Privacy Policy

Protecting Your Trust, Safeguarding Your Information

Introduction

Carolina Cat Conservation (“we,” “our,” or “us”) values your trust. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website, participate in programs, volunteer, donate, or otherwise engage with our mission. As a nonprofit organization, we believe privacy is not just a legal requirement but an extension of the respect and care we show to families, volunteers, donors, and community partners. By using our website or participating in our programs, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

We collect information in ways that allow us to deliver meaningful experiences and advance our mission. This includes:

  • Personal Information: Name, email, phone number, and mailing address, often provided when subscribing to newsletters, registering for events, or contacting us.
  • Donation Information: Payment details and transaction history, which are processed securely through third-party providers.
  • Volunteer Information: Skills, availability, emergency contacts, and areas of interest to help match you with opportunities.
  • Youth Participation: With parental consent, we may collect limited information from children for program safety (e.g., names, ages, emergency contacts).
  • Technical Information: Browser type, device details, and website usage patterns collected automatically to improve our online presence.
    We limit collection to what is necessary and always explain why information is needed.

How We Use Your Information

Your information helps us fulfill our mission responsibly and effectively. We use it to:

  • Communicate updates, newsletters, and event announcements.
  • Process and acknowledge donations.
  • Coordinate volunteer projects and track service hours.
  • Evaluate and improve our programs.
  • Provide educational resources to families and schools.
    We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Any sharing with trusted service providers is solely to advance our work and only with safeguards in place.

Children’s Privacy

Protecting children’s privacy is especially important to us. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without verified parental or guardian consent. Information collected for youth programs is used only to ensure safety and participation. Parents and guardians can request access to, correction of, or deletion of their child’s information at any time by contacting us directly.

Donor Privacy

We honor the generosity of our donors by protecting their information. Donor details are used only for processing contributions, providing receipts, and sharing updates about the impact of their support. We do not sell or share donor information with other organizations. Donors may choose to remain anonymous or opt out of certain communications while still receiving essential tax receipts.

Volunteer Privacy

Volunteers are the heart of our mission, and we protect their information with the same care. Volunteer data is used to match skills with opportunities, communicate schedules, and ensure safety. Records are stored securely and accessible only by authorized staff. Volunteer service hours and contributions may be celebrated publicly, but always with consent.

Data Sharing and Third Parties

We occasionally partner with trusted third-party service providers (such as payment processors, email platforms, and event registration tools) to carry out essential functions. These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only for the services requested and to maintain confidentiality. We never allow third parties to use your information for their own purposes.

Data Security

We use a combination of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, misuse, or loss. These include encrypted connections, secure servers, limited access protocols, and staff training. While no system is completely secure, we review our security measures regularly and adjust to emerging best practices.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Know what personal data we hold about you.
  • Request correction or updates to your information.
  • Request deletion of your information where legally and practically possible.
  • Opt out of receiving newsletters, appeals, or other non-essential communications.
  • Limit how your information is used or shared.
    Requests can be made by contacting us at the details below, and we will respond promptly.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as needed for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. Donor and volunteer records are stored securely for accountability and compliance but are deleted or anonymized once no longer necessary. Children’s program data is retained only for the duration of participation and is deleted afterward unless continued consent is given.

Accountability and Transparency

We are accountable to the families, donors, and communities we serve. Our staff receive training in data privacy, and we regularly evaluate our practices to ensure compliance. If ever there is a change in how we collect or use information, we will update this policy and notify our community promptly.

Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be revised periodically to reflect changes in laws, technologies, or organizational practices. The latest version will always be posted on our website, with the date of the last update clearly marked.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Email: info@carolcat.site
Address: 6296 Rivers Ave
North Charleston, SC 29406-4903
United States