• Find Your Agency

Effective Date: March 3, 2026

  1. Introduction

This Terms of Service agreement (the “Terms”) is a legally binding contract between you (“you” or the “User”) and Catholic Charities USA (“CCUSA,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) that governs your access and use of the websites, mobile applications, and other online platforms operated by CCUSA where these Terms are posted and all features, services, information, content, media, printed materials and other electronic documentation accessible thereon  (collectively, the “Website”), regardless of whether any such materials or services are provided in a publicly-accessible or a restricted access section of the Website.  

For clarity, CCUSA acts as the national membership and support organization for over one hundred (100) autonomous, diocese-based organizations (“Local Agencies”).WhileLocal Agenciesmay include “Catholic Charities” in their name,they are separate legal entities from CCUSA and we do not own, operate, or control Local Agencies or their websites. If you use the website of a Local Agency, such use is governed by the terms and conditions and policies established by the Local Agency, not these Terms or our Privacy Policy.

PLEASE READ these Terms CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE WEBSITE. AMONG OTHER PROVISIONS THAT AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, THE TERMS INCLUDES AN ARBITRATION PROVISION, WHICH, SUBJECT TO LIMITED EXCEPTIONS, REQUIRES USER TO ARBITRATE ANY CLAIMS USER MAY HAVE AGAINST CCUSA ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. ARBITRATION ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS MEANS THAT USER WILL NOT HAVE, AND USER WAIVES, THE RIGHT FOR A JUDGE OR JURY TO DECIDE USER CLAIMS, AND THAT USER MAY NOT PROCEED IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED OR REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY.

By (a) accepting these Terms using a mechanism made available on the Website (such as by clicking an “I Agree” button or checking a box) or (b) otherwise accessing or using the Website for any purpose other than solely to review these Terms or our Privacy Policy, you expressly represent that you (i) have reached the age of majority in your jurisdiction of residence, (ii) have read and understand these Terms, and (iii) agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not meet the foregoing age requirement, if you do not agree to all provisions of these Terms, or if these Terms are not enforceable where you are located, you are expressly prohibited from using the Website and must discontinue use immediately. We would not provide the Website without the conditions in these Terms. If you later seek to repudiate these Terms or any aspect thereof, you agree that such action would constitute a breach of these Terms, prohibiting you from enforcing any aspect of them and entitling us to damages if we are harmed as a result of your breach.

If you are an individual using the Website on behalf of, or for the benefit of, any corporation, partnership, or other entity with which you are associated (an “Organization”), then you are agreeing to these Terms on behalf of yourself and such Organization, and you represent and warrant that you have the legal authority to bind such Organization to these Terms. In that case, references to “you” and “your” in these Terms refer to both you, the individual using the Website, and to the Organization you represent.

  • Additional Terms

Certain features or areas of the Website, including restricted access sections, may be subject to additional terms, conditions, rules, or guidelines (“Additional Terms”), and we may provide such Additional Terms to you via postings, pop-up notices, links, or other reasonable means. All Additional Terms are hereby incorporated by reference into these Terms. As such, any reference to the “Terms” herein includes the Additional Terms. If there is a conflict between the provisions herein and any Additional Terms, the Additional Terms shall prevail, but only to the extent of the conflict.

  • Updates to these Terms

CCUSA expressly reserves the right to change these Terms at any time. If CCUSA modifies the Terms, CCUSA will provide notice to User by updating the “Effective Date” above. For material changes, CCUSA will seek to supplement such notice by email at the email address we have on file for User, a pop-up message on the Website, another prominent notice on the Website, or other reasonable means. User’s continued use of the Website after any changes constitutes User’s agreement to be bound by the Terms as modified.

  • Privacy

Please review our Privacy Policy, which governs your submission of personal information via the Website.

The Privacy Policy is hereby incorporated into these Terms by reference. By agreeing to these Terms, you are hereby representing to CCUSA that you understand and accept how we collect, use, and disclose information concerning your use of the Website, as set forth in our Privacy Policy. You understand and agree that (a) CCUSA is justifiably relying on this representation in granting you access to the Website and (b) if you later take legal action inconsistent with this representation, this will constitute evidence that your representation was false. In that case, CCUSA may elect to terminate these Terms, without prejudice to our ability to seek damages if we are harmed as a result of your breach. If you do not agree to the practices described in our Privacy Policy, you may not use the Website or provide us with any information.

  • Intellectual Property
  1. CCUSA Content

The contents of the Website, including all designs, text, sound recordings, images, graphics, buttons, digital downloads, data compilations, software, source and object code, and icons, and the design, selection, and arrangement thereof, as well as the overall appearance of the Website or sections thereof (collectively, the “CCUSA Content”), is the property of CCUSA or its licensors. As the CCUSA Content is a component of the Website, any reference to the “Website” herein includes CCUSA Content. For avoidance of doubt, CCUSA’s act of making the CCUSA Content accessible on the Website does not constitute a (a) waiver of any  intellectual property or proprietary rights (including copyrights, trademark rights, and patent rights) of CCUSA or its licensors or (b) transfer by implication, estoppel or otherwise of any such rights. The contents of the Website are protected by U.S. and foreign copyright laws, both as individual works and in some instances as collections, as well as by U.S. and foreign trademark laws.

  • Trademarks

The CCUSA Content includes the trademarks, service marks, logos, slogans, trade names, and trade dress used on the Website (the “Trademarks”). The absence of a trademark notice or symbol indicating the registration or ownership of a Trademark does not constitute a waiver of CCUSA’s or its licensors’ trademark or other rights. These Terms do not grant User any rights to use the Trademarks. Under no circumstances is User permitted to use the Trademarks in a manner that creates a likelihood of consumer confusion.

  • Your Limited License to Use the Website

Subject to User’s full compliance with these Terms, CCUSA grants User access to the Website pursuant to a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable permission (the “License”). The License is available to User unless and until User or CCUSA terminates these Terms, CCUSA otherwise suspends or terminates User’s access to the Website, or User is barred from using the Website by applicable law.  

CCUSA reserves all right, title, and interest not expressly granted under the License to the fullest extent possible under applicable law.

By using this Website, User agrees not to utilize any copyright, trademark, proprietary or confidential information contained therein in a manner inconsistent with these Terms or in violation of any U.S. or foreign law governing the protection of intellectual property or proprietary rights. User agrees to comply with reasonable written requests from CCUSA to help CCUSA protect its proprietary and intellectual property rights.

No CCUSA Content from the Website may be copied, reproduced, displayed, republished, downloaded, uploaded, posted, digitized, translated, modified, transmitted, distributed or commercially exploited in any way without CCUSA’s express prior written consent, except as expressly set forth herein or as authorized by applicable law. Under the License, you are permitted use of the Website solely for non-commercial, personal use, and only in the following limited ways: (a) you may access and browse the Website using a device that User owns or is authorized to use (a “Device”); (b) you may download the CCUSA Content from the Website and print out a hard copy, provided that you do not modify it in any way and do not remove or alter any copyright or other legal notice contained thereon; (c) your Device may temporarily store copies of CCUSA Content incidental to your use of the Website; and (d) User may install a copy of any mobile applications that we make available from time to time (collectively, the “Apps”) on a Device. Except to the extent authorized by applicable law, you may not otherwise use, download, upload, copy, print, display, perform, post, reproduce, publish, license, transmit, or distribute any CCUSA Content without the prior written consent of CCUSA or, if applicable, CCUSA’s licensor. Any unauthorized use of the CCUSA Content may violate copyright laws, trademark laws, and other applicable laws. You agree to comply with reasonable written requests from us to help us protect our proprietary and intellectual property rights.  Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the License constitutes a breach of these Terms and may result in the infringement or violation of copyrights, trademarks or other proprietary rights owned by CCUSA.

  • Use for Litigation Purposes Prohibited

The Website is intended for users genuinely interested in the CCUSA Content and CCUSA’s services. Under no circumstances may the Website be used for the purpose of, or with the intention of, initiating litigation or arbitration, including using the Website in order to trigger or induce an alleged violation of any law (“Litigation Purposes”). Use of the Website for Litigation Purposes is strictly prohibited, exceeds the parameters of the License, and constitutes a breach by User of these Terms. In such circumstances, CCUSA may elect to terminate these Terms, without prejudice to CCUSA’s ability to seek damages, including attorneys’ fees, resulting from User’s breach.

  • Video Content; Cookies

The Website may contain video content, audiovisual content, or content of a like nature (collectively, “Video Content”). Video Content is provided for the purpose of enhancing the user experience on the Website and is, therefore, provided in connection with CCUSA’s charitable purposes. CCUSA is not in the business of renting, selling, or delivering Video Content in a commercial manner. You acknowledge and agree that CCUSA is not a “video tape service provider,” as defined in the Video Privacy Protection Act (“VPPA”), 18 U.S.C.A. § 2710, or similar state laws.

Additionally, the Website may include online technologies and code-based tools, including cookies, pixels, web beacons, and software development kits, that track and analyze information about your activity on the Website (collectively, “Cookies”). Cookies may result in information about your use of the Website being transmitted from your browser to CCUSA and/or to third parties, which, in turn, may result in the display of targeted advertisements on third-party websites or resources (“External Sites”). Whether Cookies on the Website result in your browser’s transmission of information to third parties depends on a number of factors that may be outside of our knowledge or control, including what External Sites you use, what information you have provided to External Sites, and whether and the extent to which you have limited the use of Cookies by External Sites.

You hereby acknowledge and agree that, if Cookies on the Website result in your browser’s transmission of information to External Sites, (a) such transmissions do not constitute a “knowing disclosure” of “personally identifiable information” by CCUSA under the VPPA and (b) you will not initiate any litigation or otherwise assert any claim against CCUSA based, in whole or in part, on such transmissions, whether under the VPPA, the California Invasion of Privacy Act (Cal. Penal Code § 630 et seq.), or any other statute, regulation, or cause of action.

  • User Content
  1. User Content Disclaimer

Certain aspects of the Website may permit users to post, transmit, submit, upload, share, or make available (collectively, “share”) reviews, comments, communications, images, recordings, suggestions, questions, ideas, or other information or content (collectively, “User Content”). User Content has not necessarily been reviewed or approved by CCUSA, and we, therefore, make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, timeliness, or any other aspect of any User Content. Any views or opinions expressed in User Content belong to the users who shared the content and not to CCUSA. Your reliance on any User Content is done entirely at your own risk. You understand and agree that we are not responsible for, and shall have no liability related to, any User Content, including your reliance on such content. If you post any User Content, you are entirely responsible for that content.

  • Your License to CCUSA

By sharing User Content, you grant to CCUSA a non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, and fully sublicensable right to (a) reproduce, translate, publish, distribute, display, broadcast, modify, alter, create derivative works of, and otherwise exploit and use such User Content in any manner throughout the world, in any media or format, and for any purpose, whether commercial or otherwise, and (b) use your name in connection with your User Content when exercising the foregoing rights (the “User Content License”). We may sublicense the rights granted under the User Content License through multiple tiers of sublicenses.

You represent and warrant that (a) you own your User Content or (b) you have obtained all rights and permissions needed to grant the User Content License to CCUSA and, if the latter, that you have not altered or deleted any legal notice or copyright information attached to the User Content by the owner of such content. You acknowledge that you are not entitled to any monetary payment or other consideration in connection with our use of your User Content pursuant to the User Content License.

User Content shall not be deemed confidential, and CCUSA shall not have any obligation to keep such content confidential. You acknowledge and agree that, pursuant to the User Content License, we shall be free to use any ideas, concepts, know-how, or techniques contained in User Content for any purpose whatsoever, including developing, manufacturing, and marketing products incorporating or based on your User Content, all without any compensation or attribution to you.

  • Private Submissions

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Terms, the User Content License does not apply to personal information included in User Content that is not intended for public display (“Private Submissions”), such as personal information submitted when creating an Account (defined below). Personal information included in Private Submissions shall be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy. However, personal information included in User Content that is intended for public display on the Website is licensed to us pursuant to the User Content License. 

  • Use of Third-Party User Content

All User Content on the Website is considered CCUSA Content. As such, aside from the limited right to access and use the Website and CCUSA Content granted in the License, you may not make any use of User Content shared by another party without the prior written permission of the owner of such content.

  • External Links

The Website may include links to External Sites, including the websites of Local Agencies. CCUSA, its agents, or any other parties involved in the preparation or publication of this Website shall not be responsible for the content of any External Sites, including any link contained on External Sites and any changes or updates to such websites, nor does CCUSA necessarily endorse any aspects of External Sites. It is the User’s responsibility to take precautions when accessing any External Sites or content hosted thereon.

  • Accounts

In order to access certain areas or functionality of the Website, Users may need to create an account (an “Account”), which may require you to select a username and password.

Your access to any areas, content, or other Website functionality that requires the creation of an Account is granted solely at CCUSA’s discretion. You agree to: (a) provide true, accurate, current and complete information about yourself during the Account creation process; (b) maintain and promptly update your information to keep it true, accurate, current and complete; and (c) not act in a false or misleading manner during the Account creation process, including not adopting a username with the intention of imitating any other person or entity. If you provide any information that is untrue, inaccurate, not current or incomplete, or if CCUSA has reasonable grounds to suspect that such information is untrue, inaccurate, not current or incomplete, CCUSA may, in its sole discretion and without limitation, suspend or terminate your Account, terminate these Terms, and suspend or permanently prohibit your use of the Website (or any portion thereof).

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your Account password and for restricting access to your Account, and you will notify us of any known or suspected unauthorized use of your Account. You agree that you are fully responsible for all acts and omissions of any person that uses the Website while logged into your Account.

  1. Transactions

You may be permitted to engage in financial transactions on the Website, including charitable donations to CCUSA (each, a “Transaction”). If you wish to engage in a Transaction, you will be asked to supply certain information, such as your name, Organization, payment method, and billing information (collectively, “Payment Information”).

The payment methods that we accept will be set forth on the Website and may change from time to time. YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO USE ANY PAYMENT METHOD DESIGNATED BY YOU FOR A TRANSACTION. You further agree to provide current, complete, and accurate Payment Information. You agree to promptly update your Account and Payment Information as necessary, so that we can process your Transactions and contact you as needed. By submitting any Payment Information, you grant to CCUSA the right to provide such information to third parties for purposes of facilitating the Transaction. Verification may be required prior to the completion of a Transaction.

Your submission of Payment Information constitutes a request to engage in the relevant Transaction (each, a “Transaction Request”). All Transaction Requests are subject to our review and acceptance. We reserve the right to reject Transaction Requests as we deem necessary, and we shall have no liability to you other than providing a refund, if applicable; provided, however, that we will never alter the amount of any donation made on the Website unless required by law and, in any case, we will never increase the amount of a donation. If we reject or modify a Transaction Request, we will attempt to notify you via the information we have on file for you.

You agree to pay all charges incurred by you or on your behalf on the Website. You are solely responsible for any taxes applicable to your Transactions. Further, it is your responsibility to comply with all laws applicable to your Transactions and any donations made as a result thereof. Any offer made on the Website is void where prohibited.

  1. Errors

The Website may contain errors, inaccuracies, or omissions (“Errors”). We reserve the right to correct any Errors at any time and without notice. We are not obligated to honor any Transaction or price that involves an Error. We reserve the right to cancel or modify any Transaction Request affected by such Errors, even after your Transaction Request has been submitted or accepted or payment has been received.

  1. Mobile Terms and Conditions

By consenting to CCUSA’s SMS program (the “SMS Program”) on the Website or via other subscription tools we provide, you are agreeing to receive recurring text messages regarding promotional offers, transactional matters (including related to your orders and Account), and any other matters related to the Website, even if your mobile number is registered on a state or federal do-not-call list. Message frequency varies. Consent to the SMS Program is not a condition of any purchase.

If you wish to stop receiving text messages from CCUSA, reply with STOP to any text message sent from us or use the unsubscribe link provided to you within our commercial email messages. You understand and agree that alternate methods of opting out, such as using different words or requests, will not be considered a reasonable means of opting out and may not be honored.

There is no fee from Catholic Charities USA to participate in the SMS Program, but you are responsible for all charges and fees associated with text messaging imposed by your wireless provider. Message and data rates may apply and you consult your mobile service provider with any question concerning the same.  For any questions, please text HELP in response to any of our messages or reach out to us at the contact information provided in these Terms.

Data obtained from you in connection with this SMS Program may include your mobile phone number, your carrier’s name and the date, time and content of your messages. We may use this information to contact you and provide the services you request from us or as otherwise permitted under the Privacy Policy. Messages sent via the SMS Program may not be delivered if your mobile device is not in range of a transmission site, or if sufficient network capacity is not available at a particular time. Even within a coverage area, other factors may interfere with message delivery, including your equipment, terrain, proximity to buildings, foliage, and weather. We have the right to modify any telephone number or short code we use to operate the SMS Program at any time. You will be notified on such occasions. You agree that any messages you send to a telephone number or short code we have changed, including any STOP or HELP requests, may not be received, and we will not be liable for honoring requests made in such messages. To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree that we will not be liable for failed, delayed, or misdirected delivery of any information sent through the SMS Program, any errors in such information, and/or your reliance on the information or SMS Program.

  1. Notice of Claims of Copyright Infringement

CCUSA complies with the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”). As described elsewhere herein, the Website may from time to time feature User Content. CCUSA does not authorize or permit the sharing of User Content that infringes the intellectual property rights or other proprietary rights of others. If you believe that any of the content on the Website infringes a copyright that you own or are authorized to enforce, please send a notice of copyright infringement (“Copyright Notice”) to our agent designated for responding to reports of copyright infringement (“Designated Agent”). using the contact information provided below. In the subject line of your message, please include “Re: Claim of Copyright Infringement.”

Designated Agent Contact Information:

By mail:

Marylee Jenkins
ArentFox Schiff LLP
1301 Avenue of the Americas
Floor 42
New York, NY 10019

By E-mail: tmdocket@afslaw.com

To be effective, the Copyright Notice must be a written communication that includes the following information:

  1. A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.
  2. An identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed, or, if you believe that multiple works have been infringed on the Website, a representative list of such works.
  3. An identification of the published material that is allegedly infringing or otherwise the subject of infringing activity for which you request removal, and information reasonably sufficient to permit CCUSA to locate any such material.
  4. Information reasonably sufficient to permit CCUSA to contact the complaining party (e.g., an address, telephone number or an email address) in connection with the request.
  5. A statement that the complaining party in good faith believes that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the owner, its agent or otherwise permissible by law.
  6. A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and that, under penalty of perjury, such party is authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the copyright that is allegedly infringed. 

When we receive a substantially compliant Copyright Notice, we will expeditiously remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing content. We may give notice to the user responsible for the content by means of a general notice on the Website, email to the user’s address in our records, or written communication sent by first-class mail to the user’s physical address in our records.

If you receive such a notice and believe that the content was removed as a result of mistake or misidentification, you may send a counter-notification to the Designated Agent (“Copyright Counter-Notification”). To be effective, a Copyright Counter-Notification must be a written communication that includes the following:

  1. Your physical or electronic signature;
  2. Identification of the material that has been removed or to which access has been disabled, and the location at which the material appeared before it was removed or access to it was disabled;
  3. A statement from you, under penalty of perjury, that you have a good-faith belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of a mistake or misidentification of the material to be removed or disabled; and
  4. Your name, physical address, telephone number, and a statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of a federal district court for the judicial district in which your physical address is located, or if your physical address is outside of the United States, for any judicial district in which we may be found, and that you will accept service of process from the person who provided notification of allegedly infringing material or an agent of such person.

In an effort to protect the rights of copyright owners, we maintain a policy of suspending or terminating access to the Website, in appropriate circumstances and where technically feasible, of users who we determine to be repeat infringers.

  1. Disclaimer of Warranties; Limitation of Liability
  1. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, the Website is provided on an “as is“ and “as available” basis. CCUSA expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

Without limiting the preceding sentence, CCUSA makes no warranty that (a) the Website will meet User’s requirements; (b) the Website will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or free of viruses, errors, or other harmful components; (c) the information or content on the Website will be accurate or reliable; (d) the quality of any products, services, information, or other material obtained through the Website will meet User’s expectations; or (e) any errors on the Website will be corrected. It is User’s responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and usefulness of any information, opinion, advice, or other content available through the Website and to consult professionals as needed.

No advice or information, whether written or oral, provided by CCUSA or by a CCUSA employee or agent, or on the Website, shall create any warranty with respect to User’s use of the Website. User expressly agrees that User uses the Website solely at User’s own risk.

CCUSA, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assigns, suppliers, and licensors, and each of their officers, shareholders, managers, employees, agents, directors, and licensees (the “Released Parties”) shall not be liable for any of the following damages, if any, arising in connection with User’s use of or inability to use the Websit (a) indirect, incidental, special, punitive, consequential, statutory, or exemplary damages; (b) loss of profits, revenue, business, goodwill, use, or data, whether direct or indirect; (c) damages, including for any delay or failure in performance, arising from causes beyond the reasonable control of the Released Parties; (d) damages arising from the conduct of other users of the Website or their User  Content; or (e) damages relating to the delay, failure, interruption, disclosure, or corruption of any data or information transmitted in connection with use of the Website.

In no event shall the collective liability of the Released Parties in connection with any Dispute (defined below) exceed the greater of (a) $250 USD or (b) the total amount paid by User to CCUSA in the twelve (12) months preceding the date on which User’s claim arose (or, if the dispute involves multiple claims, the date on which the first such claim arose).

The terms of this Section 14(b) shall apply to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise, and even if any remedy fails of its essential purpose. User acknowledges and agrees that the limitations of liability set forth in this Section 14(b) are fundamental elements of the basis of the bargain between User and CCUSA, and that CCUSA would not be able to provide the Website without such limitations. 

  • Additional Rights

Some jurisdictions do not permit the disclaimer of certain warranties and/or the limitation of liability for certain damages (collectively, “Warranty and Liability Exclusions”). Accordingly, some of the Warranty and Liability Exclusions in these Terms might not apply to User, either in whole or in part when not permitted by applicable law. Nothing in these Terms seeks to impose Warranty and Liability Exclusions in a manner that is prohibited under applicable law. User agrees, however, that all Warranty and Liability Exclusions in these Terms shall apply to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.

  1. Indemnification

User agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and, at their option, defend the Released Parties from and against any and all liabilities, claims, damages, costs, and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and costs, arising from or related to (a) User’s breach of these Terms; (b) any User Content that User shares; (c) User’s interactions with other users of the Website; and (d) User’s violation of any law or the rights of any third party. User agrees that the Released Parties shall have the right to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by User and User agrees to cooperate if and as requested by CCUSA in the defense and settlement of such matter. If a Released Party assumes defense and control of any such matter, this shall not relieve User of User’s indemnification obligations. User agrees never to settle any matter for which User’s indemnification is required absent CCUSA’s prior written consent.

  1. Prohibited Conduct; Right to Restrict Access, Remove Content and Discontinue Service

User agrees not to share any User Content or otherwise use the Website in any matter that:

  • Infringes any copyright, trademark, trade secret, patent, or other right of any party, including the publicity and privacy rights of any person (living or deceased);
  • Impersonates any person or entity, including a CCUSA representative, or otherwise misrepresents your affiliation with a person or entity;
  • Involves forging headers or otherwise manipulating identifiers in order to disguise the origin of any content transmitted through the Website;
  • Is false or misleading, abusive, harmful, threatening, or harassing, tortious, defamatory, or libelous, obscene, vulgar, or pornographic, discriminatory on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexuality, gender, age, or disability, or otherwise objectionable;
  • Harms minors in any way;
  • Is designed to gain access to aspects of the Website that you are not authorized to access;
  • Copies, modifies, creates a derivative work of, reverse engineers, decompiles, or otherwise attempts to extract the source code of the software underlying the Website;
  • Discloses content that you do not have a right to disclose pursuant to any law or under contractual or fiduciary relationships, such as inside information, proprietary and confidential information received through employment relationships or under nondisclosure agreements;
  • Discloses private or personal matters concerning any person without their permission;
  • Interferes with or disrupts the proper functioning of the Website or any other user’s use of the Website;
  • Consists of or involves any unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, charity requests, petitions for signatures, promotional materials, “junk mail,” “spam,” “chain letters,” “pyramid schemes,” or any other form of solicitation, except in those areas of the Website that are designed for such purpose, if any;
  • Is designed to interrupt, destroy, or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment (including by means of software viruses or any other computer code, files, or programs);
  • Causes CCUSA to lose (in whole or in part) the services of our internet service providers or other suppliers;
  • Interferes with or disrupts the Website or servers or networks connected to the Website, or disobeys any requirements, procedures, policies, or regulations of networks connected to the Website; or
  • Violates, or encourages anyone to violate, any applicable local, state, national, or international law, regulation, or order.

CCUSA has the right (though not the obligation) to monitor the Website for the purpose of determining and enforcing compliance with these Terms. Further, CCUSA shall be free to delete, remove, modify, or refuse to post any User Content if CCUSA determines (a) that the content violates these Terms, (b) that the content is stale or off topic for the applicable portion of the Website, or (c) doing so is otherwise necessary or convenient in connection with CCUSA’s administration of the Website. CCUSA also reserves the right to modify, suspend or discontinue the Website, with or without notice, at any time and without any liability to Website Users.

CCUSA reserves the right to disclose any information to third parties, including your identity, Account information, and information about your use of the Website, as CCUSA deems necessary to (a) enforce these Terms; (b) satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request; or (c) respond to claims that the Website or your activities in connection therewith violate the rights of third parties. You hereby waive any claims related to or resulting from any action or inaction of CCUSA with respect to (a) monitoring the Website; (b) deleting, removing, modifying, or refusing to post any User Content; (c) determining or enforcing compliance with these Terms; or (d) cooperating with law enforcement or a governmental request concerning any matter related to the Website.

Notwithstanding the use restrictions in this Section 16, nothing in these Terms shall prohibit or restrict your ability to express or publish any review, performance assessment, or similar analysis (collectively, “Reviews”) about CCUSA, its employees or agents, or its services, to the extent that such Reviews are protected under applicable law, including any (a) “statement” protected by Cal. Civ. Code § 1670.8 or (b) “covered communication” as defined by the Consumer Review Fairness Act, 15 U.S.C.A. § 45b.

  1. Dispute Resolution and Agreement to Arbitrate

If there is any controversy, claim, action or dispute arising out of or related to User’s use of the Website, including any products or services displayed on or obtained from the Website, or the breach, enforcement, interpretation or validity of these Terms or any part of it (each, a “Dispute”), User and CCUSA hereby agree to resolve the Dispute through the dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Section 17, even if the Dispute arose prior to the effective date of these Terms.

  1. Informal Dispute Resolution

User and CCUSA agree to first attempt to avoid the costs of formal dispute resolution by giving each other a full and fair opportunity to address and resolve the Dispute informally. The party with the complaint (the “Complaining Party”) shall send written notice to the other party (the “Receiving Party”) describing the facts and circumstances of the Dispute (a “Dispute Notice”).

All Dispute Notices must: (a) be signed by the Complaining Party; (b) include the Complaining Party’s name, physical address, and email address; (c) describe with specificity the nature and basis of the Dispute in a manner sufficient for the Receiving Party to evaluate the merits of the Complaining Party’s individualized claim; and (d) set forth the alleged damage and harm suffered and the specific relief sought with a calculation for it. Each Dispute Notice is limited to a single Dispute between User and CCUSA. As such, User’s Dispute and those of others may not be combined into a single Dispute Notice.

Dispute Notices shall be sent as follows:

  • To CCUSA: You must send any Dispute Notice to (a) Catholic Charities USA, 2050 Ballenger Ave., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 and (b) by email to info@catholiccharitiesusa.org
  • To User: CCUSA will send notice by (a) first-class or certified mail to the physical address CCUSA has on file for User (if any) and (b) by email to the email address CCUSA has on file for User (if any). If CCUSA does not have any address on file for User, or if CCUSA is, for any reason, unable to provide notice via the contact information on file, CCUSA reserves the right to provide notice by other reasonable means.

User and CCUSA will attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute through informal negotiation within sixty (60) days beginning on the date that a valid Dispute Notice is sent (the “Informal Negotiation Period”). During the Informal Negotiation Period, User and CCUSA are required to conduct an individual meet-and-confer in person, or via teleconference or videoconference, that addresses only the Dispute between User and CCUSA (the “Conference”). If User is represented by counsel, User’s counsel may participate in the Conference, but User will also need to participate. CCUSA will participate in the Conference through one or more representatives, which may include CCUSA’s counsel.

Both User and CCUSA agree that this foregoing dispute resolution procedure (the “Informal Dispute Resolution Procedure”) is a condition precedent that must be satisfied before initiating any arbitration or litigation against the other party. If any aspect or requirement of the Informal Dispute Resolution Procedure has not been completed, the parties agree that (a) a court of competent jurisdiction can enjoin the filing or prosecution of any arbitration or litigation and (b) unless prohibited by law, no arbitration administrator shall administer any arbitration or demand fees in connection with the Dispute.

  • Individual Arbitration

IF ANY DISPUTE CANNOT BE RESOLVED THROUGH THE INFORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE, USER AND CCUSA AGREE THAT SUCH DISPUTE SHALL BE DECIDED EXCLUSIVELY BY BINDING ARBITRATION ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. ARBITRATION ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS MEANS THAT NEITHER PARTY WILL HAVE, AND USER AND CCUSA EACH HEREBY WAIVE, THE RIGHT FOR A JUDGE OR JURY TO DECIDE ITS CLAIMS AND THAT NEITHER PARTY IS PERMITTED TO  PROCEED IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED OR REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY. Other rights that User and CCUSA would have in court will not be available or will be more limited in arbitration, including discovery and appeal rights.

All such Disputes shall be exclusively submitted to JAMS (www.jamsadr.com) for binding arbitration under its rules then in effect, as modified by these Terms, before one arbitrator to be mutually agreed upon by both parties (a Dispute submitted to JAMS for arbitration being a “Demand for Arbitration”). The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the JAMS Consumer Arbitration Minimum Standards (the “Minimum Standards”) if, and only if, it is determined by JAMS or the arbitrator that the Minimum Standards are applicable to the Dispute. The Minimum Standards are available at www.jamsadr.com/consumer-minimum-standards. The location of any hearings will be determined by the applicable JAMS rules, provided that if the claim is for $5,000 or less, either party may choose to (a) have the arbitration conducted solely on the basis of the documents submitted to the arbitrator or (b) hold a hearing by teleconference or videoconference.

The arbitrator, and not any federal, state or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve any Dispute arising under or relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability or formation of these Terms, including any claim that all or any part of these Terms is void or voidable. User and CCUSA agree that the arbitrator shall have the exclusive power to rule on his or her own jurisdiction, including any objections with respect to the existence, scope, or validity of this Section 17 or the arbitrability of any claim or counterclaim. The award rendered by the arbitrator may be confirmed and enforced in a court of competent jurisdiction.

  • Mass Arbitration

This Section applies to Mass Arbitrations (defined below) and supersedes any provision to the contrary in these Terms.

If User or CCUSA files a Demand for Arbitration that is one of fifty (50) or more similar Demands for Arbitration filed by parties represented by the same law firm or law firms acting in coordination (a “Mass Arbitration”), the arbitration of the Dispute, and all other Disputes constituting the Mass Arbitration, shall be conducted in accordance with the JAMS Mass Arbitration Procedures and Guidelines, including the JAMS Mass Arbitration Fee Schedule (the “Mass Arbitration Rules”). The Mass Arbitration Rules are available at www.jamsadr.com/mass-arbitration-procedures.

User and CCUSA agree that, in the event of a Mass Arbitration, any issues arising under or relating to (a) the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of these Terms, including any claim that all or any part of these Terms are void or voidable or (b) the jurisdiction of the arbitrator, including any objections with respect to the existence, scope, or validity of this Section or the arbitrability of any claim or counterclaim, shall be decided by a court of competent jurisdiction.

  • Exceptions

In lieu of the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Sections 17(a)-(c), User or CCUSA may (a) bring a claim or elect to resolve a Dispute in small claims court in the United States consistent with any applicable jurisdictional and monetary limits that may apply, so long as the action is litigated exclusively in small claims court and is not removed or appealed to a court of general jurisdiction; and (b) file a claim in court to (i) enjoin the infringement or other misuse of its intellectual property rights or (ii) seek a declaration that the other party is in breach of these Terms.

User and CCUSA agree that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any claims referenced in the preceding paragraph must be brought and maintained on an individual basis. In addition, nothing in these Terms prohibits User or CCUSA from bringing issues to the attention of federal, state, or local agencies. Such agencies can, if the law allows, seek relief against CCUSA on User’s behalf (or vice versa).

  1. Governing Law and Choice of Forum
  1. Governing Law

These Terms and User’s use of the Website shall be governed by the laws of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to principles of conflict of laws. Any arbitration conducted pursuant to these Terms shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C., Secs. 1-16.

  • Choice of Forum

Except for claims properly lodged in a small claims court in the United States, any Disputes not subject to arbitration pursuant to Section 17 shall be resolved by the state or federal courts located in Alexandria, Virginia. User hereby consents and submits to the exercise of personal jurisdiction of such courts for the purpose of litigating any such claim or action.

  1. Termination of these Terms

These Terms will continue to apply to User until terminated by either User or CCUSA. CCUSA may terminate these Terms at any time if (a) we believe you have breached these Terms, (b) we stop providing the Website or any material component thereof, or (c) as we believe necessary to comply with applicable law.  You may terminate these Terms at any time by discontinuing your use of the Website and, if applicable, deleting your Account. If you need assistance deleting your Account, please contact us using the contact information provided in Section 21.

If User or CCUSA terminates these Terms, or if CCUSA suspends or terminates User’s access to the Website, User agrees that (a) User’s right to access and use the Website ceases immediately; (b) CCUSA shall have no liability to you in connection with the same; and (c) except as expressly provided otherwise by CCUSA, we will not refund any amounts that you have already paid to us. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if User voluntarily terminates these Terms, and User is not barred from using the Website by CCUSA or applicable law, you are permitted to resume use of the Website at a later date. User agrees that any such resumed use of the Website constitutes User’s renewed acceptance of the then-current version of these Terms.

The following provisions shall survive the termination of these Terms: Sections 4, 5 (excluding the License), 6, 7, 14, 15, 17, and 18, as well as any other provisions of these Terms that, either explicitly or by their nature, must remain in effect even after termination of these Terms.

  • Miscellaneous
  1. Interpretation

In these Terms, the words “include,” “includes,” and “including” are used in an illustrative sense and shall be construed as if followed by “without limitation,” and the term “or” shall not be exclusive. Titles and headings to sections herein are included for convenience only and are not intended to affect the meaning or interpretation of these Terms. Any limited or specific disclaimers or limitations of liability found in these Terms shall not limit the effect, force, or breadth of any more general disclaimers or limitations of liability in these Terms. When these Terms refer to a decision or action that will or may be made or taken by CCUSA, such decision or action shall be made, taken, or refrained from in our sole discretion and judgment.

  • Notice to California Residents

IF YOU ARE A CALIFORNIA RESIDENT, WITH RESPECT TO ANY WARRANTY AND LIABILITY EXCLUSIONS IN THESE TERMS, YOU HEREBY WAIVE CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTION 1542, WHICH STATES, “A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.”

Further, California residents may reach (a) us at the contact information provided in the below section and (b) the Complaint Assistance Unit of the Division of Consumer Services of the California Department of Consumer Affairs by mail at 1625 North Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834, or by telephone at (916) 445-1254 or (800) 952-5210.

  • Notice Regarding Apple

If you download any of our Apps from Apple, Inc’s (“Apple”) App Store, or if you are using an App on an iOS device, the following terms and conditions apply to you:

  1. These Terms are between you and CCUSA. Apple is not a party to these Terms and Apple is not responsible for the Apps or the content thereof. To the extent that you download an App from the App Store or use an App on an iOS device, the License is (1) limited to a license to use the App on Apple-branded products you own or control and (2) subject to (a) the Usage Rules set forth in the App Store Terms of Service and (b) any applicable third-party terms.
  1. Apple has no obligation to furnish any maintenance or support services with respect to the Apps. In the event of any failure of the App to conform to an applicable warranty (if any), you may notify Apple and Apple will refund the applicable purchase price of the App (if any) to you. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Apple has no other warranty obligation whatsoever with respect to the App. Apple is not responsible for addressing any claims by you or any third party relating to the App, including: (1) product liability claims; (2) any claim that the App fails to conform to any applicable legal or regulatory requirement; (3) claims arising under consumer protection or similar legislation; and (4) claims with respect to intellectual property infringement. Apple is not responsible for the investigation, defense, settlement, and discharge of any third-party claim that the App or your possession and use of the App infringes that third party’s intellectual property rights.
  1. Apple, and Apple’s subsidiaries, are third-party beneficiaries of these Terms. Upon your acceptance of these Terms, Apple will have the right (and will be deemed to have accepted the right) to enforce these Terms against you as a third-party beneficiary.
  • No Waiver

User agrees that if CCUSA does not exercise or enforce any legal right or remedy that is contained in these Terms (or to for which CCUSA is entitled under any applicable law), this will not be construed as a waiver of such these rights and remedies.

  • Severability

If any provision of these Terms are held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of these Terms, which shall remain in full force and effect.

  • Entire Agreement

These Terms (including, for clarification, any Additional Terms) set forth the entire understanding and agreement between you and CCUSA with respect to your use of the Website.

  • Assignment

You may not assign, transfer, or sublicense any or all of your rights or obligations under these Terms without our express prior written consent. We may assign, transfer, or sublicense any or all of our rights or obligations under these Terms without restriction.

  • No Relationship

These Terms do not, and shall not be construed to, create any partnership, joint venture, employer-employee, agency, or franchisor-franchisee relationship between you and CCUSA.

  1. Compliance with Laws

CCUSA controls and operates the Website from within the United States and makes no representation or warranty that the Website is appropriate or available for use or access in any location outside of the United States. Anyone using or accessing the Website from outside the United States does so on their own risk and is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. and international export control laws and regulations.

  • Admissibility

You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that CCUSA provides to you (a) via a notice on the Website or (b) an email to an address that we have on file for you will satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing. You further agree that a printed version of these Terms and/or any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings (including arbitration) based upon or relating to these Terms or your use of the Website to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form.

  • Contact Us

If User has any questions, comments or concerns about the Website or these Terms, please contact us at:

Catholic Charities USA
2050 Ballenger Ave. Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
info@catholiccharitiesusa.org
(703) 549-1390