TERMS AND CONDITIONS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

EmpowerGrants Solution - Complete Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 17/08/2018

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before applying for any grant through EmpowerGrants Solution. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms.

1. Definitions

1.1 "Association" refers to EmpowerGrants Solution, a legally registered grant facilitation organization.

1.2 "Applicant" refers to any individual or business entity applying for a grant through our programs.

1.3 "Grant" refers to non-repayable financial assistance provided through our programs.

1.4 "Beneficiary" refers to an applicant whose grant application has been approved and who receives grant funds.

1.5 "Agreement" refers to the grant disbursement agreement signed between the Association and the Beneficiary.

2. Eligibility and Application

2.1 Age Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and not older than 85 years at the time of application, except where specific grant categories allow exceptions.

2.2 Residency Requirements

Applicants must be legal residents of one of the countries served by EmpowerGrants Solution and must have maintained continuous residency for at least 3 months prior to application.

2.3 Application Accuracy

All information provided in the application must be complete, accurate, and truthful. Any misrepresentation, omission, or fraudulent information will result in immediate disqualification and may result in legal action.

2.4 Application Fee

A non-refundable administrative processing fee is required with each application submission. This fee covers the costs of application review, document verification, background checks, and administrative processing. Fee amounts are based on the grant amount requested and are clearly stated during the application process.

2.5 Multiple Applications

Applicants may only submit one active application at a time. Subsequent applications may only be submitted after a final decision has been rendered on any previous application, or after a minimum waiting period of 3 months from a previous denial.

2.6 Application Ownership

By submitting an application, applicants grant EmpowerGrants Solution the right to review, verify, and process all submitted information and documents.

3. Evaluation and Decision Process

3.1 Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on eligibility, demonstrated need, viability of proposed use, completeness of documentation, and alignment with grant program objectives.

3.2 Discretionary Decisions

All grant approval decisions are made at the sole discretion of EmpowerGrants Solution. The Association reserves the right to approve, deny, or request additional information for any application without providing detailed justification.

3.3 No Guarantee of Approval

Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not entitle an applicant to receive a grant.

3.4 Processing Timeline

While we strive to process applications within stated timeframes, the Association reserves the right to extend processing times when additional verification or review is required.

3.5 Decision Notification

Applicants will be notified of decisions via email and registered mail to the address provided in the application.

3.6 Appeals

Denied applicants may submit a written appeal within 30 days of receiving the denial notification. Appeals must include new information or documentation not previously considered. Appeal decisions are final.

4. Grant Disbursement

4.1 Grant Agreement

Approved applicants must sign a Grant Disbursement Agreement before funds are released. This agreement specifies the grant amount, intended use, disbursement schedule, and beneficiary obligations.

4.2 Disbursement Methods

Grants may be disbursed via:
Direct bank transfer to beneficiary's verified account Direct payment to third-party providers (educational institutions, medical facilities, vendors, etc.) Structured payment schedule for larger grants Combination of methods as determined appropriate

4.3 Disbursement Timeline

Funds are typically disbursed within 10-15 business days after all required documents are signed and returned. Larger grants may be disbursed in installments.

4.4 Verification of Use

Beneficiaries may be required to provide proof that grant funds were used for the stated purpose. This may include receipts, invoices, enrollment confirmation, or other documentation.

4.5 Unused Funds

Any grant funds not used for the stated purpose within the agreed timeframe must be returned to EmpowerGrants Solution.

5. Beneficiary Obligations

5.1 Accurate Representation

Beneficiaries must use grant funds solely for the purpose stated in their application and grant agreement.

5.2 Reporting Requirements

Beneficiaries may be required to submit progress reports or outcome documentation as specified in their grant agreement.

5.3 Cooperation

Beneficiaries must cooperate with any reasonable requests for information or verification from the Association.

5.4 Publicity

Beneficiaries may be asked to participate in success stories, testimonials, or promotional materials. While participation is voluntary, beneficiaries consent to the Association sharing anonymized success metrics.

5.5 No Transfer

Grant awards are non-transferable and may not be assigned to any other individual or entity.

6. Prohibited Activities

6.1 Applicants and beneficiaries may not:

- Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information
- Submit forged or altered documents
- Apply using another person's identity
- Use grant funds for purposes other than stated in the application
- Engage in any illegal activities with grant funds
- Resell, transfer, or assign grant funds or benefits
- Apply simultaneously through multiple identities
- Collude with others to defraud the Association

6.2 Consequences of Violations

Violations of these prohibitions will result in:
- Immediate disqualification from current and future grant programs
- Demand for full repayment of any disbursed funds
- Reporting to appropriate law enforcement authorities
- Legal action to recover funds and damages
- Inclusion in a fraud prevention database

7. Privacy and Data Protection

7.1 Information Collection

EmpowerGrants Solution collects personal and financial information necessary to evaluate applications and administer grants. This includes identity documents, financial records, and other supporting documentation.

7.2 Information Use

Collected information is used solely for:
- Application evaluation and processing
- Identity and eligibility verification
- Grant administration and disbursement
- Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Program improvement and statistical analysis
- Fraud prevention

7.3 Information Sharing

The Association may share applicant information with:
- Verification services and background check providers
- Financial institutions for disbursement purposes
- Legal and regulatory authorities when required by law
- Professional advisors bound by confidentiality obligations

7.4 Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

7.5 Data Retention

Application data is retained for a minimum of 7 years for legal and regulatory compliance purposes.

7.6 Applicant Rights

Applicants have the right to:
- Access their personal data held by the Association
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Withdraw consent for non-essential data processing
- Request deletion of data after the required retention period

8. Verification and Background Checks

8.1 Verification Authority

EmpowerGrants Solution reserves the right to verify any and all information provided in applications through:
- Credit checks and financial background verification
- Identity verification services
- Employment and income verification
- Educational institution confirmation
- Medical provider verification
- Reference checks
- Public records searches
- Third-party databases

8.2 Applicant Consent

By submitting an application, applicants consent to all necessary verification activities.

8.3 Third-Party Verification

The Association may engage third-party services to conduct verification activities. These services are bound by confidentiality agreements.

8.4 Verification Costs

All costs associated with verification activities are covered by the application processing fee.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 EmpowerGrants Solution is not liable for:

- Delays in application processing due to incomplete submissions or verification challenges
- Denial of applications that do not meet eligibility criteria
- Changes in applicant circumstances after application submission
- Third-party actions or failures (banks, educational institutions, medical providers, etc.)
- Applicant's misuse of grant funds
- Tax implications of grant receipt
- Consequential, indirect, or incidental damages arising from the grant process

9.2 Maximum Liability

In no event shall the Association's total liability exceed the amount of the grant awarded or the application processing fee paid, whichever is greater.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 All content on the EmpowerGrants Solution website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of the Association and protected by intellectual property laws.

10.2 Applicants may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any Association materials without written permission.

11. Amendments and Modifications

11.1 EmpowerGrants Solution reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.

11.2 Continued use of our services after modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

11.3 Material changes affecting pending applications will be communicated directly to affected applicants.

12. Grant Program Changes

12.1 The Association reserves the right to:
- Modify grant amounts and eligibility criteria
- Add or discontinue grant categories
- Suspend or terminate grant programs
- Change application procedures and requirements

12.2 Such changes will be announced on our website and will not affect applications already in process unless legally required.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

13.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction where Association is registered].

13.2 Any disputes arising from these terms or the grant process shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Specified jurisdiction].

13.3 For applicants in different countries, local consumer protection laws may provide additional rights that cannot be waived by these terms.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution Applicants with concerns or disputes should first contact our Complaints Department at contact@empowergrantssolution.com. We will attempt to resolve issues informally within 30 days.

14.2 Mediation If informal resolution fails, parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing legal action.

14.3 Arbitration For disputes involving amounts over €10,000, parties may agree to binding arbitration as an alternative to litigation.

15. Severability

15.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

16. Entire Agreement

16.1 These Terms and Conditions, together with the Grant Disbursement Agreement (for approved applicants), constitute the entire agreement between the applicant/beneficiary and EmpowerGrants Solution.

17. Waiver

17.1 Failure by the Association to enforce any provision of these terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

18. Force Majeure

18.1 EmpowerGrants Solution is not liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, pandemics, government actions, or technical failures.

19. Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing

19.1 The Association complies with all applicable anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

19.2 We reserve the right to refuse applications or freeze disbursements if we suspect money laundering, terrorism financing, or other illegal activities.

19.3 Suspicious activities will be reported to appropriate authorities as required by law.

20. Tax Implications

20.1 Grant recipients are responsible for understanding and complying with all tax obligations in their jurisdiction related to grant receipt.

20.2 EmpowerGrants Solution does not provide tax advice. Recipients should consult qualified tax professionals.

20.3 The Association will provide documentation of grant disbursement as required for tax reporting purposes.

21. Contact Information for Legal Matters

For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, contact:

Legal Department

EmpowerGrants Solution
Attention: Mrs. Eliane Marie-Louise Vernet, Chief Legal Officer
Email: contact@empowergrantssolution.com

22. Acknowledgment

By submitting an application to EmpowerGrants Solution, you acknowledge that:
You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions in their entirety
You agree to be bound by these terms
You have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement
All information you provide is accurate and complete
You understand that violation of these terms may result in legal consequences"