Fencing Forward Last Updated: October 2, 2026
Fencing Forward is a trade name (dba) of Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 99-0834900). All funds raised support our mission of providing fencing access, discipline, and personal growth to underserved youth.
1. Donations, Endowments, and Restricted Funds
- General Donations: All contributions are irrevocable gifts to Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. and are non-refundable.
- Meredith Delgado Endowment: Donations designated for the Meredith Delgado Endowment are “restricted funds” used to support long-term, multi-year fencing and educational programs. While we prioritize the donor’s intent, the Board of Directors retains the authority to redirect funds if the specific program becomes impossible or impractical to execute, following “cy pres” principles to support a similar charitable purpose.
- Fence-A-Thon gifts: A lump-sum gift is made when it is paid. A performance-based pledge is calculated after the event from official results, and by making that pledge you authorize that calculation. Both are irrevocable gifts to Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc.
2. Fence-A-Thon Fundraising Pages
People who are not members of Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. may request a personal page to raise money for the Fence-A-Thon.
- Approval: A request does not make a page public. We may approve, decline, edit, or remove a page at any time.
- Not membership: A page does not make you a member, director, employee, or spokesperson of Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. You may edit only your own page. You may not promise a use of funds other than the Fence-A-Thon purpose we publish.
- Who the money is for: Gifts on your page, including lump sums and performance-based pledges, are irrevocable gifts to Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. You do not keep the money, earn a commission, or hold it in a personal account. Cash given to you for the Fence-A-Thon must be turned over to the organization.
- Your page content: You are responsible for your name, story, quote, photos, and updates. You confirm you have the right to post them. You grant Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. a royalty-free license to use that content to run and promote the Fence-A-Thon.
- Honest fundraising: You will describe the page as a fundraiser for Fencing Forward, and you will not post false or misleading claims.
- Minors: If the fundraiser is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must agree to these terms for that fundraiser.
3. Charitable Auctions and Sales
From time to time, we may conduct silent or live auctions.
- “As-Is” Sales: All auction items are sold “as-is” without any warranties regarding condition or value.
- Binding Bids: A winning bid constitutes a legal contract to purchase.
- Tax Limits: You acknowledge that for tax purposes, only the amount paid in excess of the Fair Market Value (FMV) of an item is potentially deductible. We will provide FMV estimates for your records.
4. Assumption of Risk: Fencing as a Combat Sport
Fencing involves physical combat, rapid movement, and the use of metal weapons (foils, epees, sabres).
- Inherent Risk: You acknowledge that participation in fencing carries inherent risks, including but not limited to bruises, strains, or more serious physical injury.
- Waiver of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. and its staff from any liability for injuries sustained during our programs, whether caused by negligence or the natural risks of the sport.
- Fence-A-Thon participants: This assumption of risk and waiver applies to anyone who fences in connection with the Fence-A-Thon, whether or not that person is a member of Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc.
5. Youth Programs and Participant Requirements
Participants in programs funded by the Meredith Delgado Endowment or other scholarships must adhere to specific criteria (including but not limited to GPA requirements, school attendance, and financial literacy course completion). Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. reserves the right to terminate scholarship support if these standards are not maintained.
6. Intellectual Property & User Content
- Our Content: All logos, branding, and “Fence-A-Thon” materials are our property.
- Media Release: By participating in events, you grant us a royalty-free license to use photographs or videos of participants for promotional, social media, and fundraising purposes (subject to our Privacy Policy).
7. Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL YOUTH FENCING CHICAGO, INC. BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. OUR TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU TO THE ORGANIZATION IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.
8. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
- Jurisdiction: These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.
- Mandatory Arbitration: Any disputes shall be resolved via binding arbitration in Cook County, Illinois, through the American Arbitration Association.
- Class Action Waiver: YOU WAIVE THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION.
9. Contact Information
Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc. / Fencing Forward
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://fencingforward.com