Terms of use
The ground rules.
A plain-language agreement for visiting this site. We wrote it to be read, not skimmed past.
Effective September 1, 2026
The short version
Use the site as it’s meant to be used. What you read here is information, not professional advice. Donations are handled by Zeffy, our words and artwork are ours, and by using the site you’re agreeing to everything on this page.
Who we are
This website belongs to The Belonging Tree Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the foster care system. In these terms, “we” and “the Foundation” mean us, and “the site” means everything at thebelongingtree.org. By using the site you accept these terms; if you don’t accept them, the site isn’t for you to use.
What this site is for
The site shares our story, our programs, our gatherings, and the ways you can help. Everything on it is general information offered in good faith. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic, or casework advice, and it is no substitute for the professionals who know your child and your circumstances. Decisions about a child’s care belong with you and with qualified professionals, always.
Donations
Gifts made through our donate page are processed by Zeffy under Zeffy’s own terms, and your receipt comes from Zeffy. Donations are generally final. If something goes wrong, a duplicate charge or a mistyped amount, reach out promptly and we will work with you to make it right. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our words and artwork
The writing, artwork, logo, and name on this site belong to the Foundation or to those who made them for us. You’re welcome to share what you find here for personal, noncommercial purposes with credit to us. For anything more than that, ask first. We’re friendly.
Other people’s gardens
The site links to, and embeds, services run by others, such as our donation platform. Those services grow by their own rules: their terms and their privacy practices are theirs, not ours, and we aren’t responsible for what happens on their ground.
What we can’t promise
We tend this site with care, but it is provided as is. Details change, events move, and despite our best efforts something here may occasionally be out of date, so we can’t warrant that everything is complete, current, or uninterrupted. To the fullest extent the law allows, the Foundation isn’t liable for damages that come from using the site or relying on what it says. Nothing in these terms limits any right the law says can’t be limited.
If these terms change
We may update these terms as the Foundation grows. The effective date at the top will move when we do, and using the site after a change means you accept the new version.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict-of-law rules.
Questions
If anything here is unclear, ask. Reach out through our contact page and a real person will answer.
Wondering what we do with your information? Read our privacy policy.