Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity ("we," "our," or "the Charity"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, services, and programs. By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

The Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity is a grantmaking foundation and trust dedicated to building stronger communities through emergency assistance, community development initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Our mission is to create lasting positive change by investing in people, programs, and projects that address critical community needs.

1.1 Scope of Services

Our services include but are not limited to:

• Emergency financial assistance programs for individuals and families facing crisis situations
• Community development grants supporting local initiatives and infrastructure improvements
• Educational scholarship programs for deserving students pursuing higher education
• Partnership opportunities with other charitable organizations and community groups
• Volunteer coordination and community engagement programs
• Resource allocation and strategic planning for community benefit projects

1.2 Eligibility Requirements

To access our services, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria that vary depending on the program or service requested. General requirements include:

• Residency within our designated service areas or demonstration of community connection
• Completion of all required application forms with accurate and truthful information
• Provision of supporting documentation as requested by program administrators
• Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing charitable assistance
• Agreement to use funds or services solely for their intended charitable purposes

2. Application Process and Grant Procedures

The Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity maintains rigorous standards for application review and grant distribution to ensure resources reach those most in need while maintaining accountability and transparency.

2.1 Application Submission

All applications must be submitted through our official channels, either via our website portal or through authorized partner organizations. We do not accept applications submitted through unauthorized third parties or intermediaries.

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation to support their requests, which may include:

1. Completed application form with all required fields accurately filled
2. Proof of identity and residency (government-issued identification, utility bills, lease agreements)
3. Financial documentation demonstrating need (income statements, tax returns, bank statements)
4. Supporting letters from community members, employers, or social service agencies
5. Project proposals or business plans for community development initiatives
6. Budget breakdowns showing how requested funds will be utilized
7. References from credible sources who can attest to the applicant's character and need

2.2 Review and Decision Timeline

Our review committee evaluates all applications based on established criteria including demonstrated need, potential community impact, feasibility of proposed projects, and alignment with our charitable mission. The typical review process follows this timeline:

• Initial application review and completeness check: 5-7 business days
• Detailed evaluation by program officers: 10-15 business days
• Committee review and decision-making: 15-20 business days
• Notification of decision and next steps: 2-3 business days after committee meeting
• Fund disbursement (for approved applications): 7-10 business days after acceptance

2.3 Appeals Process

Applicants who receive unfavorable decisions may request reconsideration by submitting a written appeal within 30 days of notification. Appeals must include new information or documentation not previously considered and should clearly explain why the decision should be reconsidered.

3. Use of Funds and Accountability

Recipients of grants or assistance from Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity agree to use all funds exclusively for their stated and approved purposes. We maintain strict accountability measures to ensure charitable resources achieve their intended impact.

3.1 Permitted Uses

Grant funds and assistance may be used for approved purposes including:

• Emergency housing costs including rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills
• Medical expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs
• Educational expenses including tuition, books, supplies, and related costs
• Community infrastructure improvements and development projects
• Business development costs for social enterprises and community ventures
• Program expenses for nonprofit organizations serving community needs

3.2 Prohibited Uses

Recipients may not use Charity funds for:

• Personal luxury items or non-essential purchases
• Debt repayment unrelated to approved emergency assistance
• Political campaigns, lobbying activities, or partisan causes
• Religious proselytizing or sectarian purposes
• Illegal activities or purposes contrary to public policy
• Investment in for-profit ventures without prior written approval

3.3 Reporting Requirements

Grant recipients must provide regular reports documenting fund usage, project progress, and outcomes achieved. Reporting frequency and format depend on grant size and program type, but typically include:

1. Quarterly financial reports showing all expenditures with supporting receipts
2. Progress reports describing activities completed and milestones achieved
3. Impact assessments measuring outcomes against stated objectives
4. Final reports summarizing project completion and lessons learned
5. Photographic or video documentation of projects when applicable

4. Privacy and Data Protection

Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all applicants, recipients, donors, and website visitors. We collect, use, and store personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and our Privacy Policy.

4.1 Information Collection

We collect various types of information necessary to administer our programs effectively:

• Personal identification information (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number)
• Contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses)
• Financial information (income, assets, expenses, bank account details)
• Demographic information (household composition, employment status, education level)
• Supporting documentation (identification documents, financial statements, references)

4.2 Information Use and Sharing

We use collected information solely for charitable purposes including application processing, program administration, impact assessment, and compliance with legal requirements. We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties. Limited sharing may occur with:

• Partner organizations involved in program delivery or service coordination
• Professional service providers (accountants, lawyers, auditors) under confidentiality agreements
• Government agencies when required by law or regulation
• Other charitable organizations for referral purposes with explicit consent

For complete details about our privacy practices, please review our Privacy Policy.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on the Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity website, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is the property of the Charity or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

5.1 Permitted Use

You may access and use our website content for personal, non-commercial purposes related to learning about our programs, applying for assistance, or supporting our mission. You may download or print individual pages for these purposes, provided you maintain all copyright and proprietary notices.

5.2 Restrictions

Without our prior written permission, you may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or publicly display website content for commercial purposes
• Modify, adapt, or create derivative works from our content
• Use our name, logo, or trademarks in any manner that suggests endorsement
• Frame or mirror any portion of our website on other websites
• Use automated systems to access or collect information from our website

6. Donor Relations and Contributions

Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity gratefully accepts donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other entities wishing to support our mission. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

6.1 Donation Processing

We accept donations through various channels including online payments, checks, wire transfers, and planned giving arrangements. All donations are processed securely and acknowledged with official receipts for tax purposes.

6.2 Donor Recognition

We recognize and thank our donors through various means while respecting privacy preferences. Donors may choose to remain anonymous or receive public recognition in our annual reports, website, and other communications.

6.3 Fund Allocation

Unless otherwise specified by the donor, contributions are allocated to areas of greatest need as determined by our board of directors. Restricted gifts designated for specific programs or purposes will be used accordingly, or donors will be contacted if circumstances prevent fulfillment of restrictions.

7. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

While we strive to provide accurate information and effective services, certain limitations apply to our operations and your use of our website and programs.

7.1 Website Disclaimer

Our website and all information provided are offered "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not guarantee that our website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from viruses or other harmful components.

7.2 Service Limitations

The Charity provides assistance based on available resources and program priorities. We cannot guarantee approval of any application or continued funding for any program. Services may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time without prior notice.

7.3 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity, its directors, officers, employees, and volunteers shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our services or website, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms of Service
• Your misuse of Charity funds or services
• Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations
• Your infringement of any third-party rights
• Any false or misleading information provided in applications or reports

9. Modification of Terms

Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

9.1 Notification of Changes

We will make reasonable efforts to notify users of material changes to these Terms through website notices, email communications, or other appropriate means. However, it is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically for updates.

9.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

10.1 Jurisdiction

Any legal action or proceeding arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Bergen County, New Jersey. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts.

10.2 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal legal proceedings, parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith negotiation. Contact our legal department to initiate the informal resolution process.

10.3 Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, disputes may be submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall take place in Bergen County, New Jersey, and shall be conducted in English.

11. Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to our services at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, for any reason including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms of Service
• Fraudulent or misleading information provided in applications
• Misuse of Charity funds or resources
• Failure to comply with reporting requirements
• Conduct that damages the Charity's reputation or mission
• Illegal activities or violations of applicable laws

11.1 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use our services immediately ceases. You must return any unused funds and provide final accounting of all Charity resources received. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall remain in effect.

12. Miscellaneous Provisions

12.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy and any other legal notices published on our website, constitute the entire agreement between you and Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity regarding your use of our services.

12.2 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision. No waiver shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the Charity.

12.3 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

12.4 Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, or government actions.

12.5 Headings

Section headings in these Terms are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. Thank you for your commitment to building stronger communities with Lucey Dugan Watkins Charity.