Terms of Service
Last updated: February 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to Seed Foundation ("Seed Foundation," "we," "us," or "our"). Seed Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Custer, South Dakota, operating as part of the Black Hills Consortium ecosystem. Our mission is to invest in Rural America's future through education, workforce development, community building, and rural revitalization programs. We operate four interconnected programs: Seed Academy (AI and vibe coding education), Settle the West (remote worker relocation), THE CULT (annual founder convention), and Seed Labs (microgrant accelerator). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, programs, and services. By using our website or participating in our programs, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
2. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing this website, making a donation, enrolling in educational programs, applying for relocation incentives, registering for events, or otherwise using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations. If you are accessing our services on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms. We may update these Terms at any time, and your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
3. Nonprofit Status and Mission
Seed Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All activities, programs, and services are conducted in furtherance of our charitable and educational mission. Donations to Seed Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our tax-exempt status is subject to ongoing compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations. Nothing on this website constitutes legal, tax, or financial advice. Donors and participants should consult their own tax advisors regarding the deductibility of contributions and the tax implications of program participation.
4. Donations and Contributions
Donations made to Seed Foundation are processed through secure third-party payment processors, including Stripe. By making a donation, you represent that the payment method used is authorized by you and that the donation is made voluntarily. All donations are final unless otherwise required by law. Seed Foundation reserves the right to return donations at its discretion, including donations that may pose legal or reputational risks. Recurring donations may be cancelled at any time by contacting us or through the donor portal. Donation receipts for tax purposes will be provided for all contributions of $250 or more, and for all donations upon request. Seed Foundation allocates donations in accordance with our charitable mission and is not obligated to use funds for any specific program unless explicitly designated by the donor and accepted by the Foundation.
5. Educational Programs — Seed Academy
Seed Academy provides AI education, vibe coding training, and remote work readiness programs. Enrollment in Seed Academy programs is subject to application review and acceptance. Tuition, fees, and payment schedules are specified during the enrollment process and are subject to change for future cohorts. Seed Academy does not guarantee employment outcomes, specific salary increases, or job placement upon program completion. While we strive to provide high-quality education and maintain strong placement rates, outcomes depend on individual effort, market conditions, and other factors beyond our control. Students are expected to adhere to the Seed Academy code of conduct, which prohibits harassment, academic dishonesty, and disruptive behavior. Violation of the code of conduct may result in removal from the program without refund.
6. Community Programs
Seed Foundation operates community programs including Settle the West (remote worker relocation), THE CULT convention, and Seed Labs (microgrant accelerator). Participation in community programs is subject to eligibility requirements, application processes, and program-specific terms communicated during enrollment. Relocation incentives offered through Settle the West are subject to residency requirements, community participation expectations, and clawback provisions if minimum residency periods are not met. THE CULT convention attendance is subject to registration, ticket terms, and event-specific codes of conduct. Seed Labs grants are subject to application review, milestone requirements, and reporting obligations. Seed Foundation reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any program at any time.
7. User Content and Conduct
By submitting content to our website, including testimonials, blog posts, event photos, or community forum contributions, you grant Seed Foundation a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, modify, and display such content in connection with our mission and programs. You retain ownership of your original content. You are responsible for ensuring that any content you submit does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of third parties. When participating in our programs and events, you agree to conduct yourself in a respectful, professional manner and to comply with all applicable codes of conduct and program guidelines.
8. Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, educational materials, and software, is the property of Seed Foundation or its content suppliers and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. The Seed Foundation name, logo, and program names (Seed Academy, Settle the West, THE CULT, Seed Labs) are trademarks of Seed Foundation. You may not use our trademarks without prior written permission. Educational materials provided through Seed Academy are licensed for personal, non-commercial use by enrolled students only and may not be redistributed, resold, or shared without authorization.
9. Disclaimer of Warranties
Our website and services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without any warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. Seed Foundation disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not warrant that our website will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free. Educational content is provided for informational and learning purposes and may not reflect the most current developments in rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence. We do not guarantee specific outcomes from participation in any of our programs, including employment, relocation satisfaction, business success, or grant funding.
10. Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Seed Foundation, Black Hills Consortium and its affiliated entities, or their respective directors, officers, employees, volunteers, or agents be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our website or services, participation in our programs, or reliance on any information provided through our platforms. This includes but is not limited to damages for loss of profits, data, goodwill, or other intangible losses. Our total liability for all claims shall not exceed the amount you paid to Seed Foundation in the twelve months preceding the claim, or $100, whichever is greater.
11. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Seed Foundation, Black Hills Consortium, and their respective officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to your violation of these Terms, your use of our services, your participation in our programs, or your submission of content to our platforms.
12. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South Dakota, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Custer County, South Dakota. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Seed Foundation regarding the use of our website and services.
13. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
Seed Foundation
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Black Hills Consortium
Custer, South Dakota
Email: legal@blackhillsconsortium.org