Terms of Service
Last updated: March 2026
1. Acceptance of terms
By accessing or using the Firsthand platform, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the platform.
2. What Firsthand is
Firsthand Foundation is a platform that facilitates direct giving between donors and verified community projects. We are infrastructure — not a charity that directly operates programs. We connect, verify, and facilitate. The projects themselves are owned and operated by community partners.
3. Donations
Donations made through Firsthand are held as restricted funds pending our 501(c)(3) determination. Funds are held in escrow and released to community partners only upon verified completion of agreed-upon milestones. Our platform fee is 5–8%, disclosed before any transaction.
4. Refund policy
If a project fails to meet its verified milestones, donors are entitled to a refund of any unreleased escrow funds. Funds that have already been released upon successful milestone verification are not refundable.
5. Partner obligations
Community partners agree to milestone definitions, evidence submission requirements, and community data ownership terms before their projects are listed on the platform. Partners are responsible for accurate representation of their needs and timely submission of verification evidence.
6. No guarantees
Firsthand verifies evidence of milestone completion. We do not guarantee project outcomes. International development and community work are inherently uncertain. Our verification system is designed to maximize accountability, not to eliminate the realities of complex work in challenging environments.
7. Intellectual property
Community partners retain full ownership of their stories, photographs, voice recordings, and all content submitted through the platform. Firsthand is granted a license to display this content on the platform for the purpose of connecting communities with donors.
8. Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Wyoming, USA.
9. Contact
Questions about these terms? Reach us at hello@firsthand-foundation.com.