Welcome to First Step Forward (First Step Forward,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website, firstepforward.org (“Website”), and engage with our programs, services, and communications.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our Website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
a. Information You Provide to Us
Personal Information: When you sign up for our newsletter, make a donation, register for an event, submit a volunteer application, or otherwise interact with us, we may collect personal information such as:
1. Name
2. Email address
3. Mailing address
4. Phone number
5. Payment information (processed securely via third-party vendors)
Any other information you voluntarily provide
b. Information Collected Automatically
Usage Information: We automatically collect information about your interaction with our Website, including:
1. IP address
2. Browser type
3. Operating system
4. Pages visited
5. Time spent on pages
6 .Referring website
7. Device identifiers
Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
1. Process donations and issue tax receipts
2. Communicate with you about our programs, services, events, and updates
3. Respond to your inquiries and requests
4. Manage volunteer and donor relationships
5. Improve our Website, services, and outreach
6. Maintain security and prevent fraud
7. Comply with legal obligations
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
We may share your information with:
Service Providers: We engage trusted third-party vendors to perform functions such as payment processing, email delivery, website hosting, and data analysis.
Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
Protection of Rights: We may disclose your information when necessary to protect our rights, property, or the safety of our users or others.
4. Third Party Links
Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of those websites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party site you visit.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
6. Your Choices
You have the following rights regarding your information:
Opt-Out of Communications: You can opt out of receiving promotional emails from us by following the unsubscribe instructions included in each email.
Access and Update Your Information: You may request access to, correction, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us at the information below.
Cookies: Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer.
7. Children’s Privacy
Our Website is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will take steps to delete such information.