Terms & Conditions
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Welcome to www.sapphireinaction.org (hereinafter the “website”). The website is owned and operated by Sapphire In Action, Inc. in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, United States (hereinafter “Sapphire In Action,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
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Sapphire In Action is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical social issues. Our mission is to support and empower vulnerable groups, including orphans, hungry and homeless street children, widows, abused and abandoned women with children, incarcerated women and their babies. Through targeted programs and initiatives, we provide essential aid and improve the quality of life for those in need.
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Any reference in these terms and conditions to “you,” “your,” or “user” refers to an individual who volunteers for our initiatives, donates to our cause, purchases a product from our online store or otherwise interacts with our website.
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These terms and conditions and our privacy policy (hereinafter collectively “Agreement”) govern your access and use of the website as well as your interactions with Sapphire In Action as specified herein. By proceeding to use the website or interacting with us, you agree to abide by this Agreement and any applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website or interact with our services.
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Table of Contents
1. Definitions and Interpretation
2. User Eligibility and Legal Capacity
3. Our Service
4. Volunteer Policy
5. Donation Policy
6. Terms of Sale
7. Intellectual Property
8. Prohibited Activities
9. Feedback
10. Electronic Communication
11. Disclaimer of Warranties
12. Limitation of Liability
13. Amendments
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
15. Contact us
16. Severability
17. Entire Agreement
18. Force Majeure​​​
​​​1. Definitions and Interpretation
The following words, whenever used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings given to them below:
Customer refers to a user who places an order through the website.
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Product refers to an item offered for sale through the website.
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Donor refers to an individual who makes a financial contribution to Sapphire In Action through the website.
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Donation refer to financial contributions made by donors through the website to support our programs and initiatives.
Volunteer refers to an individual who offers his/her time and services to support our activities and mission without receiving financial compensation.
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Youth Volunteer refers to a volunteer between the ages of thirteen and fifteen who participates in volunteer activities under the supervision of their parent or legal guardian.
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“User,” “you,” or “your” refers to any individual who accesses or uses the website and interacts with Sapphire In Action, including customers, donors, volunteers, youth volunteers, and website visitors.
2. User Eligibility and Legal Capacity
By interacting with us, you represent and warrant that you meet the user eligibility criteria outlined below, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all users:
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2.1. Minimum Age to Volunteer
We welcome volunteers who are at least thirteen years of age or older. Youth volunteers must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during their volunteer shifts. The parent or legal guardian and the youth volunteer must create separate volunteer profiles on the website and register for their shifts individually.
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2.2. Eligibility for Donating
Donors must be at least eighteen years old. If you are under the age of eighteen and wish to donate to our cause, please request your parent or legal guardian to make the donation on your behalf.
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2.3. Prohibition for Users Under Thirteen
If you are under the age of thirteen, please do not access or use the website. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children under the age of thirteen.
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​​3. Our Service
By engaging with our website and supporting our initiatives, you help us bring hope and change to those who need it most. Our website serves as a central hub for our charitable activities and community engagement. Here’s what you can do on our website:
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3.1. Sign-up to volunteer
You can sign up to volunteer on the website and directly impact the lives of those we serve. By signing up as a volunteer, you agree to abide by our Volunteer Policy as outlined in Section 4 of these terms and conditions. If you do not agree with our Volunteer Policy, please do not sign up as a volunteer.
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3.2. Donate to our cause
You can easily contribute to our cause from anywhere in the world. By making a donation through the website, you acknowledge and agree to our Donation Policy as provided in Section 5 of these terms and conditions. If you do not agree with our Donation Policy, please do not make any donation through our website.
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3.3. Purchase products from our online store
By purchasing products from our online store, you support our cause, with proceeds directly funding our programs and initiatives. Please note that all purchases you make on the website are governed by the Terms of Sale outlined in Section 5 below. Please carefully review these terms of sale before placing any orders through the website.
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3.4. Learn about our programs and stay informed
The website contains detailed information about our various initiatives and the impact they have on communities in need. You can also keep up-to-date with our latest news, events, and success stories through our blog, newsletter, and social media channels.
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5. Donation Policy
We value and appreciate the generosity of our donors. To ensure transparency and trust, we have established the following terms and conditions governing donations made to support our mission. By donating to Sapphire In Action, you agree to the following:
5.1. Payment Methods
Donations can be made using PayPal or any other payment method provided on the website's donations page. All transactions are processed securely to protect your personal and financial information.
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5.2. Recurring Donations
You have the option to donate your selected amount once or set up monthly recurring donations. By selecting the recurring donation option, you authorize us to automatically charge your selected payment method at the specified intervals. You can modify or cancel your recurring donation anytime by contacting us directly.
5.3. Use of Donations
All donations are allocated to support our programs and initiatives. Donations are used in accordance with our mission and the specific needs of the communities we serve.
5.4. Acknowledgment of Donations
After your donation is successfully processed, you will receive a receipt via email for your records. This receipt can be used for tax deduction purposes as allowed by law.
5.5. International Donations
We recognize the importance of international philanthropy and welcome donations from individuals outside of the United States of America ("International Donors"). We ensure that all international donations are solicited, received, recorded, used, and reported in compliance with applicable U.S. laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
5.5.1. Tax Implications: International Donors are hereby informed that their donations may or may not be tax-deductible in their country of residence. We make no representations or warranties regarding the tax implications of any donation and encourage International Donors to seek guidance from a tax professional before making a donation.
5.5.2. Right to Refuse Donations: We reserve the right to refuse or return any donation that, at our sole discretion, we believe may expose us to legal liability, reputational damage, or violate any applicable law or regulation.
5.5.3. Use of Donations: International donations will be used in a manner consistent with our mission to support and empower vulnerable groups.
5.5.4. Receipts and Acknowledgements: We will provide a receipt or acknowledgment for each donation in accordance with U.S. laws and regulations. It is the responsibility of the International Donor to determine whether such receipt or acknowledgment meets the requirements of their country's tax laws and regulations.
5.5.5. Currency Conversion and Fees: Donations made in foreign currencies will be converted to U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction. Please note that conversion fees may apply, and the amount received in U.S. dollars may differ from the amount donated due to exchange rate fluctuations.
5.5.6. Communication and Support: For any questions or assistance regarding international donations, please contact us at donation@sapphireinaction.org.
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4. Volunteer Policy
By signing up as a volunteer, you agree to abide by this Volunteer Policy:
4.1. Commitment and Reliability
As a volunteer, you understand your integral role in fulfilling our mission. If you sign up for a volunteer shift, you are expected to attend and fulfill your duties as scheduled.
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4.2. Communication
If you are unable to attend your scheduled shift, you must notify us as soon as possible by calling us or emailing Volunteer.sapphireinaction@gmail.com.
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4.3. Accountability
No-shows without prior notice to us are grounds for immediate termination of your volunteer position. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, consistent reliability is crucial to effectively serve those in need.
4.4. Code of Conduct
All volunteers are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of misconduct, including, but not limited to, harassment and discrimination. Any misconduct will result in immediate termination of your volunteer position.
4.5. Training and Compliance
Any requisite volunteer training should be completed prior to commencing any volunteering activities. Volunteers must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
4.6. Guidance of youth volunteers
Youth volunteers must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during their shifts. The youth volunteer and the parent or legal guardian must create separate volunteer profiles on the website and register for shifts individually.
4.7. Termination
We reserve the right to terminate the position of any volunteer who does not adhere to this policy, fails to perform their duties responsibly, or engages in behavior that is contrary to our mission and values.
By signing up as a volunteer, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these terms and conditions.
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​5.6. Refund Policy
We understand that there may be occasions when you need to request a refund for your donation. Our refund policy is as follows:
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5.6.1. Eligibility for Refunds: Refunds will be considered if the donation was made in error, such as an incorrect amount, duplicate transactions, or if the donor’s payment method was used without authorization.
5.6.2. Time Frame for Refund Requests: Refund requests must be made within 30 calendar days of the donation date.
5.6.3. Request Process: To request a refund, please contact us at donation@sapphireinaction.org
with your name, donation date, donation amount, and the reason for the refund request.
5.6.4. Review and Approval: Our team will review your request and notify you of the decision within ten business days. Refunds are granted at our sole discretion.
5.6.5. Processing Time: If approved, your refund will be issued to the original payment method and may take up to ten business days to appear in your account.
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5.7. Donor Information
When making a donation, you must provide accurate and complete information, including your name, email address, phone number, and payment details. Failure to provide accurate information may result in the inability to process your donation.
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5.8. Privacy and Security
We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details on collecting, using, and protecting your information.
​​6. Terms of Sale
By purchasing products from our website, you agree to abide by the following terms of sale:
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6.1. Product Availability
All products offered for sale on this website are subject to availability. If a product you have ordered is unavailable, we will notify you promptly. You will have the option to either cancel your order or select an alternative product.
6.2. Order Processing
Upon submission of your order, you will receive an email confirmation. Orders are typically processed within three business days; however, processing times may vary due to unforeseen circumstances.
6.3. Payment Policy
When you place your order, you must authorize the full amount, including applicable taxes and shipping fees. We accept payments via PayPal. By submitting your order, you represent and warrant that the payment method provided is valid and authorized for use. If your payment attempt is unsuccessful, we reserve the right to cancel your order, at which point you may choose to place a new order.
6.4. Shipping and Delivery
We only ship to physical addresses and do not ship to P.O. Box addresses. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the package's destination, weight, and size. Estimated delivery times are provided at the time of purchase. However, actual delivery times may vary depending on the destination and selected shipping method.
6.5. International Shipping
We offer international shipping to select countries. Additional customs duties, taxes, and fees may apply and will be the customer’s responsibility.
6.6. Order Cancellations
Orders may be canceled at any time prior to dispatch. To request an order cancellation, please contact us at team@sapphireinaction.org. If your order has not been dispatched when we receive your cancellation request, we will immediately cancel it and issue you a full refund. However, if your order has been dispatched when we receive your cancellation request, we will not be able to cancel it, and you will need to wait to receive the product and return it in accordance with Section 6.7 below.
6.7. Returns and Exchanges
We strive to ensure customer satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return or exchange the product within 14 days of receipt, provided that it is in its original, unused condition and is accompanied by all original tags and packaging. To initiate a return or exchange, please contact us at team@sapphireinaction.org. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the product is damaged or defective at the time of receipt.
6.8. Refund Policy
All returned items will be inspected and, provided the returned product is in its original, unused condition and is accompanied by all original tags and packaging, your refund will be approved. We reserve the right to refuse a return and refund if the returned product fails to meet these criteria. All approved refunds will be processed within ten business days. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method. Please note that shipping costs are non-refundable except for damaged or defective items.
6.9. Product Descriptions
We strive to provide accurate descriptions and images of our products. However, colors and details may vary slightly due to differences in monitor settings and lighting conditions. If you have any questions about a product, please contact us before placing your order.
6.10. Use of Proceeds
All proceeds from product sales directly fund our programs and initiatives. By purchasing products from our website, you are making a contribution to our mission to support and empower vulnerable groups.​​
7. Intellectual Property
All information, material, and content available on the website, including but not limited to text, images, audio, video, logos, trademarks, and the like (collectively “Sapphire In Action Content”), is either owned by Sapphire In Action or its licensors. All Sapphire In Action Content is protected by intellectual property laws of the United States of America and international conventions.
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You shall not copy, sell, resell, reproduce, republish, modify, distribute, or create any derivative work of any Sapphire In Action Content without the copyright owner's consent. You are prohibited from removing any copyright, trademarks, and proprietary notices from any Sapphire In Action Content.
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We only grant you a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, and revocable limited license to use Sapphire In Action Content for your personal and non-commercial use. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions grants you any legal rights that are not expressly granted herein.
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8. Prohibited Activities
You agree not to:
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8.1. Engage in any unlawful or illegal activities;
8.2. Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the website, servers, or any other systems or networks connected to the website or to any server or service provider associated with the website;
8.3. Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the website or the data contained therein;
8.4. Reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to derive source code or underlying algorithms of the website;
8.5. Violate the security or integrity of any network, computer or communications system, software application, or network access and authentication measures;
8.6. Post or transmit any content that is harmful to minors or minority groups in any way;
8.7. Post any content that may be potentially or actually harmful to us, our users, or any third party;
8.8. Post any defamatory content or content that may be deemed libelous or threatening to us, our employees, affiliates, or any user;
8.9. Provide false, inaccurate, or misleading information to us, when requested;
8.10. Harass, abuse, intimidate, or harm another person or entity in any way;
8.11. Violate any of the terms and conditions set forth herein or other policies applicable to the website.
We reserve the right to investigate and take appropriate legal action against anyone who violates this Prohibited Activities clause, including, without limitation, reporting such violations to law enforcement authorities.
9. Feedback
Although we love to hear from our users, we want to avoid all misunderstandings about the nature of this communication. You understand and accept that by sending us your feedback, experiences, ideas, and suggestions, you are granting us full and exclusive rights to use, disclose, and otherwise exploit your ideas and suggestions without any restriction or compensation to you now or ever in future. You understand that your submissions are deemed non-confidential.
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10. Electronic Communication
When you sign up as a volunteer, make a donation, or order any products from the website, you enter into this Agreement electronically. You understand and agree that all communication between you and Sapphire In Action is through electronic means.
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For the purposes of this Agreement, you expressly consent to receive communications from us electronically. Furthermore, you agree that all notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide you electronically will meet any legal requirement that such communication should be in writing.
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11. Disclaimer of Warranties
THE WEBSITE IS PROVIDED TO YOU ON AN “AS-IS” AND “AS-AVAILABLE” BASIS. SAPPHIRE IN ACTION, ITS EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AGENTS AND AFFILIATES (COLLECTIVELY “SAPPHIRE IN ACTION AND ITS OFFICERS”) DISCLAIM ANY WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, ACCURACY, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
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WE DO NOT MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR OFFER ANY WARRANTIES THAT:
(A) THE WEBSITE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS;
(B) THE WEBSITE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME OR IN ANY PARTICULAR LOCATION;
(C) THE WEBSITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE;
(D) ANY ERRORS OR DEFECTS WILL BE RECTIFIED;
(E) THE WEBSITE WILL BE ACCURATE, RELIABLE, AND FREE OF VIRUSES AND OTHER HARMFUL CODE.
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WE DO NOT OFFER ANY GUARANTEE OR MAKE ANY PROMISES REGARDING ANY SPECIFIC RESULTS FROM THE USE OF THE WEBSITE. YOUR DECISION TO USE OUR WEBSITE IS ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
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12. Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL SAPPHIRE IN ACTION AND/OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE ARISING OUT OF OR ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF THE WEBSITE OR ANY CONTENT AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE, EVEN IF WE WERE PREVIOUSLY ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL APPLY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
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13. Amendments
We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time without giving any prior notice. Where we make any changes to these Terms and Conditions, we will update the last modified date on the top of the page where these Terms appear. All amendments shall be effective from the date we publish the updated version on the website. You are advised to periodically review these Terms and Conditions to familiarize yourself with any material changes. Your continued use of the website after the effective date of any amendments shall constitute your acceptance of such amendments.
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14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. The parties hereby irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts situated in the City of Rockville, State of Maryland, for any litigation, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. The parties further waive any objection to the venue in the City of Rockville, State of Maryland, whether such objection is to the venue, personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of the forum, or otherwise.
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15. Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns or need further assistance regarding these Terms and Conditions, please feel free to contact us through the contact page on the website.
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16. Severability
If any provisions in this Agreement or part of a provision is found to be unlawful, void, or for any reason deemed to be unenforceable, then that provision or part of the provision will be deemed not to be part of this Agreement to the minimum extent necessary and such severance shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining Agreement.
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17. Entire Agreement
This Agreement represents the complete understanding and agreement between the Parties regarding its subject matter.
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18. Force Majeure
Sapphire In Action shall not be liable for the failure to perform any of its obligations in this Agreement if such failure is caused by any force majeure event such as war, epidemic, insurrection, terrorist activities, government sanction, embargo, labor dispute, strike, or any interruption or any failure of electricity or server, system, computer, internet or telephone service.