Privacy Policy
Formative Foundation
Introduction
The Formative Foundation (“Foundation,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who interact with us. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and how you can reach us with questions or requests. It applies to information collected through our website, email communications, online forms, surveys, and other Foundation activities.
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal information only when you voluntarily provide it, e.g. when you contact us by email, complete an online form, respond to a survey, or make a donation.
The types of information we may collect include:
• Contact details such as your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number;
• Payment information when you make a donation or financial transaction;
• Communications you send to us; and
• Information you provide when registering for Foundation events or programs.
When you visit our website, we also collect certain technical information automatically through analytics tools including your IP address, browser type, referring pages, pages visited, and general geographic location. This data is collected in aggregate and is used solely to improve our website.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use personal information only for the purpose for which it was provided. This may include responding to your inquiries, processing donations, communicating about Foundation programs and events, and improving our website and services. We do not share your personal information with third parties for any marketing or commercial use.
3. Sharing of Information
We do not share your personal information with outside organizations except as necessary to carry out Foundation activities. For example, we may share only the information required to a payment processor handling a donation transaction, or as required by law. Any third parties we work with are expected to handle your information responsibly and only for the purpose for which it was shared.
4. Cookies and Analytics
Our website uses cookies, which are small files stored in your browser, to remember preferences and improve your experience. Cookies do not contain personally identifiable information. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some site features may be affected. We use analytics tools, including Google Analytics, to understand how visitors use our site. Data collected is aggregated and anonymous. For more information on how Google handles this data, please refer to Google’s Privacy Policy.
5. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information submitted to us. Sensitive information such as payment data is encrypted using industry-standard encryption technology. While no organization can guarantee complete security, we are committed to maintaining strong protections for your personal information. We review and update our security practices as appropriate to protect against unauthorized access.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected or as required by applicable law. When information is no longer needed, we dispose of it securely.
7. Children’s Privacy
The Foundation does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately so we can delete it. The Foundation complies with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which imposes strict requirements, including verified parental consent, before personal information may be collected from children under 13.
8. External Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies before submitting any personal information.
9. Your Privacy Choices
We respect your privacy and will respond to reasonable requests regarding your personal information — including requests to access, correct, or remove information we hold about you. To make a request, please contact us at the address below. We will respond promptly and do our best to accommodate your request.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the effective date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at:
Formative Foundation
P.O. BOX 313
Goleta, CA 93116
Email: gary.simpson@dpeaf.org