Privacy Policy

1. Overview

This Privacy Policy applies to coveofedu.org (the "Website") operated by CoveOfEdu, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 92-2455469). By using our Website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Website, we automatically collect:

• IP address and geographic location
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referral source (how you found our Website)
• Device information (mobile, tablet, desktop)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Payment processors (transaction details, fraud prevention data)
• Social media platforms (if you interact with our social content)
• Analytics providers (aggregated website usage data)
• Email service providers (email engagement metrics)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Mission-Critical Activities

• Processing and acknowledging donations
• Providing tax receipts and donation records
• Delivering educational programs and services
• Measuring and reporting on our impact
• Improving our programs and infrastructure

3.2 Communications

• Sending donation confirmations and receipts
• Delivering newsletters and educational content
• Providing updates on our programs and impact
• Responding to your inquiries and requests
• Sending important notices about policy changes

3.3 Website Operations

• Maintaining and improving Website functionality
• Analyzing usage patterns and trends
• Personalizing your experience
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security
• Troubleshooting technical issues

3.4 Legal Compliance

• Complying with 501(c)(3) reporting requirements
• Meeting tax and accounting obligations
• Responding to legal requests and preventing illegal activities
• Protecting our rights and property

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 We DO NOT Sell Your Information

4.2 When We Share Information

We may share your information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party vendors who help us operate our Website and programs (payment processors, email services, analytics providers). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, court order, or government regulation.
• Protection of Rights: To protect the rights, property, or safety of CoveOfEdu, our users, or the public.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or dissolution (though we would notify you and seek consent).
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information.

4.3 Donor Recognition

We may publicly recognize donors unless you request anonymity. You can opt out of public recognition at any time by contacting us.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

5.1 Technical Safeguards

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Encrypted storage of sensitive information
• Secure payment processing through PCI-DSS compliant providers
• Regular security audits and updates
• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
• Access controls and authentication requirements

5.2 Organizational Safeguards

• Limited access to personal information (need-to-know basis)
• Employee training on data privacy and security
• Confidentiality agreements with all staff and volunteers
• Regular security awareness training
• Incident response procedures

5.3 Payment Security

We do not store complete credit card information on our servers. All payment processing is handled by secure, PCI-DSS compliant third-party payment processors.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites remember your preferences and improve your experience.

6.2 How We Use Cookies

6.3 Your Cookie Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect Website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies (not recommended)
• Clear cookies when you close your browser

6.4 Third-Party Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand Website usage. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports Website trends. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

7. Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Access and Portability

• Request a copy of your personal information we hold
• Receive your data in a portable format

7.2 Correction and Update

• Correct inaccurate information
• Update your contact details and preferences

7.3 Deletion ("Right to Be Forgotten")

• Request deletion of your personal information
• Note: We may retain certain information for legal/tax compliance

7.4 Opt-Out Rights

• Unsubscribe from marketing emails (click "unsubscribe" in any email)
• Opt out of public donor recognition
• Disable cookies through browser settings
• Request to stop processing your information for specific purposes

7.5 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@coveofedu.org. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Website is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If you are under 13, please do not provide any information on this Website. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

For users between 13-18 years old, we require parental or guardian consent before collecting personal information or processing donations.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites (social media, payment processors, partner organizations). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit. This Privacy Policy applies only to coveofedu.org.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

10.1 Retention Periods

10.2 Secure Deletion

When we delete your information, we use secure deletion methods to ensure it cannot be recovered or reconstructed.

11. International Users

Our Website is operated in the United States. If you are accessing the Website from outside the United States, please be aware that your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.

By using our Website, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and acknowledge that U.S. data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

11.1 GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• Right to object to processing
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
• Right to withdraw consent at any time

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors.

We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Displaying a prominent notice on our Website

Your continued use of the Website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: