Terms of service

1. Who we are

Northlight is operated by Northlight Giving Inc. in the United States and Northlight Giving Canada ULC in Canada (together, "Northlight", "we", "us"). These Terms govern your use of north-light.org and related services (the "Platform").

By creating an account, starting a campaign, or making a donation, you agree to these Terms and to our Privacy Policy.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the United States or Canada to create an account or organize a campaign. By using the Platform you represent that you meet these requirements and that the information you provide is accurate.

3. Campaigns and organizers

Organizers are responsible for the accuracy of their campaign content, for using funds as described in their campaign, and for complying with all applicable laws — including tax obligations.

Campaigns may not fundraise for anything unlawful, harmful, or prohibited by our policies, including but not limited to: weapons, controlled substances, hate or harassment, financial products, gambling, or knowingly false claims.

Before withdrawing funds, organizers must complete identity verification with our payment partners as required by US and Canadian financial regulations. Northlight may pause, restrict, or remove campaigns that violate these Terms, and may withhold or reverse funds where required by law or our donor protection commitments.

4. Donations and the optional tip

Donations on Northlight are made voluntarily and, except as described in our refund and donor-protection policies, are non-refundable. Donations to personal campaigns are personal gifts, not purchases, and are generally not tax-deductible.

Northlight charges campaigns a 0% platform fee. Donors may choose to leave an optional tip to Northlight at checkout; tips fund the operation of the Platform. Payment processing fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction are deducted by our payment processors.

5. The Northlight Guarantee

If a campaign misuses funds or materially misrepresents its purpose, eligible donors may claim a refund of up to $1,000 per donor per campaign within one year of the donation, subject to the full Guarantee policy published on our Trust & Safety page. The Guarantee is void where prohibited and does not apply to disagreements about how an organizer prioritized legitimate campaign expenses.

6. Your content

You retain ownership of the content you post. By posting, you grant Northlight a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to host, display, and share that content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform and your campaign.

You are responsible for having the rights to any photos or text you upload, and for obtaining consent from any beneficiary you name.

7. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to: misrepresent your identity or purpose; use the Platform for money laundering or fraud; harvest data about other users; interfere with the Platform's operation; or circumvent our verification, fees, or safety systems.

8. Termination

You may close your account at any time by contacting support. We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms. Funds raised lawfully before termination will be disbursed to verified organizers or refunded to donors, as appropriate.

9. Disclaimers and liability

The Platform is provided "as is". Northlight does not guarantee that any campaign will reach its goal, and — except for the Northlight Guarantee — is not a party to the relationship between donors and organizers. To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability to you is limited to the greater of $100 or the amounts you paid to Northlight (in tips) in the twelve months preceding the claim.

10. Governing law

For users in the United States, these Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Colorado. For users in Canada, they are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario. Disputes will be resolved in the courts of Denver, Colorado or Toronto, Ontario, respectively.

11. Changes

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be announced on the Platform at least 14 days before taking effect. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance.