Privacy Policy

1. Overview

ShelterSponsor ("we", "us", or "our") connects shelters and community organizations with local donors to fulfill needs through an interactive donation grid. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using our platform, you agree to the practices described here.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to operate the platform:

• Organizer information: organization name, contact email, needed-by date, EIN/Tax ID, verification link, zip code, and fulfillment preferences provided when creating a donation grid.
• Donor information: donor name, email, and optional website/logo provided when claiming a donation slot.
• Transaction information: payment details processed securely by Stripe; we do not store full card numbers.
• Usage data: aggregated, non-identifying analytics about how the platform is used.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected to:

• Create and display donation grids and manage claimed slots.
• Send donation receipts to donors and coordination alerts to organizers.
• Process Stripe payments for grid publication.
• Respond to messages sent through our contact form.
• Maintain the security and integrity of the platform.

4. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your information. We share data only with service providers who help us operate the platform: Stripe (payment processing) and Gmail (transactional email delivery). Organizers and donors can see the information each chooses to display on a public grid (such as donor name and logo). We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights.

5. Data Retention

Donation grids and their associated slot data are automatically removed shortly after the needed-by date has passed. Transactional records (such as Stripe receipts) are retained according to applicable tax and legal requirements. You may request deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting us.

6. Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. Payment data is handled entirely by Stripe and never stored on our servers. However, no method of transmission over the internet is fully secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

You may access, correct, or request deletion of the personal information we hold about you. To exercise these rights, use our contact form. If you are located in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, or California, you may have additional rights under GDPR or CCPA respectively.

8. Children's Privacy

ShelterSponsor is intended for use by organization administrators and adult donors. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us so we can delete it.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version here with a revised "last updated" date. Material changes will be noted on the platform or sent to organizers via email when practical.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please reach out through our contact page.

11. Data Collection

We collect only the information necessary for the platform to function, including Organizer contact info, Donor names, and email addresses provided during the claim process.

12. Data Usage

We use your data solely to facilitate the coordination of donations. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third-party marketers.

13. Data Security

We take reasonable precautions to protect your data. However, as the platform coordinates direct donations, please exercise caution when sharing sensitive financial information directly with an Organizer.

14. Third-Party Links

Our site may contain links to external payment processors (e.g., Venmo). Once you leave our site, you are subject to their privacy policies.