Terms of Service

Last Updated: 04/29/2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Research in Reach (“we,” “us,” or “our”) at researchinreach.org (the “Site”), you agree to these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you disagree, do not use the Site.

2. Eligibility

  • Persons must be 18 or older to create an account, if a user if found to be under the age of 18 their user data will be removed promptly.
  • By using the Site, you confirm you are legally capable of forming a binding contract.

3. User Accounts

  • Accounts may require name, email, address,telephone number, and financial information. (processed securely via Stripe, PayPal, etc.) Information is used to generate tax documents, validate user accounts, and contact users.
  • You agree to provide accurate information and safeguard your account.
  • Account Suspension/Termination: We reserve the right to suspend accounts for suspicious activity. You will receive notice of suspension and may contest the decision by contacting admin@researchinreach.org.
  • Data Rights: See our Privacy Policy for details on accessing, correcting, or deleting your data.

4. User-Generated Content

  • Proposals & Comments: Users may post proposals (including video/audio/graphics) and comments.
  • Moderation: All proposals are reviewed by subject-matter experts before publication. To appeal content removal, email admin@researchinreach.org within 14 days.
  • Ownership: Users retain ownership of their content but grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display, make technical/formatting modifications to, and distribute it.
  • Prohibited Content: Harassment, spam, or illegal material will be removed.

5. Privacy & Data

  • Our Privacy Policy governs data collection, use, and sharing. We process data under lawful bases (e.g., consent, contractual necessity) as required by GDPR/CCPA.
  • Data Retention:
    • Donation records retained for 7 years (tax compliance).
    • Analytics data anonymized after 24 months (irreversibly stripped of identifiers).

6. Disclaimers

  • No Professional Advice: Content is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, success, or outcomes of proposals.
  • Scientific Complexity: Projects may deviate from original proposals due to research challenges.
  • Third-Party Links: We are not responsible for external sites linked on the Site. Links do not imply endorsement.

7. Limitation of Liability

Except where required by law, we are not liable for:

  • Damages from reliance on user-generated content.
  • Technical errors, interruptions, or data loss.
  • Conduct of third parties (e.g., payment processors).

8. Termination

We may terminate access for:

  • Violating these Terms, applicable laws, or committing fraud/harassment.
  • Any reason, with advance notice where practicable (except for severe violations).

9. Governing Law & Disputes

9.1 Governing Law

Disputes are governed by California law, excluding conflict-of-law principles. We respect applicable local consumer protections where required.

9.2 Binding Arbitration

  • Scope: Any dispute arising from these Terms or Site use must be resolved by binding arbitration (administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Consumer Arbitration Rules).
  • Waiver of Jury Trial/Class Actions: Both parties waive the right to a jury trial or class actions.
  • Opt-Out: Users may opt out within 30 days of the Effective Date by emailing admin@researchinreach.org with “Arbitration Opt-Out” in the subject line, full name, and account details.
  • Exceptions: Small claims court, DMCA claims, or intellectual property disputes.

10. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters, pandemics, or government restrictions.
  • Internet outages, labor disputes, or technical failures.
  • Suspension of Services: Obligations are paused during force majeure events. We will notify users of prolonged disruptions.
  • Termination Rights: If the event persists for 30+ days, either party may terminate these Terms.

11. Donations & Refunds

  • Donations are non-refundable unless funds for a specific project have not been dispersed and state law permits refunds.
  • Tax-deductible receipts are provided per IRS guidelines. Consult a tax professional to determine deductibility.

12. Intellectual Property

  • Our Ownership: Logos, text, and non-user-generated content are owned by Research in Reach.
  • DMCA: Report infringement to:
    Research in Reach | 1520 E Covell Blvd, Ste B5 #614 | Davis, CA 95616 | admin@researchinreach.org.
    Include a detailed description of the infringement and your contact information. We comply with DMCA counter-notice procedures.

13. Amendments

Updated Terms are effective when posted. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

14. Nonprofit Status

Research in Reach is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations may be tax-deductible. We comply with IRS restrictions (e.g., no political campaigning).

15. Accessibility

We strive to comply with WCAG 2.1 standards and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. Contact us for assistance.

16. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify us against losses arising from your breach of these Terms, misuse of the Site, or violation of third-party rights.

17. Account Deletion

Users may request account deletion by emailing admin@researchinreach.org. Note: Some data (e.g., donation records) will be retained as required by law.

18. Contact

For questions:
Research in Reach | 1520 E Covell Blvd, Ste B5 #614 | Davis, CA 95616 | admin@researchinreach.org