TERMS | Sponsor my school

Sponsor My School - General Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: November 2024

1. Introduction

Welcome to Sponsor My School. These General Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website and services ("Services"). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully.

2. Definitions

"Sponsor My School," "we," "us," or "our" refers to Sponsor My School Limited, a company registered in the United Kingdom.
"User," "you," or "your" refers to individuals or entities using our Services, including Sponsors, Business Sponsors, and Schools.
"Sponsor" refers to members of the public providing financial support to Schools through our platform.
"Business Sponsor" refers to commercial businesses paying for local marketing services and supporting Schools.
"School" refers to educational institutions benefiting from the funds raised through our platform.
"Partnered School" refers to a School that has officially agreed to participate in our platform.
"Non-Partnered School" refers to a School that has not yet agreed to participate in our platform.
"Services" refers to the fundraising platform and related services provided by Sponsor My School.
"Term" refers to a school term, typically a 6-8 week period.

3. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using our Services, you confirm that you accept these Terms and agree to comply with them. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our Services.

4. Our Role as Intermediary

Sponsor My School operates as an intermediary platform facilitating financial contributions from Sponsors and Business Sponsors to Schools. We provide a secure, transparent, and efficient means for:

Sponsors to support Schools financially.
Business Sponsors to gain marketing exposure while supporting Schools.
Schools to receive funds to support their educational activities.

We act on behalf of the Schools as their fundraising partner, ensuring compliance with relevant UK laws and regulations.

5. Services Provided

5.1 For Sponsors:

Facilitation of regular financial contributions to chosen Schools.
Provision of updates on how contributions are utilised by Schools per Term (every 6-8 weeks).
Option to request specific updates by contacting us at hello@sponsormyschool.org.

5.2 For Business Sponsors:

Marketing services including listing in our regional directory.
Inclusion in communications sent to Sponsors supporting the Schools per Term.
Opportunities to offer exclusive discounts and deals to local parents.

5.3 For Schools:

A platform to receive funds from Sponsors and Business Sponsors.
Transparent reporting of funds received and fees applied.
Assistance in managing fundraising activities efficiently.

6. User Obligations

6.1 Sponsors and Business Sponsors:

Ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
Use the Services in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Understand that once funds are transferred to Sponsor My School, they are forwarded to the Schools (subject to Section 9) and are non-refundable.

6.2 Schools:

Provide accurate information regarding their status, including charitable registration if applicable.
Use the funds received for purposes that enrich education, student engagement, student wellbeing, and equipment. Examples include but are not limited to enrichment activities, technology upgrades, resources, interactive learning, and fun events.
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to fundraising and use of funds.

7. Fees and Payments

7.1 Transparency of Fees:

We are committed to transparency regarding our fees:

For Sponsors: A transaction fee of 3.6% + 30p is applied to each contribution to cover processing fees and platform maintenance.
For Business Sponsors: A fee of 25% is applied to the sponsorship amount for marketing services provided.

These fees are publicly stated and communicated to each School and Sponsor.

7.2 Payment Processing:

Payments are processed securely through trusted third-party providers such as Wix, Stripe or PayPal.
We do not store your financial information.

8. Fundraising Totals and Transparency

We publicly share fundraising totals for each School on our platform.
Detailed reports are available to ensure transparency of funds collected and distributed.

9. Schools Not Yet Partnered

9.1 Selection of Non-Partnered Schools:

Sponsors and Business Sponsors may choose to support a School that is not yet officially partnered with Sponsor My School.
These Schools may be selected during the sign-up process but are not listed as Partnered Schools on our site.

9.2 Approach to Non-Partnered Schools:

Upon receiving funds designated for a Non-Partnered School, we will proactively contact the School to invite them to join our platform.
We will inform the School that funds have been collected on their behalf and that recurring sponsorships have been set up.

9.3 Acceptance by the School:

If the School agrees to partner with us and accepts our terms within 6 months, funds will be released to them within the standard time frame of 14-28 days.
Update newsletters and communications will commence, including sharing sponsoring Business Sponsors' information with the School's community per Term.

9.4 If the School Does Not Partner:

If the School declines to partner with us or does not respond within 6 months, we will:
- Contact the Sponsor or Business Sponsor to inform them of the situation.
- Offer the option to redirect their contributions to another Partnered School of their choice.
- If no alternative is chosen, we will allocate the funds to closest school geographically, less any applicable transaction fees.

9.5 Holding of Funds:

Funds designated for Non-Partnered Schools will be held in a separate account for up to 6 months.
We will not use or allocate these funds for any other purpose during this period.

10. Limitation of Liability

Sponsor My School acts solely as an intermediary and is not responsible for the actions of Sponsors, Business Sponsors, or Schools beyond facilitating transactions.
We are not liable for any misuse of funds by Schools or for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use of our Services.
In cases involving Non-Partnered Schools, our responsibility is limited to the actions outlined in Section 9.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Informal Resolution:

In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms or the use of our Services, you agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute informally by contacting us at hello@sponsormyschool.org.

11.2 Arbitration:

If the dispute is not resolved within 30 days of the initial notification, it shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the Arbitration Act 1996.
The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator appointed by agreement between the parties or, failing such agreement, by the President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
The seat of arbitration shall be in England, and the language of arbitration shall be English.

11.3 Waiver of Court Proceedings:

By agreeing to these Terms, you waive any right to bring or participate in any class action or court proceedings against Sponsor My School.
The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on all parties.

12. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Sponsor My School or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws.
Users are granted a limited license to access and use the content for personal, non-commercial purposes.

13. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access to our Services for any User who breaches these Terms.
Users may terminate their use of the Services at any time by ceasing to access the platform or by contacting us.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
Any disputes arising from these Terms or the use of our Services shall be subject to the dispute resolution process outlined in Section 11.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our Services or legal obligations.
Users will be notified of significant changes, and continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16. Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms or our Services, please contact us at:

Email: hello@sponsormyschool.org

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Sponsor My School - Terms and Conditions for Partner Schools

Last Updated: November 2024

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") outline the responsibilities and expectations for Schools ("School," "you," or "your") partnering with Sponsor My School ("we," "us," or "our"). By agreeing to these Terms, you commit to comply with them fully, enabling a transparent and effective partnership aimed at enriching the educational experience of your students.

2. Purpose of Funds

2.1 Use of Funds

Educational Enrichment: Funds received through Sponsor My School must be used to enhance education, student engagement, student wellbeing, and equipment.
Examples of Approved Uses Include:
- Enrichment Activities: Field trips, guest speakers, workshops, and after-school clubs.
- Technology Upgrades: Computers, tablets, interactive whiteboards, and other digital tools.
- Educational Resources: Books, science kits, art supplies, and learning materials.
- Interactive Learning: Innovative teaching tools and programs for dynamic, hands-on education.
- Student Wellbeing and Fun: Extracurricular activities, mental health programs, special events, and festivals.
Note: These are examples and not an exhaustive list. Funds should be used in ways that directly benefit students' educational experience and wellbeing.

2.2 Restrictions on Use

Funds should not be used for administrative salaries, unrelated operational costs, or any purposes not directly benefiting students.

3. Financial Transparency

3.1 Reporting Requirements

Per Term Updates: You agree to provide updates every Term (every 6-8 weeks) detailing how the funds are utilized.
Content of Updates:
- Summary of expenditures made with the funds received.
- Impact statements or testimonials illustrating benefits to students.
- Photographs or videos showcasing funded activities or resources (ensuring compliance with data protection laws).

3.2 Public Disclosure

Transparency Commitment: You consent to the sharing of fundraising totals and impact reports on the Sponsor My School platform.
Privacy Considerations: Personal data of students or staff will not be disclosed without appropriate consent, in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

4. Communication with Sponsors and Business Sponsors

Updates: Agree to the sending of per Term updates to Sponsors regarding the progress and impact of their contributions.
Business Sponsorship Emails: Consent to the inclusion of Business Sponsors' information in communications sent to your school community per Term.
Content Review: You have the right to review and approve content related to your School upon request.

5. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Legal Compliance: You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to the receipt and use of funds.
Charitable Status: If registered as a charity, you must adhere to the Charities Act 2011 and related guidelines.
Educational Regulations: Ensure that all funded activities comply with educational standards and policies.

6. Partnership Process for Non-Partnered Schools

6.1 Invitation to Join

If funds are received on your behalf before officially partnering with us, we will contact you to invite you to join our platform.

6.2 Acceptance of Funds

By agreeing to these Terms within 6 months of our initial contact, you accept the funds collected on your behalf and consent to the partnership.
Funds will be released to you within 14-28 days after acceptance.

6.3 Declining Partnership

If you choose not to partner with us or do not respond within 6 months, we will handle the funds as per our General Terms and Conditions.

7. Duration and Termination

Effective Date: This agreement becomes effective upon your acceptance.
Termination by School: You may terminate this agreement at any time with 30 days' written notice.
Termination by Sponsor My School:
- We reserve the right to terminate the partnership with 30 days' written notice if there is a breach of these Terms.
- Immediate termination may occur in cases of serious misconduct or illegal activities.
Post-Termination Obligations: Any funds collected prior to termination will be transferred to you according to the agreed schedule.

8. Limitation of Liability

Responsibility of Funds: You are responsible for the proper use of funds in accordance with these Terms.
Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold Sponsor My School harmless from any claims arising out of misuse of funds or breach of these Terms.
No Warranty: Sponsor My School makes no warranties regarding the amount of funds that will be raised or the success of fundraising efforts.

9. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Confidential Information: Both parties agree to keep confidential any non-public information obtained during the partnership.
Data Protection Compliance: All personal data will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
Consent for Media Use: Ensure appropriate consents are obtained for any media (photos, videos) shared with us for promotional purposes.

10. Intellectual Property

Use of Branding: Any use of Sponsor My School branding must comply with our branding guidelines.
License: We grant you a limited, non-exclusive license to use our logos and trademarks solely for the purposes of this partnership.

11. Governing Law

Jurisdiction: These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
Dispute Resolution: Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Amendments

Changes to Terms: We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our Services or legal obligations.
Notification: Significant changes will be communicated to you in writing. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.