Terms of service

What FundLink is

FundLink is a platform that lets people raise money from others and receive it. We are not a charity, a bank, or a trustee. We do not vet the truth of any story, and we do not promise any fundraiser will reach its goal.

Using an account

• You must be 18 or older and give accurate details.
• You are responsible for what happens under your account. Keep your password to yourself.
• One account per person or organisation. Duplicate accounts raising for the same need may be closed.

If you raise

• You must follow the community guidelines. They are part of these terms.
• You must use the funds for the purpose you described. Misusing them is a breach of this agreement and may be a criminal offence.
• You are responsible for any tax arising from what you raise.
• Publishing requires a one-time activation fee, described under Fees.
• Each withdrawal carries a platform fee of 5% of the amount withdrawn, described under Fees.
• Withdrawing requires identity verification. We may hold a payout while we investigate a report.

If you give

• Donations are final. Once a gift settles we can't reverse it on request.
• A gift is a gift. It buys no goods, services, equity, or return.
• Where we close a fundraiser for fraud and still hold funds, we will try to return them to donors. We can't promise recovery of money already paid out.

Fees

FundLink charges two fees, both to the person raising. Donors are never required to pay FundLink anything.

Activation fee

Publishing a fundraiser costs a one-time fee of KES 261, or USD 2 for a fundraiser that collects in US dollars. It is the same whatever your goal, and it is paid once per fundraiser.

The fee exists to keep fraudulent fundraisers off FundLink. It is small enough not to stand in the way of a genuine need, and a real cost to anyone setting up fundraisers to deceive people. It is not refundable, including if the fundraiser is later closed for breaking these terms or the community guidelines.

Withdrawal fee

Each withdrawal carries a platform fee of 5% of the amount withdrawn, deducted from the payout itself. If you withdraw KES 10,000 from your fundraiser's balance, KES 500 is the fee and KES 9,500 is sent to you. Your remittance advice for each payout itemises both.

The fee is fixed when you request the withdrawal. If we change the rate, it applies only to withdrawals requested after the change. A withdrawal that is rejected or that fails is not charged.

Donations

FundLink takes no fee from a donation when it is made. A donor may choose to add a tip to support the platform, and it is never required. The organiser's withdrawals are subject to the withdrawal fee above.

Other charges

Your bank or mobile money provider may charge its own fees for receiving a payout. Those are between you and them. Apart from the two fees above, FundLink charges nothing.

Moderation

We may pause or close a fundraiser, withhold a payout, or suspend an account where we reasonably believe these terms or the guidelines have been broken. Where we can, we tell you why and give you a chance to respond.

Our liability

We provide the platform as-is. We are not liable for how an organiser uses money they raise, for the accuracy of any fundraiser, or for losses beyond what the law requires us to cover. Nothing here limits liability that cannot legally be limited.

Ending the agreement

You can close your account at any time at thefundlink.com/account/delete. Withdraw any balance first. We may end this agreement where you breach it, or where we're required to.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of Kenya, and the courts of Kenya have jurisdiction.