Privacy Policy

ziMS Foundation Privacy Policy

ziMS Foundation (“ziMS Foundation,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our donors, supporters, beneficiaries, volunteers, and all visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy describes the types of information we collect, how we use that information, the steps we take to safeguard it, and the choices you have regarding your personal information.

This policy applies to information collected through our website, donation platforms, events, communications, and other organizational activities.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect personal information in several ways, depending on how you interact with ziMS Foundation.

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

This may include:

• Contact Information: name, mailing address, email address, phone number

• Donation Information: donation amount, date, and giving history

• Payment Information: for online donations, payment card details are processed securely by our third-party provider (GoFundMe Charity/GoFundMe Pro).

• Communication Preferences: subscription status, opt-ins/opt-outs, mailing list selections

• Event or Program Information: registration details, volunteer forms, interest forms

• Other Information You Submit: inquiries, emails, or responses to surveys

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address

• Browser type and version

• Device type

• Pages visited and referring website

• Date and time of visits

• Cookie and tracking data (see Section 7)

This information is used for website analytics, security, and improving user experience.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• GoFundMe Charity/GoFundMe Pro (donation data)

• Email marketing platforms (engagement metrics)

• Social media platforms (if you interact with our content)

We treat all such information in accordance with this policy.

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use personal information for the following purposes:

• Processing and acknowledging donations and providing tax receipts

• Maintaining donor records and complying with financial reporting requirements

• Communicating with you about our mission, programs, events, impact, fundraising efforts, and organizational updates

• Responding to inquiries and fulfilling requests

• Managing volunteer participation and event registrations

• Improving our website, operations, and donor experience

• Performing internal reporting, auditing, and analysis

• Ensuring security and preventing fraud

We strive to use only the minimum information necessary to carry out our activities.

3. DONOR PRIVACY COMMITMENT

ziMS Foundation values the trust of our donors and adheres to the highest standards of donor privacy.

We do not sell, rent, exchange, or share donor personal information with any outside organization for fundraising, marketing, or commercial purposes.

Donors may request to:

• Remain anonymous

• Limit communications

• Update or correct their information

• Request that we delete their information (subject to legal requirements)

4. SECURITY MEASURES

We take the protection of personal information seriously and employ administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or misuse. These include:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all online data transmission

• PCI-compliant payment processing through GoFundMe Charity/GoFundMe Pro

• Role-based, limited-access controls for staff and contractors

• Password-protected systems and secure servers

• Data minimization and retention protocols

• Staff training on data privacy and confidentiality

• Monitoring for unauthorized access or suspicious activity

While no system can guarantee absolute security, we follow recognized industry standards to protect the information entrusted to us.

5. THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS

We work with carefully selected third-party service providers to support our operations. These may include:

• Donation platforms (GoFundMe Charity/GoFundMe Pro)

• Payment processors (PCI-compliant)

• Email marketing/CRM systems

• Cloud hosting services

• Analytics providers

• Mailing and fulfillment vendors

These providers are permitted to use personal information only to perform services on our behalf and must maintain appropriate privacy and security practices.

ziMS Foundation does not authorize these providers to sell or use personal information for their own marketing purposes.

6. DATA RETENTION

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purpose for which it was collected

• Maintain required financial and tax records

• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

• Support donor preferences and communication history

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

7. COOKIES, TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES & ANALYTICS

Our website may use cookies, pixel tags, and similar technologies to:

• Understand how visitors interact with our site

• Improve performance and usability

• Track aggregate usage statistics

• Support security features

You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being used. Some site functions may not work if cookies are disabled.

8. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Our website and programs are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will delete it promptly.

9. YOUR RIGHTS & CHOICES

Depending on your location and applicable privacy laws, you may have the right to:

• Access your personal information

• Correct or update inaccurate information

• Request deletion of your information (with certain limitations)

• Opt out of marketing or fundraising communications

• Request restrictions on how your data is used

• Request a copy of your information in a portable format

To make a request, please contact us using the information in Section 12.

All unsubscribe or opt-out requests are honored promptly.

10. INTERNATIONAL DONORS

If you are located outside the United States, your personal information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. By interacting with ziMS Foundation, you consent to such processing in accordance with this policy.

11. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal obligations. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Significant changes may also be communicated directly to donors.

12. CONTACT US

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

ziMS Foundation

Email: zimsfoundation@msn.com 

Phone: 216-920-4800

Address: 2129 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23454