Website Terms of Service
NATIONAL COTTAGE FOOD ALLIANCE
Effective Date: June 15, 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the website located at ncf-alliance.org (the "Site"), operated by the National Cottage Food Alliance ("NCFA," "we," "us," or "our"), a Minnesota nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(6) business league.
By accessing or using the Site, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not access or use the Site. These Terms apply to all visitors, members, prospective members, partners, sponsors, and any other users of the Site.
2. About NCFA
NCFA is a national trade association dedicated to supporting, educating, connecting, and advancing cottage food entrepreneurs across the United States. NCFA is organized as a nonprofit business league under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal tax-exempt status is currently pending with the Internal Revenue Service.
NCFA's registered office is located at 6575 Taiga Circle, Eden Prairie, MN 55346.
3. Permitted Use of the Site
You may access and use the Site for lawful purposes consistent with these Terms. You agree that you will not:
• Use the Site for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law or regulation;
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Site or any systems or networks connected to the Site;
• Transmit any content that is defamatory, obscene, fraudulent, threatening, harassing, or otherwise objectionable;
• Use automated tools, bots, scrapers, or similar technology to access, collect, or copy content from the Site without prior written authorization from NCFA;
• Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity;
• Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the Site or its infrastructure;
• Engage in any conduct that restricts or inhibits any other user from using or enjoying the Site.
4. Membership Accounts
4.1 Account Creation
Certain features of the Site, including member-only resources, the member directory, and exclusive content, require creation of a membership account. When creating an account, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to update that information as needed to keep it accurate.
4.2 Account Security
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You agree to notify NCFA immediately at info@ncf-alliance.org if you suspect unauthorized access to your account. NCFA is not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your credentials.
4.3 Membership Dues and Payments
Membership dues are set by the NCFA Board of Directors and are subject to change. By enrolling in a paid membership tier, you authorize NCFA or its authorized payment processor to charge the applicable fees to your payment method. All fees are in U.S. dollars.
Membership dues are generally non-refundable except where required by law or at NCFA's sole discretion. NCFA reserves the right to modify its dues structure, membership tiers, and associated benefits at any time upon reasonable notice.
4.4 Lifetime Memberships
Lifetime membership, where offered, provides access to standard member benefits as offered from time to time and does not guarantee access to premium, ticketed, or future programs that require separate enrollment or payment. Lifetime membership availability is limited and may be withdrawn at any time.
4.5 Suspension or Termination of Membership
NCFA reserves the right to suspend or terminate any membership account for nonpayment of dues, conduct harmful to NCFA or its community, violation of these Terms or NCFA policies, or misrepresentation of the member's identity or affiliation.
5. Intellectual Property
5.1 NCFA Content
All content on the Site — including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio, video, data compilations, and software — is the property of NCFA or its licensors and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
The NCFA name, logo, and associated marks are trademarks of the National Cottage Food Alliance. Unauthorized use of NCFA trademarks is prohibited.
5.2 Limited License to Users
NCFA grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Site and its content for your personal, non-commercial purposes consistent with these Terms. This license does not include the right to:
• Reproduce, distribute, publicly display, or create derivative works from Site content without express written permission from NCFA;
• Use any NCFA trademarks, logos, or branding in connection with any product, service, or communication not expressly authorized by NCFA;
• Remove or alter any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices on Site content.
5.3 Member Badge and Marks
NCFA members in good standing may use the designated NCFA Member badge solely to indicate their current membership status, in accordance with any usage guidelines NCFA publishes. This license terminates automatically upon termination or lapse of membership.
5.4 User-Submitted Content
If you submit content to NCFA through the Site — including directory listings, forum posts, comments, or any other contributions — you grant NCFA a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute that content in connection with NCFA's programs and communications. You represent that you own or have the right to submit such content and that it does not infringe any third-party rights.
6. Third-Party Links and Services
The Site may contain links to third-party websites, platforms, tools, and services. These links are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. NCFA does not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for any third-party content, products, or services, and is not liable for any harm or loss resulting from your use of or reliance on any third-party site or service.
Partner and sponsor listings on the Site reflect organizations that have entered into contractual relationships with NCFA. Inclusion of a partner or sponsor does not constitute an endorsement of any specific product or service, and NCFA makes no warranties regarding the quality or suitability of any partner's offerings.
7. Events — CottageFoodieCon
Information about CottageFoodieCon and other NCFA events published on the Site is provided for general informational purposes. Event details — including dates, venues, speakers, pricing, and programming — are subject to change without notice. NCFA makes no guarantee that event details will remain accurate at the time of your purchase or attendance.
Ticket purchases, registration, and event policies are governed by separate event terms provided at the time of purchase, which are incorporated herein by reference. NCFA reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify events and will provide reasonable notice to registered attendees.
8. Disclaimers
THE SITE AND ALL CONTENT, RESOURCES, AND SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH IT ARE OFFERED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
NCFA does not warrant that the Site will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. NCFA does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of any content on the Site, including state-specific legal summaries, legislative trackers, or business guidance.
Information provided on the Site — including but not limited to regulatory summaries, labeling guidance, and business resources — is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, tax, or professional advice. You should consult qualified professionals regarding your specific legal, regulatory, or business situation.
9. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NCFA, ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, PARTNERS, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF THE SITE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
NCFA's total cumulative liability to you for any claims arising from your use of the Site shall not exceed the greater of (a) the amount of membership dues you paid to NCFA in the twelve months preceding the claim, or (b) one hundred U.S. dollars ($100.00).
Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain warranties or liabilities, so some of the above limitations may not apply to you.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NCFA and its board members, officers, contractors, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to: (a) your use of or access to the Site; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any third-party right, including any intellectual property or privacy right; or (d) any content you submit through the Site.
11. Privacy
NCFA's collection and use of personal information through the Site is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using the Site, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in the Privacy Policy.
NCFA does not sell personal information to third parties. Member information may be shared with authorized service providers who assist in operating the Site, processing payments, or delivering member communications, subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations.
12. NCFA's Organizational Relationships
NCFA maintains a Conflict of Interest Policy that governs organizational relationships, including relationships with affiliated entities and service providers. NCFA's flagship event, CottageFoodieCon, was developed by The Cottage Foodie, a founding partner of NCFA, and operates under NCFA authority. Certain NCFA programs may involve third-party vendors, consultants, or partners who have disclosed applicable interests in accordance with NCFA's governance policies.
Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between you and NCFA.
13. Modifications to These Terms
NCFA reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. When material changes are made, NCFA will update the Effective Date at the top of this page and, where reasonably practicable, provide notice through the Site or by email to registered members.
Your continued use of the Site following the posting of modified Terms constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must discontinue use of the Site.
14. Termination of Access
NCFA reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Site at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Upon termination, your right to use the Site will cease immediately. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination — including intellectual property rights, disclaimers, indemnification, and limitation of liability — will survive.
15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Site shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Hennepin County, Minnesota, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.
16. Accessibility
NCFA is committed to making its Site accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. If you encounter accessibility barriers on the Site, please contact us at info@ncf-alliance.org and we will work to address the issue.
17. Nonprofit and Tax Status
NCFA is organized as a 501(c)(6) business league and has applied for federal tax-exempt status. Membership dues paid to a 501(c)(6) organization are generally not tax-deductible as charitable contributions. NCFA does not provide tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.
18. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, to report content concerns, or for accessibility requests, please contact:
Email: info@ncf-alliance.org
NATIONAL COTTAGE FOOD ALLIANCE
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: June 15, 2026
The National Cottage Food Alliance ("NCFA," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our members, website visitors, event attendees, and partners. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, with whom we share it, and what choices you have.
This Policy applies to personal information collected through our website at ncf-alliance.org, our membership platform, our event registration systems, our email communications, and any other NCFA-operated digital channels.
By using our Site or providing your information to NCFA, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide Directly
We collect personal information you provide when you:
• Create a membership account or complete a membership application;
• Purchase a membership, event ticket, or other product through the Site;
• Register for CottageFoodieCon or other NCFA events;
• Submit a contact form, inquiry, or general correspondence;
• Sign up for the NCFA email newsletter or mailing list;
• Apply for vendor space, sponsorship, or partnership;
• Participate in surveys, research, or educational programs;
• Submit a member directory listing or other user-generated content.
The types of personal information you may provide include:
• Name, business name, email address, mailing address, and phone number;
• State of residence or business operation;
• Payment information (processed securely by our third-party payment processor — NCFA does not store full payment card data);
• Business description, social media handles, or website URL (for directory listings);
• Communications and correspondence you send to us.
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit the Site, we and our service providers may automatically collect certain technical information, including:
• IP address and general geographic location;
• Browser type and version;
• Pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns;
• Referring URL;
• Device type and operating system.
This information is collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies, as described in Section 6 below.
1.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information about you from third parties, including:
• Payment processors (e.g., Stripe) — transaction confirmation and billing details;
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Flodesk) — subscription status and engagement data;
• Event registration platforms — attendee registration and ticket purchase data;
• Membership management platforms (e.g., Podia, MemberPress) — account and dues status.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:
2.1 Membership and Account Management
• Create and maintain your membership account;
• Process membership dues and renewals;
• Deliver member benefits, including access to resources, webinars, and the member directory;
• Communicate with you about your account status, renewal dates, and changes to benefits.
2.2 Event Operations
• Process event registrations and ticket purchases for CottageFoodieCon and other NCFA events;
• Communicate event details, schedule changes, and logistics;
• Facilitate on-site check-in and attendee management.
2.3 Communications and Marketing
• Send the NCFA newsletter, industry updates, and educational content;
• Announce new programs, events, partnership opportunities, and legislative developments;
• Send administrative communications related to your account or a transaction.
You may opt out of marketing and newsletter communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link in any email or by contacting us at info@ncf-alliance.org. Administrative communications related to your account cannot be opted out of while your account remains active.
2.4 Organizational Operations
• Maintain financial records and fulfill tax and regulatory obligations;
• Administer sponsored membership programs;
• Conduct research and publish aggregated, de-identified industry data;
• Improve the Site and member experience based on usage data.
2.5 Legal and Compliance
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and nonprofit governance requirements;
• Enforce our Terms of Service and organizational policies;
• Respond to legal process or protect NCFA's rights in the event of a dispute.
3. How We Share Your Information
3.1 We Do Not Sell Your Data
NCFA does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.
3.2 Service Providers
We share personal information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Site and delivering our programs. These providers are authorized to use your information only as necessary to provide services to NCFA and are subject to confidentiality obligations. Current categories of service providers include:
• Payment processors (for dues and ticket transactions);
• Email marketing and communication platforms;
• Website hosting and security providers;
• Membership management and event registration platforms;
• Accounting and bookkeeping services.
3.3 Member Directory
If you opt in to NCFA's member directory, your name, business name, state, and any other information you choose to include will be visible to other NCFA members through the member portal. Directory participation is voluntary. You may request removal from the directory at any time by updating your account settings or contacting us.
3.4 Partners and Sponsors
NCFA may share aggregate, de-identified demographic information about our membership and event attendance with partners and sponsors for reporting and program planning purposes. We do not share individually identifiable member information with partners or sponsors without your explicit consent, except as noted in Section 3.5.
3.5 Sponsored Memberships
If your membership was funded through NCFA's Sponsored Membership Program, the sponsoring organization may receive confirmation that a membership was awarded and general demographic information about program recipients (e.g., "first-year producer, Midwest"). The sponsor will not receive your name or contact information without your consent.
3.6 The Cottage Foodie
Important disclosure: The Cottage Foodie (thecottagefoodie.com) is a founding partner of NCFA. CottageFoodieCon, NCFA's flagship event, was developed by The Cottage Foodie and has transitioned to NCFA ownership and operation. The Cottage Foodie may serve as a vendor or contractor to NCFA for event-related services under a formal agreement subject to board approval and conflict-of-interest review. Any sharing of your information with The Cottage Foodie in connection with contracted services is governed by NCFA's Conflict of Interest Policy and is limited to what is necessary to deliver those services.
3.7 Legal Obligations
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, regulation, court order, or governmental authority, or if we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of NCFA, its members, or the public.
4. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, maintain your membership or account, comply with applicable legal and financial record-keeping requirements, and resolve disputes.
NCFA's governance documents require retention of organizational records, including financial records and conflict-of-interest disclosures, for a minimum of seven (7) years. Member account data is retained for the duration of membership and for a reasonable period afterward to facilitate reactivation or address any outstanding obligations.
When personal information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to securely delete or de-identify it.
5. Your Choices and Rights
5.1 Access and Correction
You may access and update most of your account information directly through your member account portal. To request access to or correction of information we hold that you cannot update yourself, contact us at info@ncf-alliance.org.
5.2 Opt-Out of Marketing Communications
You may unsubscribe from NCFA newsletters and marketing emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or by emailing info@ncf-alliance.org. Please allow up to ten (10) business days for opt-out requests to take effect. Transactional and account-related emails are not subject to opt-out while your account is active.
5.3 Member Directory Removal
You may opt out of the member directory at any time through your account settings or by contacting us.
5.4 Account Deletion
You may request deletion of your NCFA account and associated personal information by contacting us at info@ncf-alliance.org. We will honor such requests subject to our legal and financial record-keeping obligations and any outstanding membership or contractual obligations. Some information may be retained in anonymized or aggregated form.
5.5 California Residents
If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect and how it is used, the right to request deletion of your personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of your personal information (NCFA does not sell personal information). To exercise your rights, contact us at info@ncf-alliance.org with the subject line "California Privacy Request."
5.6 Other State Privacy Laws
Residents of certain other states (including Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and others) may have similar rights under applicable state privacy laws. NCFA is committed to honoring reasonable privacy rights requests regardless of jurisdiction. Contact us at info@ncf-alliance.org to submit a request.
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
The Site uses cookies and similar technologies to operate and improve the Site, remember your preferences, and analyze usage patterns. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.
Types of cookies we use:
• Essential cookies: Necessary for the Site to function, including session management and secure login.
• Functional cookies: Remember your preferences and improve your experience.
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the Site so we can improve it (e.g., Google Analytics or similar services).
Most browsers allow you to control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect your ability to use some features of the Site, including member login and account access.
7. Data Security
NCFA takes reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. Our payment processing is handled by PCI-compliant third-party processors; NCFA does not store full payment card numbers.
No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you as required by applicable law.
8. Children's Privacy
The Site is not directed to children under the age of 13, and NCFA does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.
Event registration for minors must be completed by a parent or legal guardian, who assumes responsibility for the accuracy of information provided.
9. Third-Party Platforms and Links
The Site may link to third-party websites, including partner websites, event platforms, and educational resources. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party sites, and NCFA is not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use.
NCFA's use of third-party service platforms (such as Podia, MemberPress, Mailchimp, Flodesk, and Stripe) is subject to those platforms' own privacy policies and data processing terms. NCFA enters into appropriate data processing agreements with key service providers where required.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, applicable law, or organizational operations. When we make material changes, we will update the Effective Date at the top of this page and, where reasonably practicable, notify registered members by email or through a notice on the Site.
Your continued use of the Site or maintenance of an NCFA membership following the posting of an updated Policy constitutes your acceptance of the changes.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about how NCFA handles your personal information, please contact:
National Cottage Food Alliance
Subject: Privacy
Email: info@ncf-alliance.org
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501(c)(6) status pending | ncf-alliance.org