Terms & Conditions

S.Transparency Initiative ("STI", "we", "us", or "our") operates as a not-for-profit reporting and public-awareness platform organized under the laws of the United States. By accessing or using this website (the "Platform"), submitting a report, or making a donation, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

1. Nature of the Organization

Serbian Transparency Initiative ("STI") is an independent non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Texas, with its principal office at 6315 Central City Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77551, operating under federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 41-5333853. We are not a government agency, law-enforcement body, regulator, court, or licensed legal-services provider. We do not investigate, prosecute, adjudicate, or sanction any person or entity. The Platform exists solely to allow individuals to voluntarily document experiences and to support charitable, educational, and public-awareness purposes consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

2. No Legal, Medical, or Professional Advice

Content on the Platform is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. No attorney-client, fiduciary, or confidential relationship is created by use of the Platform. You should consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

3. User Submissions & Conduct

When you submit a report, evidence, or any other content ("User Content"), you represent and warrant that:

• The information is, to the best of your knowledge, truthful, accurate, and submitted in good faith.
• You have the legal right to share any documents, images, recordings, or third-party information included.
• You will not knowingly submit false, defamatory, harassing, threatening, or unlawful content.
• You will not use the Platform to extort, intimidate, blackmail, or retaliate against any person.
• You are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including recording, wiretap, privacy, and defamation laws.

Knowingly false reports may expose you to civil and criminal liability under applicable law. STI reserves the right to remove, redact, or refuse any submission at its sole discretion.

4. License to User Content

You retain ownership of your User Content. By submitting it, you grant STI a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to store, reproduce, redact, aggregate, anonymize, analyze, and — where consistent with our published policies and applicable law — publish such content in furtherance of our charitable mission. Personally identifying details are handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

5. Anonymity, Confidentiality & Limits

We offer an anonymous submission option and take reasonable measures to protect submitter identity. However, no online platform can guarantee absolute anonymity or security. We may disclose information when required by valid legal process (subpoena, court order, statute) or when necessary to prevent imminent harm. We do not voluntarily share submitter identities with the parties named in reports.

6. Donations

Donations to STI support the operating mission of the organization, including legal-aid referrals, outreach, and support for veterans, the disabled, sick children, and bereaved families. Donations are voluntary and, except where expressly stated otherwise in writing, are non-refundable. STI does not provide goods or services of material value in exchange for donations unless explicitly disclosed at the time of the gift.

Tax deductibility: Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by U.S. law once STI's 501(c)(3) status is recognized by the IRS. Donors are responsible for retaining their own records and consulting a tax professional. A written acknowledgment will be provided for single contributions of $250 or more, as required by IRS Publication 1771.

State charitable solicitation disclosures: STI complies with applicable state charitable-solicitation registration and disclosure requirements. Residents of certain states may obtain registration and financial information directly from their state regulator. Registration does not imply endorsement.

7. Use of Funds & Non-Distribution Constraint

Consistent with non-profit law, no part of STI's net earnings inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. Funds are used exclusively for charitable, educational, and public-awareness purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3). STI does not participate in political campaigns and limits lobbying activities as required by law.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform other than User Content — including text, design, logos, and trademarks — is owned by STI or its licensors and is protected by U.S. and international intellectual-property laws. You may not copy, redistribute, or create derivative works without prior written permission, except for fair-use purposes consistent with applicable law.

9. Third-Party Links & Partners

The Platform may link to third-party websites, partner organizations, or independent service providers (including referral partners such as attorneys, support networks, or wellness platforms). STI does not control and is not responsible for the content, policies, or practices of any third party. References to third parties do not constitute an endorsement.

10. Disclaimers

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ACCURACY, OR UNINTERRUPTED OPERATION. STI DOES NOT WARRANT THE TRUTHFULNESS OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY USER CONTENT.

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, STI, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, REPUTATION, OR PROFITS, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM. STI'S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS ($100).

12. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless STI and its directors, officers, volunteers, and agents from any claim, demand, loss, or damage — including reasonable attorneys' fees — arising out of (a) your User Content, (b) your use of the Platform, or (c) your violation of these Terms or any applicable law.

13. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas and applicable U.S. federal law, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Galveston County, Texas, and you consent to personal jurisdiction and venue therein.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance.

15. Contact

Questions about these Terms, donor inquiries, or requests for our charitable registration information may be sent to info@serbiantransparency.org or by mail to:

These Terms are provided as a general framework consistent with U.S. non-profit practice. They are not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. STI recommends review by counsel before publication of final operating bylaws and donor disclosures.