Terms Of Service
1. Introduction
Welcome to Baqi, operated by Ziadeh LLC ("Baqi," "we," "us," or "our"). By using our website, mobile app, or related services ("Services"), you agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, discontinue use immediately. These Terms apply to both donors ("Donors") and participating nonprofit organizations ("Organizations").
2. Definitions
- "Donor" means an individual who authorizes Baqi to round up purchases and donate spare change.
- "Organization" means a nonprofit entity registered and approved to receive donations through Baqi.
- "Donation" means funds contributed by a Donor to an Organization via Baqi's Services.
- "Platform" refers to the Baqi app, website, and all associated systems operated by Ziadeh LLC.
3. About Baqi
Baqi facilitates automated micro-donations by rounding up users' daily purchases and donating the difference to selected charitable organizations. Baqi acts solely as an agent of the Organization to receive donations on its behalf. Baqi is not a bank, money transmitter, or financial institution. We do not act as an agent of Donors, and we do not hold funds for the benefit of Donors.
4. Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old to use Baqi. Organizations must be legally registered charitable entities (e.g., 501(c)(3) in the U.S.) and authorized to receive tax-deductible donations. Organizations must maintain compliance with all applicable laws and remain in good standing to continue receiving donations.
5. Payment Processing
Baqi uses secure third-party payment processors such as Stripe, PayPal, Plaid, or other authorized providers ("Payment Processors"). To make or receive donations, you may be required to create a connected account with one or more Payment Processors and agree to their terms of service. By using Baqi, you authorize us to share necessary data with these processors to complete transactions. Baqi is not responsible for the performance or policies of these processors.
6. Donations, Processing, Fees, and Tax Receipts
Donations made through Baqi are processed using third-party Payment Processors. In most cases, funds move directly from the Donor's linked payment account to the receiving Organization's connected bank or payment account. Baqi does not ordinarily hold, store, or commingle donation funds in its own accounts. In certain cases, Baqi may route donations through a Donor Advised Fund ("DAF") or other charitable intermediary account for aggregation or administrative purposes, after which the funds are distributed to the designated Organization consistent with the Donor's intent.
Baqi may deduct a small percentage or flat transaction fee from each donation to cover payment processing costs, operational expenses, and platform maintenance. This fee is transparently displayed or disclosed before or during the donation process. All donations are final and non-refundable, except as required by law. Refund requests must be directed to the applicable Payment Processor or receiving Organization. Baqi may delay or withhold disbursements in cases of suspected fraud, compliance review, or verification requirements.
Baqi issues official donation tax receipts to Donors on behalf of participating Organizations. By registering and using Baqi, each Organization expressly authorizes and consents to Baqi issuing such receipts in its name. Organizations remain responsible for ensuring their eligibility and compliance under applicable tax laws.
7. User Accounts
You agree to keep your login credentials secure and are responsible for all activity on your account. You may request account deletion by emailing [email protected], which we will process within a reasonable time subject to pending settlements. We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or applicable laws.
8. Prohibited Activities
You may not use Baqi for unlawful, fraudulent, or harmful purposes, including impersonation, system interference, data scraping, or spam. You may not use Baqi if you or your Organization appear on the U.S. Treasury's OFAC list or are otherwise prohibited from the U.S. financial system.
9. Organizational Responsibilities
Organizations must provide accurate and current legal, banking, and tax information. They must promptly report any changes affecting eligibility or legal status. Organizations agree to use funds solely for charitable purposes consistent with their mission and applicable regulations. Baqi reserves the right to suspend disbursements or deactivate Organizations found misusing funds or engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practices.
Depending on the connected payment processor, Organizations may have the technical ability to manually initiate charges to Donors linked to their Baqi campaigns. By using Baqi, each Organization expressly agrees not to manually charge any Baqi Donor unless:
(a) the Donor has provided clear, prior, and informed consent; and
(b) Baqi has been notified in writing and has provided explicit consent for such a charge.
Any unauthorized or undisclosed manual charging of Baqi Donors constitutes a material breach of these Terms and may result in suspension, termination, or legal action at Baqi’s discretion.
10. Due Diligence and Verification
Baqi reserves the right, at any time and at its sole discretion, to verify the legal, tax, and ethical standing of any Organization using the Platform. This includes, but is not limited to, confirming nonprofit status, tax-exempt eligibility, active registration with relevant authorities, and compliance with applicable charitable solicitation and fundraising laws.
Organizations agree to promptly provide any documentation or information reasonably requested by Baqi for verification purposes, including proof of good standing, incorporation, and banking information. Failure to provide such documentation or the provision of false or misleading information may result in suspension or removal from the Platform and forfeiture of any pending disbursements.
11. Monitoring and Compliance
Baqi may monitor transactions, campaigns, and communications for compliance with these Terms, applicable laws, and Baqi’s internal compliance policies. Baqi reserves the right to withhold, delay, or refund donations if we suspect misuse of funds, fraud, misrepresentation, or violation of any law or regulation.
12. Right to Accept or Reject Organizations
Baqi reserves the full and absolute right to accept, deny, suspend, or terminate any Organization’s access to the Platform at its discretion. This includes, without limitation, instances where an Organization’s activities, public reputation, leadership, messaging, or affiliations conflict with Baqi’s mission, values, or Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Baqi is not obligated to provide justification for any decision to deny or revoke access. Organizations acknowledge that continued participation on the Baqi Platform is a privilege, not a right, and that Baqi’s decisions in this regard are final.
13. Data and Privacy
We care about data privacy and security. Please review our Privacy Policy at https://app.baqi.io/privacy. By using Baqi, you consent to our data practices and transfers of data to the United States. We retain transaction and account data for legal, tax, and audit purposes, even after account deletion.
14. Fraud, Compliance, and Investigations
Baqi reserves the right to review, hold, or investigate any donation, disbursement, or account if suspicious activity is detected. We may share information with law enforcement or financial authorities where required by law.
15. Communications and Marketing
By using Baqi, you consent to receive important service updates, transactional emails, and optional marketing messages. You may opt out of marketing emails at any time, but not essential service notices.
16. Intellectual Property
All trademarks, software, content, and materials on Baqi are owned by or licensed to Ziadeh LLC. You may not copy, modify, or distribute any part of our Services without our written consent.
17. Disclaimers
Baqi provides its Services on an 'as is' basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee uninterrupted access, accuracy of information, or error-free operation.
18. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Baqi and its affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount you paid to Baqi in the six months prior to the claim.
19. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Baqi, its officers, affiliates, and employees from any claims, damages, or costs arising from your use of the Services, your donations, or your violation of these Terms.
20. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by Illinois law. Disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in Cook County, Illinois, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive any right to a jury trial or class action.
21. Notices
Baqi may contact you via email or app notifications. You may contact us at [email protected] or by mail at 1 E Erie St, Suite 525-5498, Chicago, IL 60611.
22. Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms from time to time. Continued use of Baqi after such updates means you accept the revised Terms.
23. Contact
Ziadeh LLC (Baqi)
1 E Erie St, Suite 525-5498
Chicago, IL 60611
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (708) 215-1497