Licensing & Fair-Use Terms

These templates are created to empower communities and protect the living world.

Free / Open Community Use

You may freely download, adapt, and use these templates to help your own community or other communities at no charge, as long as you keep the original acknowledgement/credit to Christine Pierce & Remediating the Rust Belt.

Donations are very appreciated but not required for communities banding together.

Professional / Compensated Use

When you or your organization receive payment, consulting fees, or other income from using the template.

  • A $200 deposit is required.

  • This deposit is applied toward a 20% usage fee of any compensation, payment, or benefit you receive that is connected to the use of this template.

Government / Cost-Savings & Cost-Avoidance Use

Typically, municipalities, agencies, or other entities using the template to reduce costs or avoid expenses.

  • A $250 usage fee, plus

  • 3% of the documented cost savings and/or cost avoidance the entity realizes from using the template or program.

When Both Apply

If one party is paid to implement the template for an entity that also receives cost savings or cost avoidance, both fee structures apply

  • The $200 deposit + 20% for the compensated party

  • The $250 + 3% for the entity receiving the savings

By downloading or using these templates under a paid or professional license, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

This simple fair-share structure keeps the tools high-quality, updated, and available for everyone while supporting the ongoing work of creating them.

Thank you for helping communities and the environment — and for honoring the spirit of mutual support.