Terms of Service | Red Star Foundation

Red Star Foundation

Effective Date: October 13, 2026
Last Updated: October 13, 2026

Welcome to the Red Star Foundation website. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern access to and use of https://redstarfoundation.org and its associated pages, online resources, forms, donation features, and digital services (collectively, the "Website").

The Website is owned and operated by Red Star Foundation ("Red Star Foundation," "Foundation," "we," "us," or "our"), a United States nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Employer Identification Number (EIN): 99-4402310

By accessing or using the Website, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Website.

1. Our Mission and Purpose

Red Star Foundation is dedicated to preventing suicide among military service members, veterans, and first responders while providing recognition, hope, connection, and support to surviving families and loved ones.

Through educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, community outreach, peer-to-peer connection, recognition programs, advocacy, and partnerships, the Foundation works to strengthen communities and reduce the impact of suicide.

Information about our mission, initiatives, programs, and services is provided for general informational, educational, charitable, and community engagement purposes.

Participation in Foundation activities does not establish a medical, mental-health, legal, or other professional advisory relationship.

2. Eligibility and Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not interfere with the rights, safety, or experience of others.

You must not:

Use the Website for fraudulent, unlawful, deceptive, threatening, abusive, or harassing purposes.
Attempt unauthorized access to Foundation systems, accounts, databases, or confidential information.
Upload or transmit malicious software, harmful code, spam, or other disruptive materials.
Impersonate another individual, organization, military service member, veteran, survivor, or Foundation representative.
Submit false or misleading information, including fraudulent applications for Foundation services or recognition.
Collect or misuse personal information belonging to Website visitors, program participants, or surviving families.
Reproduce, redistribute, exploit, or commercially use Foundation materials without authorization, except as permitted by law.
Interfere with Website security, functionality, or availability.

We reserve the right to restrict or terminate access to the Website or its services for violations of these Terms, subject to applicable law.

3. Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and Crisis Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: RED STAR FOUNDATION IS NOT AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICE OR A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL OR MENTAL-HEALTH CARE.

The Website may contain information concerning suicide, suicide prevention, grief, trauma, depression, post-traumatic stress, loneliness, and related subjects.

All such information is intended for general education, awareness, outreach, and community support.

Unless expressly identified otherwise, Red Star Foundation does not provide licensed medical treatment, psychiatric care, clinical diagnosis, psychotherapy, emergency intervention, or individualized medical advice through the Website.

Information, resources, articles, personal stories, videos, and other materials should not be interpreted as medical recommendations or guarantees of specific health outcomes.

Participation in Foundation programs, peer-support initiatives, events, or activities does not guarantee prevention of suicide, improvement in mental health, recovery from trauma, or any other particular result.

The Foundation encourages anyone experiencing mental-health challenges to seek assistance from qualified healthcare professionals.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.

For suicide or mental-health crisis assistance in the United States:

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Veterans, service members, and their families may call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Veterans may also text 838255.

Do not rely on Website forms, email communications, social media messages, or Foundation personnel as a means of obtaining emergency assistance. Such channels are not continuously monitored for emergencies.

Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

4. Peer-to-Peer Programs and Community Support

Red Star Foundation may offer or facilitate peer-to-peer support, mentoring, family engagement, community outreach, and other nonclinical initiatives.

Unless a particular service is expressly identified as professionally licensed, these programs are intended to provide community connection, encouragement, information, and emotional support rather than medical or psychological treatment.

Participants acknowledge that:

Peer participants and volunteers may not be licensed mental-health professionals.
Personal experiences and opinions shared by participants are not professional advice.
Participation is voluntary unless otherwise specified.
Participants should seek professional treatment when appropriate.
Program availability, eligibility, format, and participation requirements may change.

Participation in particular programs may require separate consent forms, eligibility verification, confidentiality agreements, releases, or other program-specific documentation.

The Foundation may establish reasonable safety, conduct, and participation standards and may limit participation when necessary to protect individuals or program operations.

The Foundation does not promise that peer interactions or communications will prevent harm or achieve any particular outcome.

5. Donations and Charitable Contributions

Red Star Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3).

EIN: 99-4402310

Financial contributions support the Foundation's charitable mission, programs, operations, and related activities, consistent with applicable laws and any restrictions accepted by the Foundation.

Donation Processing

Online donations may be processed through independent third-party donation and payment providers.

These providers may collect and process payment information according to their own terms, security procedures, and privacy policies.

Red Star Foundation does not directly control the security or availability of independent payment-processing platforms.

Tax Deductibility

Donations may qualify as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes to the extent permitted by law.

The deductible amount may be reduced when a donor receives goods, services, event admission, or other benefits in exchange for a contribution.

Donors are responsible for obtaining independent tax advice concerning the deductibility of their contributions.

Donation Restrictions

Donations designated for particular campaigns or purposes will be handled consistently with restrictions accepted by the Foundation and applicable law.

If the Foundation cannot accept a proposed restriction or fulfill a restricted purpose, it may decline or return the contribution or seek an appropriate modification consistent with applicable law and donor instructions.

Refunds

Charitable contributions are generally treated as final once processed, except where refunds are required by law or authorized by the Foundation.

Refund requests may be considered in cases involving duplicate payments, processing errors, unauthorized transactions, or other circumstances determined appropriate by the Foundation.

Refund requests should be submitted through our Contact page and should include sufficient information to identify the transaction.

Nothing in this section limits applicable legal rights concerning unauthorized or disputed payments.

Recurring Contributions

If recurring donations are offered, donors authorize the stated recurring charges according to the frequency and amount disclosed during enrollment.

Donors may cancel future recurring contributions through the applicable donation provider or by contacting the Foundation for assistance. Cancellation will not ordinarily reverse previously completed contributions.

Any applicable recurring-payment disclosures and cancellation requirements presented at enrollment will govern alongside these Terms.

6. Charitable Solicitation and Transparency

Red Star Foundation conducts charitable fundraising activities in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Charitable solicitation registrations, exemptions, disclosures, and reporting requirements vary by jurisdiction.

The Foundation makes financial and organizational information available as required by law and responds to appropriate requests for charitable registration and financial information.

Registration with a government agency does not imply that the agency endorses, approves, or recommends the Foundation.

State-specific charitable solicitation disclosures may be provided on donation pages, fundraising materials, receipts, and other communications as legally required.

7. Red Star Banner and Family Recognition Programs

The Foundation may provide recognition materials, banners, pins, resources, and related services to eligible individuals and families.

Participation, eligibility, availability, verification, and distribution are subject to the requirements established for each program.

Submitting an application, nomination, request, or inquiry does not guarantee approval, acceptance, fulfillment, or delivery.

The Foundation reserves the right to verify submitted information, request supporting documentation, and decline applications that do not satisfy program requirements or applicable law.

Applicants must provide truthful and accurate information and obtain any legally required authorization before submitting personal information about another individual.

Receiving a banner or participating in a recognition program does not establish entitlement to financial benefits, government recognition, or any other benefit not expressly provided by the Foundation.

8. Personal Stories, Photographs, Videos, and Testimonials

The Website may feature personal stories, photographs, videos, interviews, testimonials, and other material involving service members, veterans, first responders, surviving families, and community members.

Such material is shared for educational, awareness, memorial, charitable, or related purposes.

Personal accounts represent the experiences or viewpoints of the individuals involved and should not be interpreted as universal outcomes, medical findings, or guarantees of program effectiveness.

Submission of personal content does not automatically grant the Foundation unlimited promotional rights.

Where appropriate, the Foundation will obtain separate permissions, releases, or authorizations before publicly using identifiable personal stories, photographs, recordings, testimonials, or sensitive information.

Individuals submitting materials represent that they have the right to submit those materials and have secured any necessary permissions.

The Foundation may decline, remove, or edit submitted material in accordance with its published policies, applicable permissions, and the law.

9. Intellectual Property and Trademarks

Unless otherwise indicated, Website content, including original text, graphics, designs, logos, images, videos, names, program materials, and other creative works, is owned by Red Star Foundation or used with permission.

These materials may be protected under United States and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may access, view, and print Website materials for lawful personal, educational, and noncommercial use, provided copyright notices and other proprietary markings remain intact.

No ownership rights or licenses beyond those expressly granted are transferred to Website visitors.

Commercial reproduction, modification, redistribution, licensing, or exploitation of protected materials requires prior written authorization unless otherwise permitted by law.

The names "Red Star Foundation," "Red Star Service Banner," and associated branding may be subject to applicable trademark, unfair competition, and other legal protections. Nothing in these Terms represents that every name or design is federally registered.

Nothing in this section restricts lawful fair use or other rights provided by applicable law.

10. News, Research, Statistics, and Educational Content

The Website may publish news articles, reports, research summaries, suicide-related statistics, policy commentary, legislative updates, and other educational material.

Red Star Foundation endeavors to present information responsibly but does not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or continuing relevance of every published item.

Statistics, research methods, definitions, reporting periods, and conclusions may differ among sources.

Some material may contain estimates, interpretations, or projections that are subject to uncertainty or future revision.

Information concerning legislation, government policy, research, or charitable activities may change after publication.

Visitors should consult original sources and qualified professionals before relying upon Website materials for medical, legal, governmental, financial, or other significant decisions.

Third-party opinions, quotations, research findings, or contributed articles do not necessarily represent the Foundation's official positions.

11. Third-Party Websites and Services

The Website may contain links, embedded content, donation services, video players, event registration tools, social media integrations, and other features operated by third parties.

The Foundation does not own or control those independent services and does not guarantee their accuracy, privacy practices, security, uninterrupted operation, or availability.

Third-party services may have their own terms of service, privacy policies, and additional requirements.

Links to outside organizations do not automatically imply sponsorship, partnership, approval, or endorsement.

Your use of third-party websites and services is subject to the terms and policies of those providers.

12. Privacy and Information Security

Your use of the Website is also subject to our Privacy Policy, available at:

https://redstarfoundation.org/privacy

The Privacy Policy describes how personal information may be collected, used, disclosed, retained, and protected.

Although the Foundation uses reasonable safeguards appropriate to its operations, no internet-based system or electronic transmission can be guaranteed completely secure.

Users should avoid submitting highly sensitive information through general contact forms unless specifically requested through an appropriate secure process.

Information submitted through a specialized program may also be governed by additional notices, consent forms, or confidentiality requirements.

13. Accounts, Membership, and Restricted Services

Certain Website features or services may require registration or authorized account access.

Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials and the accuracy of information supplied through their accounts.

Accounts may not be shared or transferred without permission.

You agree to notify the Foundation promptly if you believe an account has been compromised.

The Foundation may suspend, restrict, or terminate account access when reasonably necessary to maintain security, enforce applicable rules, prevent misuse, or protect participants.

Separate membership or program agreements may apply to particular activities.

14. Volunteers, Events, and Program Participation

Participation in Foundation volunteer activities, fundraising events, educational events, community activities, or other programs may be governed by additional policies, agreements, eligibility requirements, and safety procedures.

Visitors and participants agree to follow applicable event rules, lawful instructions, and conduct standards.

Certain activities may involve inherent risks, including emotional distress arising from discussions of suicide, grief, trauma, or personal loss.

The Foundation encourages participants to evaluate their own circumstances and seek appropriate support when needed.

Where appropriate, separate event agreements, volunteer arrangements, participant acknowledgments, or legally enforceable releases may be required.

These Website Terms do not replace any separate agreement required for a specific program or event.

15. Disclaimer of Warranties

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE WEBSITE AND ITS CONTENT ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS.

RED STAR FOUNDATION DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

The Foundation does not warrant that:

The Website will operate continuously or without interruption.
Website content will always be accurate, complete, current, or error-free.
Technical defects or security vulnerabilities will never occur.
The Website will be free of harmful software or unauthorized interference.
Participation in any charitable, educational, support, or outreach activity will produce a particular result.

Nothing in this section excludes warranties or obligations that cannot legally be disclaimed.

16. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, RED STAR FOUNDATION AND ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO USE OF THE WEBSITE.

This limitation includes, where legally permissible, damages associated with interrupted access, loss of data, reliance on Website information, or the actions of independent third-party service providers.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud, personal injury, statutory obligations, or other matters to the extent such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by applicable law.

These limitations apply only to the extent enforceable in the relevant jurisdiction and do not override separate legally binding agreements.

17. Indemnification

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Red Star Foundation and its directors, officers, employees, and authorized representatives against third-party claims, liabilities, damages, and reasonable expenses arising from:

Your unlawful use of the Website.
Your material violation of these Terms.
Your infringement of another party's intellectual property or privacy rights.
Fraudulent, knowingly false, or unauthorized submissions made by you.

This obligation applies only to the extent a claim results from your conduct and does not require you to indemnify the Foundation for its own negligence, misconduct, or unlawful actions.

18. No Government or Military Endorsement

Unless expressly and accurately stated otherwise, Red Star Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization and is not an agency or component of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, any military branch, or another government agency.

References to government institutions, military organizations, legislation, public officials, or public programs do not by themselves imply official sponsorship, affiliation, authorization, or endorsement.

Any formal partnerships, affiliations, or endorsements will be identified according to their actual terms.

19. Minors and Parental Consent

The Website is intended for general audiences and is not directed primarily to children under 13.

Children under 13 should not independently submit personal information through Website forms or create accounts.

Where youth participation is permitted in a Foundation program, appropriate parent or guardian consent may be required in accordance with applicable law.

The Foundation may implement additional safeguards for minors participating in specific initiatives.

20. Changes to Website, Programs, and Terms

Red Star Foundation may modify, suspend, discontinue, or update Website features, materials, programs, and services when appropriate.

The Foundation may also revise these Terms to reflect changes in law, technology, organizational practices, or Website functionality.

Updated Terms will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date.

Material changes may be communicated through additional notice where required by law.

Changes apply prospectively from their effective date unless otherwise permitted by law.

Continued use of the Website following an effective update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms to the extent permitted by law.

21. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, except where mandatory laws of another jurisdiction apply.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, disputes arising specifically from these Website Terms shall be brought before courts of competent jurisdiction located in Pinellas County, Florida.

Nothing in this section limits nonwaivable consumer, privacy, charitable solicitation, civil rights, or other statutory protections.

Before commencing formal legal proceedings, visitors are encouraged, but not required, to contact the Foundation to seek an informal resolution.

22. Severability and No Waiver

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision will be limited or severed to the extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in effect.

Failure by the Foundation to enforce a particular provision does not constitute a permanent waiver of its right to enforce that provision or any other provision in the future.

23. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any applicable program-specific agreements, form the applicable terms governing use of the Website.

If a separate written agreement governs participation in a particular Foundation program or activity, that agreement will control to the extent of any direct conflict concerning that program or activity.

Nothing in these Terms modifies or overrides legally binding donor restrictions or rights established under applicable law.

24. Contact Information

Questions regarding these Terms, use of the Website, charitable contributions, or Foundation activities may be directed to:

Red Star Foundation
600 Cleveland Street, Suite 383-C
Clearwater, FL 33755
Phone: (727) 977-6161
Website: https://redstarfoundation.org
Contact: https://redstarfoundation.org/contact

Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN): 99-4402310

Red Star Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.

Effective Date: October 13, 2026
Last Updated: October 13, 2026