Privacy Policy

Project Understanding (https://www.projectunderstanding.org) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of all individuals who visit our website, use our services, donate, volunteer, or otherwise interact with our organization. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your information.

By accessing ProjectUnderstanding.org, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

A. Personal Information You Provide

When you interact with our website or services, you may voluntarily provide information such as:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Donation information (processed securely through third-party platforms)
  • Volunteer application details
  • Program application details
  • Messages submitted through our contact forms

We do not collect Social Security numbers, bank account details, or full credit card numbers.

B. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Device information
  • Pages visited
  • Time spent on the site
  • General location (not precise GPS data)

This information helps us improve our website experience.

C. Information From Donations

If you make a donation, payment information is processed by secure third-party processors. We may receive limited donor information, such as:

  • Name
  • Email
  • Donation amount
  • Donation method (not card number)

We never see or store full credit card or bank details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

  • Provide and improve our programs and services
  • Respond to inquiries and requests
  • Process donations
  • Send receipts and donor acknowledgments
  • Share newsletters, updates, and fundraising communications
  • Maintain accurate records
  • Improve website functionality
  • Ensure compliance with laws and organizational policies

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share limited information with trusted third parties when necessary:

A. Service Providers

Such as:

  • Donation processors
  • Email service platforms
  • Web hosting providers
  • IT or marketing support

These partners are contractually obligated to protect your information.

B. Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by:

  • Law
  • Court order
  • Government regulation
  • To protect the safety or rights of Project Understanding or our users

C. Program Referrals

If you request help with Social Security, IRS guidance, or government policy navigation, we may—with your consent—refer you to partner agencies or organizations.

We do not share your information without your permission unless legally required.

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies to:

  • Enhance user experience
  • Remember preferences
  • Analyze website traffic
  • Improve site performance

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, although some site features may not function properly.

5. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your personal information, including:

  • Secure servers
  • Encrypted donation processing
  • Limited access to sensitive data
  • Regular system monitoring

While we strive for full protection, no data transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

6. Children’s Privacy

Project Understanding does not knowingly collect personal information from children under age 13.
Children participating in our tutoring programs must have parent or guardian consent through official program registration.

If we learn that information from a child under 13 was collected without permission, we will delete it promptly.

7. Email Communications

By providing your email, you may receive:

  • Program updates
  • Donation receipts
  • Newsletters
  • Event announcements

You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” or contacting us directly.

We do not send unwanted spam or sell email addresses.

8. Your Rights & Choices

You may request:

  • Access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Updates or corrections to your information
  • Deletion of your personal data where applicable
  • To unsubscribe from communications

Requests can be made through our contact page or by calling our office.

9. External Links

ProjectUnderstanding.org may contain links to third-party websites.
We are not responsible for:

  • The content
  • Privacy practices
  • Security policies
    of external sites.

Users should review third-party policies before providing any personal information.

10. Donor Privacy

We value our donors’ trust.
We promise that donor information will be:

  • Used only for fundraising, communication, and internal recordkeeping
  • Not sold, rented, or traded
  • Protected with secure systems

Donors may choose to give anonymously.

11. Data Retention

We retain information only as long as needed for:

  • Program operations
  • Donation compliance
  • Financial and tax recordkeeping
  • Legal requirements

When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the website indicates acceptance of any changes.