Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Introduction
Vermont Scholastic Chess Inc. (“Vermont Scholastic Chess,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a Vermont nonprofit corporation with the purpose of promoting scholastic chess education and competition throughout Vermont. This document outlines our privacy policy, terms of use, guidelines for payment processing, and information regarding the tax treatment of donations.
Disclaimer / No Warranties
The information contained on the Vermont Scholastic Chess website is for general information purposes only. This information is offered without representations or warranties of any kind, regarding completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability. Any reliance on such information is strictly at your own risk.
In no event will Vermont Scholastic Chess Inc. be liable for any loss or damage, including indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from the use of this website. The website may link to external sites and linking to those external sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the content or assumption of responsibility for those third-party sites.
Privacy Policy
Information Collection and Use
Vermont Scholastic Chess collects information from users to enhance their experience and fulfill our educational mission. This includes:
- Personal data for registration: Names, contact details, and age information for participants
- Student information: Limited educational information necessary for chess instruction and competition
- Payment information: Processed through third-party services for program fees and donations
- Communication records: Email correspondence and program-related communications
All information is collected and used solely to further Vermont Scholastic Chess's exempt purposes under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).
Data Protection
Vermont Scholastic Chess prioritizes the security of your information with appropriate technical and organizational safeguards. We do not sell or share data for any purposes other than the express furtherance of our educational mission. We will not sell your information under any circumstances. We will not share or disclose personal information collected through registrations with any third parties without your consent, except as required by law or necessary for our tax-exempt operations.
Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill our educational purposes, comply with legal obligations, and maintain proper records for our tax-exempt status.
Cookies
This website uses cookies to enhance user experience. Users can accept or decline cookies through their browser settings.
Privacy Policy Changes
Vermont Scholastic Chess reserves the right to modify this privacy policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this website.
Terms of Use
Acceptance of Terms
Using the Vermont Scholastic Chess website signifies acceptance of these terms.
Permitted Use
This website is provided for educational and informational purposes consistent with Vermont Scholastic Chess's tax-exempt mission. Users agree not to use the website for any unlawful or prohibited activities.
Limitation of Liability
Vermont Scholastic Chess Inc. is not liable for damages or injuries from using this website, except as required by law.
Governing Law
These terms are governed by Vermont law.
Payment and Transaction Processing
Third-Party Payment Processors
Payments are handled by third-party services, subject to their own privacy policies. Vermont Scholastic Chess is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party processors.
Payment Terms
- Payments for programs and services are generally non-refundable
- All payments are subject to the terms of the third-party payment processor
- Program fees support Vermont Scholastic Chess's educational mission
Refund Policy
Refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of Vermont Scholastic Chess, taking into account our educational mission and operational needs.
Transaction Security
Vermont Scholastic Chess takes reasonable steps to secure transactions but cannot guarantee complete security of online payments.
Payment Terms Changes
Vermont Scholastic Chess may modify payment terms at any time with appropriate notice.
Tax Treatment of Donations
Current Status
Vermont Scholastic Chess Inc. is organized as a Vermont nonprofit corporation and intends to apply for recognition as a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).
Pending Tax-Exempt Status
Important Notice: Vermont Scholastic Chess Inc. has not yet received determination of tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. Until such determination is received, donations may not be tax-deductible.
Future Tax Deductibility
Once Vermont Scholastic Chess receives 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS:
- Charitable contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law
- Donors will receive appropriate acknowledgment letters for tax purposes
- All donations will be used exclusively for exempt educational purposes
Tax Advice Disclaimer
Donors are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified tax professional to understand the current tax implications of any contributions to Vermont Scholastic Chess Inc.
Donation Use
All donations received by Vermont Scholastic Chess are used exclusively to further our educational mission of promoting scholastic chess in Vermont, in accordance with our nonprofit purposes.
Contact Information
For questions about this privacy policy, terms of use, or Vermont Scholastic Chess programs, please contact us via our Contact page.
Last Updated: 8/13/2025
Note: This policy will be updated upon receipt of IRS determination of tax-exempt status.