1. Donation Policy

Purpose:
Donations to the World Startup Forum (WSF), a Belgium-based nonprofit organization, are used to support our mission of empowering entrepreneurs worldwide through events, educational resources, mentorship programs, and strategic initiatives. Funds are strictly allocated to programs that nurture innovation in the global startup ecosystem.

Donation Methods:
We accept donations via the following secure methods:

  • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
  • PayPal
  • Bank Transfers to our registered Belgian bank account.
  • Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), provided through an authorized payment processor.
  • Checks (For donations above a specified amount, details available upon request).

All donations are processed in EUR, but international donors can convert their contributions to their preferred currency during the transaction.

Donation Refunds:
All donations are final. Refunds are only issued in cases of accidental overpayments or technical errors in the donation process. Refund requests must be made within 30 days of the donation date by contacting us at info@worldstartupforum.org.

Acknowledgment of Donations:
Donors will receive an email confirmation immediately upon successful donation processing. A formal receipt for tax purposes will be emailed within seven days. We recognize donations made via bank transfer once the funds are received.

Anonymous Donations:
Donors who prefer to remain anonymous can opt-out of public recognition during the donation process. However, WSF may need to collect limited information for tax and compliance purposes.

 

  1. Privacy Policy for Donors

Data Collection:
WSF collects the following donor information to process contributions:

  • Full name, email address, and mailing address
  • Donation amount and frequency
  • Payment details (handled through secure third-party providers)
  • Optional preferences (such as anonymity or communications preferences)

Data Usage and Sharing:
Your personal data will only be used to process donations, provide receipts, and maintain donor records. The World Startup Forum does not sell, trade, or share donor information with third parties, except as required by law or for tax reporting purposes.

Data Protection Measures:
All transactions are encrypted using industry-standard SSL technology. Our third-party payment processors comply with the highest standards of payment security (PCI DSS Level 1). Personal donor information is stored securely and only accessible by authorized personnel.

Opt-out of Communications:
Donors can opt out of receiving updates or newsletters by emailing info@worldstartupforum.org or using the “unsubscribe” link in our emails. We respect your preferences and privacy at all times.

 

  1. Transparency & Accountability Policy

Use of Funds:
WSF is committed to utilizing 100% of donations for programs directly supporting the development and growth of entrepreneurs, particularly in the fintech sector. Donations help fund:

  • Local and international startup events
  • Mentorship programs
  • Educational workshops and materials
  • Strategic partnerships and collaborations
  • Maintenance of our proprietary startup software platform

Administrative Costs:
Administrative costs are covered by separate funding streams and are not taken from donations. This ensures that all contributions are directly used to support our programs.

Annual Reports and Financial Audits:
WSF publishes an annual financial report detailing how donations are used. These reports are audited by an independent firm to ensure transparency and are made publicly available on our website. Donors will also receive periodic updates on specific programs they support.

Oversight and Governance:
WSF’s Board of Directors in Belgium oversees the allocation of funds, ensuring all expenditures align with the organization’s mission and comply with Belgian laws regarding nonprofits.

 

  1. Tax Deduction Policy

Tax-Exempt Status:
As a nonprofit organization registered in Belgium, WSF operates under Belgian law. Donors located in Belgium are eligible to claim tax deductions for their contributions, subject to local tax regulations.

International Donations and Tax Deductions:
International donors should consult their local tax advisors to determine whether donations to the World Startup Forum are tax-deductible under their country’s laws. We will provide a detailed receipt, but tax-deductibility will depend on the donor’s home country’s regulations.

 

  1. Recurring Donation Policy

Recurring Donations:
Donors have the option to set up recurring donations (monthly, quarterly, or annually). These are processed securely on the same date each cycle, and donors will receive a confirmation email for every transaction.

Changing or Canceling Recurring Donations:
Donors can update or cancel their recurring donations at any time through our donor portal or by contacting info@worldstartupforum.org. Please allow up to five business days for any changes to take effect.

Failed Payments:
If a recurring payment fails, we will notify the donor and request updated payment details. After three failed attempts, the recurring donation will be automatically canceled.

 

  1. Ethical Fundraising Policy

Fundraising Practices:
The World Startup Forum adheres to the highest standards of ethical fundraising. All solicitations for donations are conducted transparently and without pressure. We do not engage in telemarketing, door-to-door solicitations, or any aggressive techniques.

Third-Party Fundraisers:
In some cases, WSF collaborates with third-party fundraising platforms. We ensure that these partners share our commitment to ethical practices and transparency. We do not partner with individuals or organizations whose activities conflict with our mission.

Donor Complaints:
Donors can raise any concerns or complaints about our fundraising practices by contacting info@worldstartupforum.org. Complaints will be handled promptly and respectfully.

 

  1. Legal Disclaimer and Terms & Conditions

Legal Agreement:
By making a donation, the donor agrees to the terms and policies set forth by the World Startup Forum. All donations are governed by Belgian law, and legal disputes shall be resolved in Belgium.

Changes to Policy:
WSF reserves the right to update or modify these donation policies at any time. Updated policies will be posted on our website, and significant changes will be communicated to donors via email.

Contact Us:
For any questions or concerns regarding donations, please contact us at:

  • Email: info@worldstartupforum.org
  • Address: World Startup Forum, Raketstraat 66, 1130 Haren