Contribute Terms and Conditions
1. Introduction
Your legal agreement with Contribute
- Starting a fundraising campaign (“Campaign Organizer”)
- Contributing as a Donor
- Receiving funds as a Beneficiary
- Or interacting with our services in any other way
Please read these Terms carefully. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.
2. Definitions
Here are some key terms used throughout these Terms:
- Account: Your unique registration profile on Contribute, allowing access to our Services.
- Affiliate: Any entity directly or indirectly controlled by, or under common control with, Contribute.
- Beneficiary: The individual, group, organization, or cause for whose benefit a Campaign is created.
- Campaign: A fundraising initiative started on the Platform.
- Campaign Organizer: The individual or organization who creates and manages a Campaign.
- Donor: Any individual or entity that contributes funds to a Campaign through the Platform.
- NPO (Non-Profit Organisation): An organization legally registered in Zimbabwe or any African jurisdiction for public benefit purposes, including churches, community trusts, and NGOs.
- Platform: The full suite of online services offered by Contribute, including our website, mobile app, and related digital infrastructure.
- Services: All functions and tools provided by Contribute, including Campaign creation, donations, content sharing, and community engagement.
- User: Any individual or organization using the Platform, including Campaign Organizers, Donors, and Beneficiaries.
- User Content: Any text, image, video, or other content that you upload or share on the Platform.
3. The Services We Provide
Contribute provides a digital platform for individuals, communities, and organizations in Zimbabwe and across Africa to raise funds for personal, social, or community-driven causes. Whether you’re raising funds for school fees, medical costs, emergencies, farming equipment, or social projects, we help connect you with people who care.
We also allow Donors to browse and contribute to Campaigns and learn more about causes that matter to them.
Contribute acts solely as a facilitator between Campaign Organizers and Donors. We are not a bank, financial institution, NGO, charity, or professional fundraiser. We do not vet every Campaign or guarantee the success of any fundraising initiative.
3.2. Our Role and Limitations- We do not provide financial, legal, or tax advice.
- Users are responsible for complying with local laws when using funds.
- Donors should exercise personal judgment before contributing to any Campaign.
We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Platform at any time. While we will aim to notify you of significant changes, some changes may occur without notice, especially where required for legal or security reasons. We may update, suspend, or discontinue services at any time with or without notice.
4. Account Creation and Eligibility Requirements
4.1. Account Registration
To access and use certain features of the Platform, including initiating or managing a Campaign or making a Donation, Users must create an Account by providing accurate, current, and complete information, including (but not limited to) full name, contact details, national identification or company registration documents, and any additional information as may be required for compliance with applicable laws.
Users agree to update their information promptly to maintain its accuracy. By registering for an Account, the User agrees to be bound by these Terms and the Contribute Privacy Policy.
Contribute reserves the right to reject or suspend any Account where the information provided is found to be false, misleading, incomplete, or in breach of applicable laws or these Terms.
4.2. Account Types
The Platform may support different types of Accounts, including:
- Individual Accounts: Created by private individuals for personal fundraising or donation.
- Organizational Accounts: Created by registered NPOs or corporate entities for charitable or social impact purposes.
Different verification requirements and access permissions may apply depending on the type of Account created.
4.3. Age Restrictions
Only individuals who are at least eighteen (18) years of age, or the age of legal majority in their country of residence (if higher), may create an Account and use the Services. By creating an Account, the User affirms that they meet this age requirement.
Minors under the age of 18 may be listed as Beneficiaries of Campaigns, provided the Campaign is created and managed by a parent, legal guardian, or another authorized adult, subject to the relevant consent and documentation.
4.4. Use of Third-Party Payment Services
To facilitate the receipt and disbursement of donations, Users may be required to register with third-party payment providers integrated with the Platform (e.g., mobile money services, local banks, or regional payment gateways). These providers may require the User to accept their own terms and conditions and provide additional identification and verification.
Contribute is not a payment processor and disclaims all liability related to the use of such third-party services. Users are solely responsible for compliance with the terms of such services.
4.5. Account Security
Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their Account credentials, including passwords and verification codes. The User agrees to notify Contribute immediately upon any suspected unauthorised use of their Account or any other breach of security.
Contribute shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the User’s failure to safeguard their Account credentials or to comply with this provision.
4.6. Mobile Access and Notifications
The Platform may include services accessible via mobile devices, including the ability to upload User Content, manage Campaigns, receive notifications, and make Donations. By using the Platform via a mobile device, the User acknowledges that standard data, SMS, and other carrier fees may apply.
By opting into mobile communications, the User consents to receive automated and manual messages, including transactional and security-related alerts. The User may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
5. User Responsibilities and Conduct
Expectations and restrictions for all Users of the Contribute Platform
- Use the Services in a lawful, responsible, and ethical manner
- PProvide accurate and truthful information in all interactions with the Platform, including during registration and when launching or contributing to Campaigns;
- Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and codes of practice in Zimbabwe or their country of residence, including those governing data protection, fundraising, money laundering, and public decency;
- Refrain from fraud, misrepresentation, or misuse of funds
- Creating or promoting false, deceptive, or misleading Campaigns;
- Misusing donations for unlisted purposes
- Impersonating any person or entity, including public officials, Beneficiaries, or Contribute personnel.
- Violates Zimbabwean criminal law, including the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23];
- Contains hate speech, incites violence, or promotes terrorism;
- Constitutes harassment, abuse, defamation, or the infringement of another person’s rights;
- Violates the rights of children or promotes child exploitation.
- Engaging in or facilitating money laundering, terrorism financing, or any other financial crime, in breach of Zimbabwe’s Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act [Chapter 9:24] and equivalent laws in other jurisdictions.
- Collecting, processing, or disclosing personal data without lawful basis or consent;
- Violating Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] or other applicable data privacy laws.
- Attempting to interfere with or disrupt the security, integrity, or availability of the Platform;
- Using bots, scrapers, or malware without permission
- Uploading malicious code, malware, or engaging in phishing activities.
- They own or have lawful rights to the content;
- The content does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party;
- The content complies with these Terms and all applicable laws.
Contribute reserves the right, but is not obligated, to monitor, edit, or remove User Content that violates these Terms or applicable law.
- Suspension or termination of Accounts
- Withholding or reversal of funds
- Referring the matter to law enforcement or regulatory authorities.
- Fundraising and financial laws in their jurisdiction
- Tax reporting obligations on donations or receipts
- Anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws (e.g., Zimbabwe’s Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act)
6. Fees and Payments
Understanding how Contribute handles platform costs, bank charges, currency, and taxation.
Our mission is to promote access to social capital and inclusive giving across Zimbabwe and the African continent without financial barriers.
- Banks
- Mobile money operators (e.g., EcoCash, OneMoney, Telecash)
- Payment gateways (e.g., Paynow, Stripe, Flutterwave)
For cross-currency donations:
- Exchange rates are determined by financial institutions at the time of transaction
- Contribute is not liable for rate fluctuations or related losses
- Verification by payment processors or banks
- Completion of KYC requirements (e.g., ID, banking info, campaign proof)
- Required by law
- Proven fraudulent activity is involved
- Declaring funds received as income (if applicable)
- Understanding donation deductibility in their jurisdiction
- Complying with charitable and tax reporting obligations
7. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
Parties agree to resolve complaints through informal negotiations first. Contact: support@contribute.org.zw. Contribute will aim to respond within 14 days.
7.2. Jurisdiction and Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Zimbabwe, including relevant acts. Disputes shall be resolved in Zimbabwean courts.
7.3. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
7.3.1. Voluntary Mediation or Arbitration
If informal talks fail, parties may seek mediation/arbitration through institutions such as ZCAC or the Law Society of Zimbabwe.
7.3.2. Regional and Cross-Border Disputes
Regional disputes may be referred to SADC Tribunal, COMESA Court, or other accepted mechanisms.
7.4. Complaints to Regulatory Bodies
Users may report breaches to POTRAZ, the Data Protection Authority, or the Consumer Protection Commission.
7.5. Waiver of Class Action
Disputes must be resolved individually. Class, consolidated, or representative actions are not permitted unless both parties agree.
All content on Contribute is the property of Contribute Private Limited or its partners. Protected by copyright, trademark, patent laws, and international treaties.
8.2. Limited License to Users
Users are granted a limited, non-exclusive license for lawful use. This excludes resale, data mining, and derivative works. Unauthorized use ends the license.
8.3. User Content and Grant of Rights
Users grant Contribute a global, royalty-free license to use shared content. Users must ensure they hold rights to their submissions. Contribute may remove content at its discretion.
Access may be restricted or terminated without notice for legal or security reasons.
9.2. Termination by User
Users may terminate accounts at any time. Public content may remain unless deletion is requested.
9.3. Effect of Termination
Rights accrued before termination survive. This includes pending donations, intellectual property rights, and legal compliance obligations.
Contribute complies with Zimbabwean and AU data protection laws. See our Privacy Policy.
10.2. Categories of Data Collected
Includes identity, contact, financial, technical, geo-location, and user content data.
10.3. Purpose of Processing
Data is used for registration, fraud prevention, legal compliance, and user communication.
10.4. Lawful Basis
Based on consent, contracts, legal obligations, or legitimate interests.
10.5. Data Sharing
Shared with verified providers, regulators, or with consent. Not sold or rented.
10.6. International Transfers
Transfers outside Zimbabwe/AU are safeguarded by contracts or rules.
10.7. Data Retention
Retained only as long as necessary for legal or business reasons.
10.8. Your Rights
You may request access, correction, deletion, or restriction. Email: privacy@contribute.gift.
10.9. Security
Measures include encryption, audits, and secure development. Users must protect credentials.
These Terms and the Privacy Policy form the full agreement.
11.2. Governing Law
Governed by Zimbabwean law, with regional frameworks as guidance.
11.3. Severability
If any term is unlawful or unenforceable, the rest remain valid.
11.4. Waiver
No waiver is valid unless in writing.
11.5. Force Majeure
Contribute is not liable for events beyond its control.
11.6. Assignment
Users may not transfer rights. Contribute may assign obligations freely.
11.7. Contact
Email: support@contribute.gift
Phone: +263
Website: www.contribute.gift