Terms of Service

Last Updated: December 28, 2025 Effective Date: December 18, 2025

This website and app are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. We do not charge fees, we do not get paid for listings, and we link out to official program sites. Verify details with each program, and contact us if you need help understanding anything.

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Bay Navigator website (baynavigator.org) and all associated resources, including program information, guides, and tools (collectively, the “Website”). By accessing or using this Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Website.

Quick Navigation

  1. About Bay Navigator
  2. Use License
  3. Content Accuracy and Disclaimers
  4. Limitation of Liability
  5. Third-Party Programs and Services
  6. Intellectual Property Rights
  7. User-Generated Content
  8. Modifications to Website and Terms
  9. Indemnification
  10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
  11. Severability
  12. Entire Agreement
  13. Contact and Support
  14. Acknowledgment

1. About Bay Navigator

Important Disclaimer: This website and associated mobile applications are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. Bay Navigator is an independent community resource.

Operator: Bay Navigator is operated by Bay Tides, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 93-3889081) based in Redwood City, California.

Contact Information: For inquiries regarding these Terms or our services, you may contact us at privacy [at] baytides [dot] org.

Organization: Bay Tides is a qualified tax-exempt nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our mission is to empower communities to access resources and support. Bay Navigator is one of our community education initiatives.

2. Use License

Grant of License

Bay Tides grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Website for personal, non-commercial purposes, subject to these Terms. This license does not include:

  • The right to modify or alter the Website or its content
  • The right to remove, obscure, or alter any proprietary notices or labels
  • The right to republish, distribute, or resell the Website or its content for commercial purposes without express written permission
  • The right to reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to derive the source code of the Website
  • The right to use the Website to create a competing service
  • The right to frame or embed the Website or its content on other websites for commercial purposes

Restrictions on Use

You agree not to:

  • Use the Website for any illegal purpose or in violation of any applicable laws or regulations
  • Harass, threaten, defame, libel, slander, or harm any person or organization through the Website
  • Submit or upload malware, viruses, malicious code, or any file intended to harm Website functionality
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Website, our systems, or users’ data
  • Use automated bots, scrapers, crawlers, or other automated tools to access or download Website content without explicit permission
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Website’s functionality or servers
  • Spam or engage in bulk commercial solicitation through the Website
  • Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity

No Accounts or Subscription Services

The Website does not provide user accounts, authentication, or subscription services. You cannot create an account, log in, or subscribe to email updates. Any preferences (such as eligibility or county selections) are stored locally in your browser and are not transmitted to or stored by us.

3. Content Accuracy and Disclaimers

Information Provided “As-Is”

The Website provides information about discount programs, assistance resources, and community services available in the Bay Area. This information is provided on an “as-is” basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied.

No Guarantee of Accuracy

While we strive to maintain accurate information, we do not warrant that all information is completely accurate, current, or error-free. Specifically:

  • Program Availability: Discount programs, eligibility requirements, and benefits change frequently. Information on this Website reflects conditions at the time it was published, but eligibility, availability, and program details may have changed since publication.

  • Verification Dates: We provide verification dates indicating when we last confirmed program information. However, information may have changed since that date. You should verify all eligibility requirements and program details directly with the program provider before applying or claiming any benefit.

  • External Links: This Website contains links to external websites operated by government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations. We do not control external websites and cannot guarantee the accuracy of their information. Visit the official program website to verify details.

  • Eligibility Assessment: We do not assess or determine your eligibility for any program. Eligibility determination is the sole responsibility of the program provider. Requirements on this Website are summaries for informational purposes only and may not reflect all specific eligibility criteria.

  • Incomplete Information: Some program listings may not include all available benefits or may describe benefits in general terms. For complete details, contact the program provider directly.

Professional Advice Disclaimer

This Website does not provide legal, financial, medical, tax, or other professional advice. Information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice. Before making decisions affecting your legal rights, financial situation, health, or tax status, you should consult with qualified professionals:

  • For legal issues: Consult an attorney
  • For financial matters: Consult a financial advisor or accountant
  • For health concerns: Consult a healthcare provider
  • For tax matters: Consult a tax professional or the IRS

No Guarantee of Program Approval

Inclusion of a program on this Website does not guarantee that you will be approved for, eligible for, or receive any benefit. All program decisions are made by the program provider based on your individual circumstances. We do not make eligibility determinations or program decisions.

No Compensation Disclosure

Bay Navigator does not receive any form of compensation, payment, commission, referral fees, or other financial benefit for including, linking to, or directing users to any discount program, government agency, nonprofit organization, or service provider listed on this Website. Our mission is purely charitable and educational. We provide links to external programs as a public service to help Bay Area residents find assistance and discount opportunities. The inclusion of any program, service, or organization on this Website is not based on payments or incentives of any kind. We operate independently and our program listings are not influenced by financial considerations. If you have questions about our independence or our linkage practices, please contact us at privacy [at] baytides [dot] org.

4. Limitation of Liability

No Warranties

THE WEBSITE AND ALL CONTENT, RESOURCES, AND SERVICES PROVIDED ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS-IS” AND “AS-AVAILABLE” BASIS. We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the Website, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, or title.

Limitation of Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL BAY TIDES, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING FROM:

  • Your use of or inability to use the Website
  • Any inaccuracy, incompleteness, omission, or error in Website content
  • Your reliance on Website information
  • Your inability to obtain any specific program benefit or assistance
  • Denial of eligibility or program approval
  • Changes to program requirements or availability
  • The acts or omissions of third parties, including program providers
  • Any other matter relating to the Website

This limitation applies even if Bay Tides has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Cap on Liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL BAY TIDES’ TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU EXCEED $100. This limitation applies to all claims and causes of action, whether in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise.

Essential Terms

You acknowledge that these limitations are essential terms of these Terms and that Bay Tides would not provide the Website without these limitations in place.

5. Third-Party Programs and Services

No Endorsement

Inclusion of any third-party program, service, website, or resource on this Website does not constitute endorsement, approval, or guarantee of that program or service. We do not evaluate the quality, reliability, safety, or legality of third-party programs.

Third-Party Responsibility

All third-party programs and services are provided and managed by those third parties, not by Bay Tides. Third parties are solely responsible for:

  • The accuracy and currency of program information
  • Program eligibility determinations
  • Benefit approval and provision
  • Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
  • Their privacy practices and data handling
  • Customer service and dispute resolution

External Websites

When you click a link to an external website, you leave the Bay Navigator Website and are subject to the terms of service, privacy policies, and practices of the external website. Bay Tides does not control external websites and is not responsible for their content, accuracy, availability, or security.

Changes to Third-Party Programs

Third-party programs may change, become unavailable, or modify their requirements without notice to Bay Tides. While we try to keep information current, we cannot guarantee that all program changes are immediately reflected on this Website. Always verify program information with the program provider before applying.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

Website Content Ownership

Except as otherwise noted, the Website and all content, features, functionality, graphics, text, images, videos, and other materials on the Website (collectively, “Website Content”) are owned by Bay Tides, licensed to Bay Tides, or used with permission.

Creative Commons License

Most Website Content is released under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits you to:

  • Share (copy and redistribute) the material in any medium or format
  • Adapt (remix, transform, and build upon) the material for any purpose, even commercially

Provided that you:

  • Give appropriate credit to Bay Tides by providing a link to https://baynavigator.org and prominently displaying the notice “Program information from Bay Navigator”
  • Indicate if changes were made to the original content
  • Maintain the same license if you distribute the adapted content

Exceptions to Creative Commons License

The following content is NOT covered by the Creative Commons License and may not be reused without express written permission:

  • Bay Tides Logos and Branding: Bay Tides trademark, logos, and branding materials
  • Third-Party Trademarks: Program names, logos, and trademarks of government agencies, nonprofits, and private companies
  • Third-Party Content: Program descriptions and materials provided by program operators
  • Code and Technology: Website source code, custom scripts, and proprietary technology (see Open Source section below)

Open Source

The Website source code is available on GitHub at https://github.com/baytides/baynavigator under the MIT License. The MIT License permits broad use of the code for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial, provided that you include a copy of the license and any copyright notice.

Trademark Usage

“Bay Navigator” and “Bay Tides” are trademarks and service marks of Bay Tides. You may not use these marks without express written permission from Bay Tides. Government agency names and program names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.

7. User-Generated Content

Limited User Interaction

The Website does not provide features for user-generated content such as forums, comments, user submissions, or public profiles. Therefore, this section applies only to the limited extent that any user-generated content features exist.

Prohibited Content

If the Website ever includes user-generated content features, you agree not to submit:

  • Content that violates any applicable law or regulation
  • Content that infringes on third-party intellectual property rights
  • Content that is defamatory, libelous, threatening, harassing, hateful, discriminatory, or abusive
  • Content that is sexually explicit or obscene
  • Spam, commercial solicitations, or promotional material
  • Malware, viruses, or malicious code
  • Personal information about yourself or others
  • Content impersonating others

Moderation and Removal

Bay Tides reserves the right to remove, edit, or block any user-generated content at any time for any reason without notice or liability. We are not obligated to publish any user-generated content.

8. Modifications to Website and Terms

Changes to Website

Bay Tides may modify, suspend, or discontinue the Website or any portion thereof at any time without notice or liability. We may modify features, functionality, content, or design. Your continued use of the Website after changes constitutes acceptance of modifications.

Changes to Terms

Bay Tides may modify these Terms at any time. Changes are effective immediately upon posting to the Website. If you do not agree to modified Terms, you should discontinue use of the Website. Your continued use after modifications constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Bay Tides, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the Website
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
  • Your infringement or violation of third-party rights
  • Your user-generated content or submissions
  • Any claim by a third party regarding your use of the Website

This indemnification obligation survives termination of these Terms.

10. Governing Law and Mandatory Arbitration

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law principles. The application of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is excluded.

MANDATORY ARBITRATION AGREEMENT

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A LAWSUIT IN COURT.

Agreement to Arbitrate

You and Bay Tides agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Website, or any aspect of your relationship with Bay Tides (collectively, “Disputes”) will be resolved exclusively through final and binding individual arbitration, rather than in court, except as set forth below.

Waiver of Class Actions

YOU AND BAY TIDES AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. Unless both you and Bay Tides agree otherwise, the arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person’s claims and may not preside over any form of class, collective, or representative proceeding.

Informal Resolution First

Before initiating arbitration, you agree to first contact us at privacy [at] baytides [dot] org to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will attempt to resolve the dispute by contacting you via email. If we are unable to resolve a dispute within thirty (30) days, either party may proceed to arbitration.

Arbitration Procedures

Any arbitration shall be administered by JAMS under its Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures, as modified by this agreement. The arbitration will be conducted by a single neutral arbitrator. The arbitration shall take place in San Mateo County, California, or at another mutually agreed location, or via videoconference if agreed by the parties.

Arbitration Fees

Each party shall initially bear its own filing fees and share equally in the arbitrator’s fees. However, if you prevail in the arbitration, Bay Tides will reimburse your filing fees and pay the full arbitrator’s fees for disputes involving $5,000 or less. For disputes involving more than $5,000, the arbitrator shall determine the allocation of fees based on the outcome and merits of the case.

Exceptions to Arbitration

Either party may bring an individual action in small claims court for disputes within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent the actual or threatened infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property rights.

Opt-Out

You may opt out of this arbitration agreement by sending written notice to Bay Tides via email at privacy [at] baytides [dot] org within fourteen (14) days of first using the Website. Your notice must include your name, address, and a clear statement that you wish to opt out of this arbitration agreement. If you opt out, you will not be precluded from using the Website, but this arbitration agreement will not apply to you.

Survival

This arbitration agreement will survive termination of your relationship with Bay Tides and your use of the Website.

Jurisdiction for Non-Arbitrated Matters

For any matters not subject to arbitration, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in San Mateo County, California.

11. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision is severable and the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect. If a provision is found to be unenforceable, the court may modify it to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving its original intent.

12. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies published on the Website, constitute the entire agreement between you and Bay Tides regarding your use of the Website. These Terms supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations, and discussions, whether written or oral.

13. Contact and Support

For questions about these Terms of Service, privacy practices, or other matters, you may contact:

Bay Tides 274 Redwood Shores Pkwy #619 Redwood City, CA 94065

Email: privacy [at] baytides [dot] org

GitHub Issues: For technical issues or feature requests: https://github.com/baytides/baynavigator/issues

14. Acknowledgment

By accessing and using the Bay Navigator Website, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms of Service, understand them, and agree to be bound by them. If you do not agree to these Terms, you should not use the Website.

Thank you for using Bay Navigator. We’re committed to providing accurate, accessible information about community resources to help Bay Area residents thrive.