This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) is issued by The West Hartford Tree Project, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in West Hartford, Connecticut (“WHTP,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). This Policy is effective as of [insert date] and explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information in connection with our website, communications, events, and programs. By accessing our website or engaging with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the practices described in this Policy.
1. Scope of this Privacy Policy
This Policy applies to personal information collected and processed by The West Hartford Tree Project when you:
- Visit our website, submit inquiries, or sign up for our newsletter.
- Make a donation or request a free tree through our programs.
- Volunteer, attend events, or participate in community activities.
- Communicate with us by email, phone, or other channels.
This Policy does not apply to third-party websites or services that may be linked from our website.
2. Personal Information We Collect
We may collect personal information directly from you, automatically when you interact with our website, or through trusted third-party partners (e.g., Givebutter for donations).
Information you provide directly
- Contact details: name, email address, phone number, mailing address.
- Donation details: amount, payment method (processed securely through third-party providers).
- Volunteer information: interests, availability, or forms you complete.
- Communications: emails, messages, or forms you share with us.
Information collected automatically
- Device and browser data (e.g., IP address, operating system, browser type).
- Website usage data (pages visited, referral source, time spent).
- Cookies or similar technologies (see Section 9).
We do not collect sensitive categories of data such as health, biometric, or geolocation data.
3. How and Why We Use Your Information
We use personal information to:
- Communicate with donors, volunteers, and community members.
- Process donations and provide tax-deductible donation receipts.
- Share updates, newsletters, and event information (with opt-out rights).
- Organize and manage volunteer and community activities.
- Comply with nonprofit reporting and legal obligations.
- Protect against fraud, misuse, or unauthorized access.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
4. How We Share Personal Information
We may disclose personal information:
- To vendors and service providers (e.g., Givebutter for donations, email platforms for newsletters).
- To professional advisors (e.g., legal, accounting, or audit support).
- Where required by law, regulation, or legal process.
- With your consent or at your direction.
We do not share your information with advertisers, social media platforms, or data brokers.
5. Children’s Privacy
Our programs are community-focused but are not directed toward children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without parental consent. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.
6. Protection of Personal Information
We take reasonable technical, administrative, and organizational measures to safeguard personal information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.
7. Retention of Personal Information
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, comply with legal obligations, and maintain nonprofit records.
8. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:
- Access, correct, or delete your personal information.
- Opt out of email communications.
- Request a copy of your information.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at WHTreeProject@gmail.com.
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We may use cookies or similar technologies to:
- Monitor website usage.
- Improve user experience.
- Track engagement with newsletters or campaigns.
You can manage cookies through your browser settings.
10. Third-Party Services
Our website may link to or integrate with third-party platforms (e.g., Givebutter for donations, Facebook for community groups). Your interactions with those platforms are governed by their privacy policies. We are not responsible for practices outside our control.
11. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. Any material changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Continued use of our website or participation in our programs after changes indicates acceptance.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
The West Hartford Tree Project
Email: WHTreeProject@gmail.com