Legal Policy
Legal Notice and Organizational Compliance Policy
GAP Leadership Program
Effective Date: November 7, 2026
Last Updated: November 7, 2026
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This Legal Policy ("Policy") establishes the general legal notices, organizational principles, compliance commitments, and conditions applicable to the operations and public-facing activities of GAP Leadership Program ("GAP Leadership," "GAP," "Organization," "we," "us," or "our").
GAP Leadership is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Organization operates to advance charitable and educational purposes, including youth development, educational enrichment, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, mentorship, and family and community support.
This Policy applies to GAP Leadership's official website, located at https://www.gapleadership.org/, and, where applicable, its public communications, charitable activities, educational initiatives, and organizational relationships.
This Policy should be read in conjunction with GAP Leadership's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and any applicable program-specific agreements.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to supersede applicable federal, state, or local law, the Organization's governing documents, or any legally binding agreement executed by authorized parties.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL IDENTITY AND LEGAL STATUS
GAP Leadership Program operates as a nonprofit organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Organization is dedicated to advancing its charitable and educational mission through programs and initiatives that strengthen opportunities for youth, families, schools, and communities.
GAP Leadership's mission is to equip youth with the tools, experiences, and support to lead in entrepreneurship, education, and civic life. By bridging the gap between schools, families, and communities, GAP empowers young people to develop their voices, pursue opportunities, and create lasting impact in the Mississippi Delta and beyond.
The Organization shall conduct its activities in a manner consistent with its governing documents, applicable nonprofit corporation laws, and federal tax-exemption requirements.
Recognition as a tax-exempt organization does not exempt GAP Leadership from compliance with otherwise applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations, or reporting requirements.
3. NONPROFIT GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
GAP Leadership is committed to responsible nonprofit governance, organizational accountability, and the appropriate stewardship of charitable resources.
The Organization's governing body and authorized officers are responsible for exercising their respective duties in accordance with applicable law and the Organization's governing documents.
These responsibilities may include:
1. Establishing and overseeing organizational policies;
2. Protecting charitable assets and financial resources;
3. Maintaining appropriate financial and administrative records;
4. Exercising reasonable oversight of organizational activities;
5. Identifying and addressing conflicts of interest;
6. Monitoring compliance with applicable legal obligations;
7. Supporting ethical decision-making; and
8. Advancing the Organization's charitable mission.
Nothing in this Policy modifies the authority, responsibilities, or fiduciary duties established by GAP Leadership's articles of incorporation, bylaws, or applicable law.
4. CHARITABLE PURPOSE AND USE OF ORGANIZATIONAL ASSETS
GAP Leadership's funds, property, resources, and other assets shall be used to advance its lawful charitable and educational purposes.
No part of the Organization's net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, except as permitted by applicable law, including reasonable compensation for services rendered and other payments made in furtherance of legitimate organizational purposes.
The Organization shall not use charitable assets for unauthorized personal enrichment, improper private benefit, or activities inconsistent with its tax-exempt purposes.
GAP Leadership may compensate employees, contractors, and service providers for legitimate services, provided such arrangements comply with applicable law and organizational policies.
5. POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND PUBLIC POLICY ENGAGEMENT
As an organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, GAP Leadership is subject to federal restrictions concerning political campaign intervention.
GAP Leadership shall not participate or intervene in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office.
The Organization may engage in permissible nonpartisan voter education, civic education, community engagement, and other activities consistent with applicable law and its charitable mission.
Any lobbying activities shall remain within the limitations applicable to organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3).
Nothing in this Policy prohibits lawful, nonpartisan educational activities concerning civic participation, government institutions, or public policy issues.
6. NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
GAP Leadership is committed to providing equitable access to its programs, services, and opportunities in accordance with applicable law.
The Organization shall not engage in unlawful discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Program eligibility requirements may be established where reasonably related to the Organization's charitable mission, the intended beneficiaries of a particular initiative, funding restrictions, or other lawful considerations.
GAP Leadership shall administer such requirements consistently with applicable nondiscrimination obligations.
The Organization is committed to fostering environments in which participants, families, volunteers, employees, and community partners are treated with dignity and respect.
7. YOUTH PROTECTION AND PARTICIPANT SAFETY
Because GAP Leadership serves children and adolescents, the Organization recognizes the importance of maintaining appropriate safeguards for minors participating in its programs and activities.
GAP Leadership may establish and enforce policies concerning:
1. Parental or legal guardian consent;
2. Participant enrollment and eligibility;
3. Emergency contact and medical information;
4. Volunteer and staff screening;
5. Appropriate supervision and conduct;
6. Transportation and off-site activities;
7. Incident reporting and emergency response;
8. Protection of confidential participant information;
9. Prevention of harassment, abuse, exploitation, and misconduct; and
10. Photographic, video, and media authorization.
Where required by law or the nature of an activity, appropriate parental or guardian authorization shall be obtained before a minor participates.
GAP Leadership obtains parental or legal guardian permission before publishing identifiable photographs of minor program participants.
Suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other conduct endangering a minor shall be addressed in accordance with applicable law, including mandatory reporting requirements.
This Policy does not replace program-specific safety procedures, consent forms, or legally required reporting obligations.
8. PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY
GAP Leadership may establish eligibility criteria, application procedures, enrollment requirements, and participation standards for individual programs.
Such requirements may consider factors including age, educational needs, program capacity, funding restrictions, and alignment with the intended charitable purpose of the initiative.
Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance or participation.
The Organization reserves the right to modify program offerings, schedules, eligibility criteria, and participation requirements, subject to applicable law and existing contractual commitments.
Program participation may be governed by separate written agreements addressing attendance, conduct, safety, parental authorization, and other relevant matters.
GAP Leadership does not guarantee any particular academic, professional, entrepreneurial, financial, or personal outcome resulting from participation.
9. CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
GAP Leadership accepts charitable contributions through Zeffy, its designated online donation platform.
Donations are voluntary and are intended to support the Organization's charitable and educational mission.
Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Donors are responsible for consulting their own qualified tax advisers regarding the deductibility of individual contributions.
9.1 Donation Processing
Online donations are facilitated through Zeffy and its applicable payment processing partners.
Payment transactions may be governed by Zeffy's independent terms, privacy practices, and transaction procedures.
GAP Leadership is not responsible for the independent acts or omissions of third-party payment processors except to the extent liability is imposed by applicable law.
9.2 Restricted Contributions
Donations accepted subject to legally enforceable donor restrictions shall be administered in accordance with those restrictions and applicable law.
The Organization shall not knowingly divert restricted charitable contributions to unauthorized purposes.
9.3 Donation Refunds
Charitable contributions are generally considered final once successfully processed.
Requests involving duplicate transactions, unauthorized charges, processing errors, or other exceptional circumstances may be submitted to hello@gapleadership.org.
Refund requests shall be reviewed in accordance with applicable law, donor restrictions, and relevant payment processing requirements.
9.4 Financial Accountability
GAP Leadership shall maintain financial records and fulfill applicable reporting obligations in accordance with federal and state law.
The Organization's financial resources shall be administered for legitimate charitable and organizational purposes.
10. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND ETHICAL CONDUCT
GAP Leadership recognizes the importance of identifying, disclosing, and appropriately managing actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Directors, officers, employees, and other individuals acting on behalf of the Organization are expected to avoid using their positions for improper personal advantage.
Transactions involving potential conflicts of interest shall be evaluated in accordance with applicable law and the Organization's governing documents and internal policies.
Where appropriate, individuals with a material conflict shall disclose the relevant interest and refrain from participating in decisions in which their impartiality may reasonably be compromised.
This provision establishes a general organizational commitment and does not replace a separately adopted board-level Conflict of Interest Policy.
11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND ORGANIZATIONAL MATERIALS
Unless otherwise indicated, GAP Leadership owns or lawfully uses the content displayed on its official website and in its organizational materials.
Such content may include:
- Organizational names and logos;
- Website designs and graphics;
- Written publications;
- Educational materials;
- Program curricula;
- Photographs and videos;
- Digital resources;
- Promotional materials; and
- Other original creative works.
These materials may be protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
No person or organization may reproduce, distribute, modify, sell, license, or commercially exploit protected GAP Leadership materials without prior written authorization or another lawful basis.
The use of GAP Leadership's name, logo, or branding in a manner that falsely implies sponsorship, affiliation, partnership, or endorsement is prohibited.
All intellectual property rights not expressly granted are reserved.
12. PRIVACY, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND DATA PROTECTION
GAP Leadership is committed to handling personal information in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection requirements.
The Organization utilizes ClickFunnels 2.0 for website hosting, online forms, and email communications.
GAP Leadership also utilizes Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, and other enabled website measurement technologies.
Charitable donations are facilitated through Zeffy.
Personal information may include contact details, program application information, educational information, emergency contacts, donor records, and website usage data.
Information concerning minors and other sensitive personal information shall be subject to applicable confidentiality, consent, and data protection requirements.
The collection, processing, disclosure, retention, and deletion of personal information are addressed more fully in GAP Leadership's Privacy Policy.
Privacy inquiries and requests may be directed to privacy@gapleadership.org.
13. RECORDKEEPING AND DOCUMENT RETENTION
GAP Leadership maintains organizational records in connection with its charitable, educational, administrative, and financial activities.
Such records may include:
1. Program applications and enrollment information;
2. Participant and parental consent documentation;
3. Donor and financial records;
4. Volunteer and partnership information;
5. Organizational correspondence;
6. Governance and administrative documents; and
7. Other records reasonably necessary for lawful operations.
GAP Leadership generally retains application, donor, and participant records until a request for deletion or destruction is received, subject to applicable legal and operational requirements.
Requests for deletion may be submitted to privacy@gapleadership.org.
Certain records may be retained notwithstanding a deletion request where necessary to comply with legal obligations, preserve required financial documentation, protect participant safety, respond to legal proceedings, or satisfy other lawful retention requirements.
Where deletion is appropriate, GAP Leadership shall take reasonable steps to securely delete, destroy, or de-identify the relevant information.
Records shall not be retained longer than permitted by applicable law, including any specific requirements concerning children's personal information.
14. THIRD-PARTY PLATFORMS AND EXTERNAL SERVICES
GAP Leadership utilizes independent third-party providers to support its website, charitable contributions, communications, and organizational operations.
These providers include:
- ClickFunnels 2.0;
- Zeffy;
- Google Analytics;
- Meta platforms and associated measurement technologies; and
- Other authorized service providers.
Third-party platforms may maintain independent terms of service, privacy policies, and security practices.
GAP Leadership does not control the independent operations of these providers.
Users are encouraged to review applicable third-party terms before submitting information or completing transactions.
Nothing in this Policy excludes responsibility or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
15. WEBSITE CONTENT AND INFORMATIONAL DISCLAIMER
The GAP Leadership website provides general information concerning the Organization's mission, programs, activities, and opportunities for engagement.
Although GAP Leadership endeavors to maintain accurate and current information, the Organization does not guarantee that all website content will be complete, error-free, or continuously available.
Website content is provided for general informational and educational purposes.
Nothing published on the website constitutes individualized legal, financial, medical, or other regulated professional advice.
Users should consult appropriately qualified professionals when circumstances require specialized advice.
16. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, GAP LEADERSHIP AND ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AGENTS, AND AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE USE OF THE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE OR ONLINE SERVICES.
THIS LIMITATION SHALL NOT APPLY TO LIABILITY THAT CANNOT LAWFULLY BE EXCLUDED OR RESTRICTED, INCLUDING LIABILITY ARISING FROM FRAUD, WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, OR OTHER CONDUCT FOR WHICH APPLICABLE LAW PROHIBITS SUCH LIMITATION.
NOTHING IN THIS POLICY SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS A WAIVER OF A MINOR'S LEGAL RIGHTS OR AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A SEPARATE, LAWFULLY EXECUTED PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT.
17. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS
GAP Leadership shall conduct its operations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Depending on the nature of its activities, relevant legal requirements may include:
- Federal nonprofit tax-exemption requirements;
- Mississippi nonprofit corporation laws;
- Applicable charitable solicitation and reporting requirements;
- Federal and state nondiscrimination laws;
- Child protection and mandatory reporting laws;
- Applicable privacy and data protection requirements;
- Intellectual property laws;
- Employment and volunteer-related legal requirements; and
- Other laws governing the Organization's charitable and educational activities.
Nothing in this Policy shall be interpreted as exempting GAP Leadership from any applicable legal obligation.
18. REPORTING CONCERNS AND SUSPECTED MISCONDUCT
Individuals who become aware of suspected unlawful conduct, misuse of organizational resources, privacy violations, or other matters affecting GAP Leadership's legal or ethical responsibilities may report their concerns to the Organization.
General concerns may be submitted to hello@gapleadership.org.
Privacy-related concerns may be submitted to privacy@gapleadership.org.
Reports involving suspected child abuse, neglect, or immediate threats to safety should be directed to the appropriate authorities in accordance with applicable law.
Nothing in this Policy requires an individual to report suspected unlawful conduct internally before contacting law enforcement, regulatory agencies, or other authorized authorities.
GAP Leadership shall not prohibit lawful reporting to governmental or regulatory authorities.
19. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
This Policy shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with applicable federal law and the laws of the State of Mississippi.
To the extent legally permissible, disputes concerning the interpretation or application of this Policy shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts of competent authority in Mississippi.
Nothing in this section shall restrict rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be waived.
20. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Policy is determined to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be enforced to the extent legally permissible or severed where necessary.
The remaining provisions shall continue in effect to the extent consistent with applicable law and the purpose of this Policy.
21. AMENDMENTS AND UPDATES
GAP Leadership reserves the right to revise or update this Policy to reflect changes in applicable law, organizational operations, governance practices, or public-facing services.
Updated versions shall be published on the Organization's official website with a revised effective date.
Where legally required, additional notice shall be provided concerning material changes affecting individuals' rights or obligations.
22. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL POLICIES
This Legal Policy is intended to complement, rather than replace, GAP Leadership's other governing and operational documents.
Such documents may include:
- Articles of incorporation and bylaws;
- Terms of Service;
- Privacy Policy;
- Conflict of Interest Policy;
- Financial management and recordkeeping policies;
- Youth protection and safeguarding procedures;
- Parental consent and program participation agreements; and
- Other policies adopted by the Organization.
In the event of a conflict between this Policy and applicable law, the law shall control.
In the event of a conflict with a legally binding agreement or duly adopted governing document, the applicable document shall control to the extent permitted by law.
23. CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions or concerns regarding this Legal Policy may be directed to:
GAP Leadership Program
1001 West Delta Avenue
Morehead, Mississippi 38761
United States
Website: https://www.gapleadership.org/
General Inquiries: hello@gapleadership.org
Privacy Requests: privacy@gapleadership.org
© 2026 GAP Leadership Program. All Rights Reserved.
Bridging the Gap. Building the Future.
