising campaign.

Campaign
A fundraiser initiated on the Platform with the purpose of raising funds for a specified Beneficiary or charitable cause.

Organizer
Any individual or entity that creates, manages, or administers a Campaign on the Platform.

Platform
The entire suite of online services, technologies, websites, and mobile applications operated by Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding, through which Users may access fundraising tools and related services.

Recipient
The authorized individual or organization designated to receive funds from a Campaign, including Beneficiaries and NPOs.

Services
The full range of features, functionalities, and tools provided by Commonwealth through the Platform, including donation processing, campaign creation, and communication capabilities.

Transaction Fee
Any fees charged by Commonwealth or third-party payment processors for facilitating donations or payments on the Platform.

Transfers
The disbursement or movement of funds collected via Campaigns to the designated Recipient’s bank account or payment method.

User
Any person or legal entity who accesses or uses the Platform in any capacity, including but not limited to Organizers, Donors, Beneficiaries, and Visitors.

User Content
Any materials, information, text, images, videos, or other content uploaded, submitted, or shared by Users on or through the Platform, including campaign descriptions, updates, and comments.

User Conduct
The behavior, actions, and interactions of Users when accessing or utilizing the Platform or Services.

Services

Description of Services
Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding offers a digital platform that enables individuals, organizations, and non-profits to create and manage fundraising campaigns (“Campaigns”) for themselves or on behalf of authorized recipients (“Recipients”). Our Services facilitate the lawful collection, processing, and transfer of donations made by Donors through secure electronic payment methods.

Role and Limitations
Commonwealth acts as a facilitator and technology provider, enabling Users to raise and donate funds. We are not a bank, payment processor, broker, or financial advisor. Commonwealth does not exercise control over Fundraisers, Recipients, or the use of donated funds, and we cannot guarantee the success or outcome of any campaign. It is the responsibility of Donors to evaluate and determine the legitimacy and suitability of any cause before contributing. Users should seek professional advice for legal, financial, or tax matters related to donations or fundraising.

Funds Handling and Disbursement
Funds donated through the Platform are held temporarily in segregated accounts solely for the purpose of facilitating transfers to designated Recipients. Commonwealth acts as the authorized agent of Recipients in receiving and processing donations on their behalf. Transfers of funds to Recipients are made electronically to accounts designated by the Recipients, less any applicable processing or service fees described in Section 4. Commonwealth disclaims any liability if a Recipient does not claim or properly use funds transferred to them.

Modification, Suspension, or Termination of Services
We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue all or part of the Services at any time, with or without prior notice. While we strive to minimize disruptions, Commonwealth shall not be liable for any consequences arising from such changes. Additionally, to improve user experience, we may conduct testing, including A/B testing, to evaluate different versions of the Platform.

Communications
By using the Services, you consent to receive electronic communications from Commonwealth regarding Platform activity, service updates, or other matters. Commonwealth is not responsible for the content of communications sent by Users, including any messages promoting Fundraisers or campaigns.

Application and Eligibility

Campaign Application and Approval
Users seeking to create a fundraising campaign (“Campaign”) on the Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding platform must apply through our designated application process. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Commonwealth reserves the sole and absolute discretion to approve, modify, suspend, or reject any Campaign application for any reason, including but not limited to compliance with our policies, legal requirements, or alignment with our mission and values. No Campaign may commence or solicit donations until expressly approved by Commonwealth.

Clergy Verification Requirement
Approval of any Campaign on the Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding platform is contingent upon verification by authorized clergy within one of the canonical Orthodox Churches. As part of the application process, Users must agree to provide accurate contact information in order to facilitate this process in order for clergy members to confirm the identity of the Campaign Organizer and the legitimacy of the need or cause. This requirement ensures that all Campaigns align with the spiritual, ethical, and communal standards upheld by the Orthodox Christian tradition.

About the Canonical Orthodox Churches
The term Canonical Orthodox Churches refers to the autocephalous (self-governing) and recognized jurisdictions that maintain apostolic succession, adhere to the teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Christian faith, and are in full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. These Churches are united in doctrine, sacraments, and canonical order, upholding the Orthodox faith worldwide.

Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding recognizes verification and endorsements from clergy within the following canonical Orthodox Churches, among others:

Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople

Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Orthodox Church in America (OCA)

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese

Serbian Orthodox Church

Bulgarian Orthodox Church

Romanian Orthodox Church

Georgian Orthodox Church

Ukrainian Orthodox Church

This list is representative and not exhaustive. Verification from clergy outside these jurisdictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided the clergy are canonical and recognized within the Orthodox communion.

Verification Procedure
Users submitting a Campaign application will be required to submit contact information for the relevant clergy and any additional documentation as requested by Commonwealth. Commonwealth may directly communicate with clergy to confirm authenticity and the appropriateness of the Campaign. The decision to approve or reject a Campaign rests solely with Commonwealth, based in part on the sufficiency of this verification process.

Purpose and Integrity
This clergy-based verification process is intended to maintain the integrity of the Platform by ensuring that donations support bona fide needs within the Orthodox community. Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for verifying the accuracy of information beyond this process, and Users agree that Commonwealth’s reliance on clergy verification is reasonable and sufficient for approval purposes.

Right to Decline
Commonwealth reserves the right to decline or suspend any Campaign application for any reason and/or if verification is incomplete, insufficient, or indicates misrepresentation. No Campaign shall proceed without full compliance with this verification requirement.

Compliance with Third-Party Payment Processors
Users may be required to register with third-party payment processors that facilitate donations through the Platform. Users agree to comply with all applicable terms imposed by such payment processors. Commonwealth reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to Services if it or its payment processors determine that User information is inaccurate, violates these Terms, or is used fraudulently. Such actions may also result in referral to relevant legal authorities.

Age Restrictions
Use of the Platform is limited to individuals who are at least 18 years old. By registering or using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you are 18 or older.

Mobile and Electronic Communications
The Platform may include mobile services, allowing Users to access and manage Fundraisers via mobile devices. Wireless carrier fees may apply. By providing a mobile phone number, Users consent to receive service-related text messages, including security alerts. Users may opt out of marketing messages where applicable, but security-related communications cannot be unsubscribed. Users must keep contact information current to ensure receipt of important communications.

Payment Processors
Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding does not hold funds raised on the Platform nor directly process payments. All donations made to Campaigns are managed and processed by third-party payment processors engaged by Commonwealth. To facilitate the transfer of funds raised through a Campaign, Users may be required to provide bank account and related payment information to these authorized payment processor partners. Commonwealth relies on these processors to securely handle all payment transactions, and Users agree to comply with any applicable terms and requirements imposed by such third parties.

User Responsibilities and Obligations

Organizers
As an Organizer, you represent and warrant that all information you provide about your Campaign is accurate, complete, and transparent. You are responsible for clearly describing how funds raised will be used and must ensure funds are applied solely for that stated purpose. You may post updates on your Campaign to inform Donors about the use of funds and any relevant developments. If raising funds on behalf of another individual or entity, you must ensure that all funds are given to or used exclusively for that Beneficiary. By designating a Beneficiary, you relinquish control of the donations to that Beneficiary. You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to your Campaign, including tax and donation laws. If you use personal data—such as names, images, or likenesses—you must have legal permission to share it with Commonwealth and on the Platform. Offering goods or services in exchange for donations is prohibited. Commonwealth may share Campaign information with Donors, Beneficiaries, legal authorities, and as otherwise described in our Privacy Notice. If you create a Campaign for a non-profit organization you consent to sharing your name and email with that NPO for compliance or fundraising purposes.

Maintaining Accurate Information
You must keep your registration details current and accurate, including name, address, images, and videos that represent you or your Campaign. This ensures transparency, trust, and legal compliance.

Cooperation
You agree to cooperate fully with any verification requests Commonwealth deems necessary, including but not limited to providing documentation on the use of funds, identities of recipients or beneficiaries, and consent from third parties benefiting from the funds. Commonwealth reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or ban any Campaign, Account, Donation, or Transfer if we reasonably believe these Terms are violated or risks exist.

Donations

Donors
When donating, you acknowledge responsibility to understand how your donation will be used and accept the inherent risks. You should monitor Campaign pages for updates. Commonwealth does not guarantee that donations will be used as described. Reports of fraud or misuse will be taken seriously and investigated.

Making Donations
Donations must be made using valid payment methods. You represent that your payment information is correct and that you have legal authority to use it. Donations are generally non-refundable unless otherwise stated in our policies or applicable guarantees. Third-party payment processors handle donations in accordance with their terms and Commonwealth’s policies.

Recurring Donations
By setting up recurring donations, you authorize automatic charges to your payment method at the specified frequency until cancellation or Campaign termination. Cancellation requests will be processed promptly, but donations already processed will not be refunded unless otherwise required.

Reporting Concerns
If you suspect fraud or misuse of funds, please report it using the “Report” feature on Campaign pages. Commonwealth will investigate promptly.

Tax Responsibilities
Organizers and Beneficiaries are solely responsible for any taxes due related to donations received. Commonwealth does not withhold taxes or provide tax advice.

Transfers, Holds, Returns & Chargebacks

Transfers
While we strive to make Transfers available to you promptly, our ability to do so depends on Users providing accurate and complete information and on our technical systems functioning properly. You acknowledge and agree that:

Transfers may not be available immediately upon request.

We do not guarantee availability of Transfers within any specific timeframe but will use commercially reasonable efforts to complete Transfers as soon as reasonably possible.

You agree to cooperate with any verification requests we make to ensure compliance with these Terms.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all responsibility for delays or inability to access donated funds at any given time and any resulting consequences.

We will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide estimated timing for Transfers whenever possible.

Accurate Information Required
You are responsible for providing and maintaining accurate personal and banking information necessary to process Transfers.

Refunds
We may, at our sole discretion, issue refunds of Donations partially or fully, with or without notice, for reasons including fraud prevention, Terms violations, or legal obligations. We are not liable for fees or losses resulting from refunds.

Transfer Timeline
Payment processors cannot hold funds indefinitely. Donations not transferred within 120 days of the first Donation may be refunded or escheated per law, with you responsible for reclaiming escheated funds.

Transfer Holds and Payment Processor Delays
Commonwealth’s ability to transfer funds is subject to the policies of third-party payment processors, who may impose holds of up to 21 days or longer for compliance, fraud prevention, or regulatory reasons. Additionally, Commonwealth may place Holds on your Campaign or Account to protect Users, including but not limited to:

Need for further verification of compliance with Terms.

Determination that funds should be paid to a legal Beneficiary rather than the Organizer.

Material change in the use of funds from original Campaign description.

Compliance with court orders, injunctions, or applicable law.

If a Hold is placed, we will provide instructions and contact information to resolve the matter.

Payment Processor Chargebacks and Returns
Donors may dispute charges or request refunds. If you believe an error has occurred, contact us immediately. We may contest chargebacks or returns based on the authorization you provide in these Terms. For disputes unrelated to fraud, donors should first seek resolution with the Organizer or Commonwealth before initiating a chargeback. We will defend against illegitimate disputes using appropriate reason codes, noting that donations are not payments for goods or services.If a donor’s bank or card issuer processes a chargeback or return, the donor forfeits any benefits or protections.

Prohibited Campaigns and User Content

We reserve the right to remove any Campaign or User Content that violates these Terms of Service. Violations may lead to account suspension, freezing of funds, or legal action. We may investigate any Campaign or User at any time, considering all relevant information, including social media and news.

You agree not to use the Platform to promote or engage in:

Illegal activities or violations of laws or payment processor rules

Fraudulent, misleading, or dishonest campaigns

Content that are incongruent with the canonical Orthodox Church

Offensive, explicit, or violent content

Funding of ransom, trafficking, bribes, or similar illicit acts

Purchase or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances

Activities involving sanctioned countries or entities

Weapons, explosives, or military equipment

Terrorism, hate speech, harassment, discrimination, or money laundering

Promotion of self-harm or suicide outside lawful clinical settings

Gambling, raffles, sweepstakes, or contests with prizes linked to donations

Concealment of fund origins or financial scams such as pyramid schemes or crypto fraud

Intellectual property infringements or counterfeit goods

Sale or resale of goods or services

Political fundraising unless managed by an eligible candidate or organization

Attempts to circumvent payment processing rules or Terms of Service

Any other activity deemed unacceptable or harmful at our sole discretion

Promotions such as giveaways are generally prohibited except where explicitly allowed by local law.

Content License and Use

Permission to Use Submitted Content
By submitting any content (including text, photos, videos, or stories) to the Platform, you grant Commonwealth Orthodox Crowdfunding a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual, and irrevocable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, publicly perform, and publicly display such content, in whole or in part, in any media formats and through any media channels, including but not limited to the Platform, social media, email communications, and other promotional materials.

You confirm that you have the legal rights to the content you submit and that such content does not infringe on the rights of any third party. Commonwealth reserves the right to edit or adapt submitted content for clarity, formatting, or promotional purposes, while preserving its original meaning and intent.

Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

Warranty Disclaimer
Your use of the Platform and Services is at your own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Commonwealth and its affiliates disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement.

We do not guarantee that:

The Services will meet your expectations or needs;

The Services will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free;

Any results obtained through the Services will be accurate or reliable;

Any content, materials, or communications will be error-free or useful.

Any information or content presented on the Platform, including stories, images, or third-party contributions, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, tax, medical, or pastoral advice. Always consult with appropriate professionals before making decisions based on content you find on the Platform.

We make no guarantees about the success of any campaign, nor do we endorse or verify every campaign or user. It is your responsibility as a Donor to evaluate whether and how to give.

10.2. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Commonwealth and its affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, goodwill, use, data, or other intangible losses, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. This applies whether the claim is based on warranty, contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory. We do not assume liability for content submitted by users or third parties, including any misinformation or harm arising from such content. We reserve the right (but not the obligation) to remove or moderate content at any time, for any reason, and without notice. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain warranties or liabilities. If such laws apply to you, some of the limitations above may not apply. If you are dissatisfied with any part of the Services or these Terms, your sole remedy is to stop using the Services.

Changes to the Term

We may update or modify these Terms of Service at any time, at our sole discretion. When changes are made, we will post the updated Terms on our Platform and revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of the document. In some cases, we may also notify you through email or other direct communication, especially if the changes are material. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically. Your continued use of the Platform or Services after any updates constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the new Terms, you must stop using the Services.