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Terms & Conditions

Friends of Henderson County Wildlife (FOHCWL)
Effective Date: December 27, 2025
Last Updated: January 6, 2026

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Friends of Henderson County Wildlife (“FOHCWL,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website (friendsofhcwildlife.org), membership programs, events, volunteer activities, merchandise purchases, and all other services provided by FOHCWL.

By accessing our website, becoming a member, making a donation, purchasing merchandise, attending events, or participating in any FOHCWL program, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these Terms, you may not use our website or services.

FOHCWL reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. About FOHCWL

Friends of Henderson County Wildlife is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Illinois. FOHCWL operates under its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws in accordance with federal and state laws governing charitable organizations.

Mission: FOHCWL is dedicated to educating the public about Henderson County, Illinois’ exceptional natural resources, benefiting wildlife, and promoting recreational outdoor activities in accordance with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

E.C.O. Goals: Our mission focuses on three core objectives:

  • Education: Promoting outdoorsmen safety, conservation practices, and environmental stewardship
  • Conservation: Restoring habitat, improving biodiversity, and enhancing wildlife opportunities
  • Outdoorsmen Heritage: Preserving outdoor traditions and connecting generations through mentorship

3. Membership

3.1 Membership Types

FOHCWL offers various membership levels, including individual and youth memberships. Membership benefits, dues, and terms are outlined on our website and may be updated from time to time.

3.2 Membership Eligibility

  • Adult Members: Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Youth Members: Individuals aged 13-17 may join with verifiable parental or guardian consent

3.3 Membership Fees and Payment

  • Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
  • Memberships may be set to auto-renew annually, and members can cancel auto-renewal at any time through their Zeffy account or by contacting us at info@friendsofhcwildlife.org
  • Payment is processed securely through Stripe via our membership platform, Zeffy
  • FOHCWL reserves the right to change membership fees with advance notice to existing members

3.4 Membership Benefits

Membership benefits may include:

  • Access to members-only events and programs
  • Annual merchandise package
  • Discounted event registration
  • Newsletters and conservation updates
  • Voting rights at annual meetings (where applicable)
  • Recognition in annual reports and donor listings at events

Membership benefits are subject to change and do not constitute a contractual obligation.

3.5 Membership Termination

  • Members may cancel their membership at any time without refund of current-year dues
  • FOHCWL reserves the right to terminate or suspend membership for violation of these Terms, unethical conduct, or behavior that conflicts with our mission and values
  • Terminated members forfeit all membership benefits and are not entitled to a refund

4. Donations

4.1 Tax-Deductible Contributions

FOHCWL is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN available upon request). Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes via email or mail.

4.2 Use of Donations

All donations support FOHCWL’s mission and E.C.O. Goals, including:

  • Youth education programs and scholarships
  • Habitat restoration and conservation projects
  • Community events and mentorship programs
  • Outdoorsmen safety courses and training
  • Operational expenses necessary to carry out our mission

FOHCWL is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Every dollar raised stays local and directly supports programs in Henderson County, Illinois.

4.3 No Refunds

All donations are final and non-refundable. If you believe a donation was made in error, please contact us at info@friendsofhcwildlife.org within 30 days, and we will review your request on a case-by-case basis.

4.4 Recurring Donations

Donors may set up recurring donations, which will be processed automatically at the selected interval (monthly, quarterly, annually). Recurring donations can be canceled at any time through your Zeffy account or by contacting us.

5. Merchandise Sales

5.1 Merchandise Purchases

FOHCWL offers branded merchandise, including apparel and other items, for sale through our online store powered by Zeffy.

5.2 Pricing and Payment

  • All prices are listed in U.S. dollars
  • Payment is processed securely through Stripe
  • FOHCWL reserves the right to change prices and discontinue items at any time

5.3 Pickup and Shipping

  • Pickup: Merchandise is generally available for local pickup at designated FOHCWL events or locations
  • Shipping: Shipping is available for an optional fee added at checkout. Shipping costs are non-refundable
  • Buyers are responsible for providing accurate shipping information. FOHCWL is not responsible for lost or stolen packages after delivery confirmation

5.4 No Returns, Exchanges, or Refunds

All merchandise sales are final. FOHCWL does not accept returns or exchanges, and refunds are not available except in cases of defective or incorrect items shipped.

If you receive a defective or incorrect item, please contact us at info@friendsofhcwildlife.org within 14 days of receipt, and we will work with you to resolve the issue.

6. Events and Programs

6.1 Event Registration

FOHCWL hosts a variety of events, including conservation workdays, educational programs, safety courses, fundraisers, and community gatherings. Event registration may be required and is managed through our website or third-party platforms.

6.2 Event Participation

By attending FOHCWL events, you agree to:

  • Follow all safety instructions and guidelines provided by FOHCWL staff and volunteers
  • Conduct yourself in a respectful and appropriate manner
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

6.3 Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver

Participation in FOHCWL events and activities, including but not limited to conservation projects, volunteer workdays, outdoor activities, hunting and fishing events, safety courses, and mentorship programs, involves inherent risks.

By participating in any FOHCWL event or activity, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • You voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to risks of injury, illness, property damage, or death
  • FOHCWL, its directors, officers, volunteers, and agents shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, or expense arising from your participation
  • You release and hold harmless FOHCWL from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising from your participation

For Minors: Parents or legal guardians must provide written consent and assume all risks on behalf of minors participating in FOHCWL events and programs.

FOHCWL may require participants to sign additional waivers or consent forms for specific events or activities.

6.4 Photography and Media Consent

FOHCWL may photograph and record events, programs, and activities for promotional purposes. By attending FOHCWL events, you grant FOHCWL the irrevocable, royalty-free, perpetual right to use your name, image, likeness, voice, and statements in photographs, videos, and other media for marketing, promotional, educational, and fundraising purposes, including but not limited to:

  • Website and social media content
  • Newsletters and email communications
  • Printed materials and annual reports
  • Press releases and media coverage

For Minors: Parental or guardian consent covers photography and media usage for youth participants.

If you do not wish to be photographed or want a specific photo removed, please notify us in writing at info@friendsofhcwildlife.org. However, FOHCWL reserves the right to use photos already published or distributed.

6.5 Event Cancellations and Changes

FOHCWL reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or modify events due to weather, safety concerns, insufficient registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified as soon as possible. Registration fees for canceled events may be refunded or applied to future events at FOHCWL’s discretion.

7. Volunteer Activities

7.1 Volunteer Participation

FOHCWL welcomes volunteers to support conservation projects, educational programs, events, and administrative tasks. Volunteers must complete any required training, sign necessary waivers, and comply with FOHCWL policies.

7.2 Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers agree to:

  • Perform assigned tasks to the best of their ability
  • Follow safety protocols and instructions
  • Represent FOHCWL in a positive and professional manner
  • Respect confidentiality and privacy

7.3 No Employment Relationship

Volunteers are not employees of FOHCWL and are not entitled to compensation, benefits, or workers’ compensation. All services are provided on a voluntary basis.

7.4 Liability Waiver

Volunteers assume all risks associated with volunteer activities and release FOHCWL from liability for any injury, loss, or damage arising from volunteer service.

8. Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 Ownership

All content on the FOHCWL website and in our materials, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, photographs, videos, audio, software, and design elements, is the exclusive property of FOHCWL or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

8.2 Trademarks

The FOHCWL name, logo, and branding are trademarks of Friends of Henderson County Wildlife. You may not use our trademarks without prior written permission.

8.3 Restrictions on Use

You may not:

  • Reproduce, distribute, modify, publicly display, or create derivative works from FOHCWL content without written permission
  • Use FOHCWL content for commercial purposes
  • Remove or alter copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices
  • Scrape, harvest, or use automated tools to collect content from our website

8.4 Photography and Media

Photographs and videos taken at FOHCWL events are the property of FOHCWL. Participants may not use event photographs for commercial purposes or in a manner that misrepresents FOHCWL or its mission without permission.

8.5 User-Generated Content

If you submit content to FOHCWL (e.g., testimonials, stories, photos), you grant FOHCWL a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide license to use, reproduce, modify, and distribute your content for promotional and educational purposes.

9. Website Use and Conduct

9.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the FOHCWL website only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You may not:

  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • Infringe on the rights of others
  • Transmit harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
  • Interfere with the operation of the website
  • Use the website for fraudulent or deceptive purposes

9.2 Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including:

  • Illinois Department of Natural Resources (ILDNR)
  • State parks and conservation areas
  • Partner organizations and sponsors
  • Payment processors and service providers

Disclaimer: FOHCWL is not responsible for the content, accuracy, privacy practices, or terms of use of third-party websites. We encourage you to review the policies of any external site you visit. Links to third-party sites do not imply endorsement or affiliation.

9.3 Account Security

If you create an account on our website or through Zeffy, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

10. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

10.1 No Warranties

THE FOHCWL WEBSITE AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

FOHCWL does not warrant that:

  • The website will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
  • Information provided is accurate, complete, or current
  • Defects will be corrected

10.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, FOHCWL, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR USE, ARISING FROM:

  • Your use of or inability to use our website or services
  • Participation in events, programs, or volunteer activities
  • Errors or omissions in content
  • Unauthorized access to your information
  • Any other matter relating to FOHCWL

In no event shall FOHCWL’s total liability exceed the amount you paid to FOHCWL in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

10.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless FOHCWL and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from:

  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your use of our website or services
  • Your participation in events or programs
  • Your infringement of any third-party rights

11. Privacy

Your use of our website and services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your information.

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

12.2 Jurisdiction and Venue

Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of our services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Henderson County, Illinois. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and waive any objection to venue.

12.3 Dispute Resolution

Before filing any legal action, you agree to first attempt to resolve disputes informally by contacting FOHCWL at info@friendsofhcwildlife.org. We will work in good faith to resolve any issues.

13. Severability

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

14. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and FOHCWL regarding your use of our website and services, superseding any prior agreements or understandings.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact us:

Friends of Henderson County Wildlife (FOHCWL)
Email: info@friendsofhcwildlife.org
Website: friendsofhcwildlife.org

16. Acknowledgment

BY USING OUR WEBSITE, BECOMING A MEMBER, MAKING A DONATION, PURCHASING MERCHANDISE, ATTENDING EVENTS, OR PARTICIPATING IN FOHCWL PROGRAMS, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS & CONDITIONS.

Last Updated: January 6, 2026