Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 14, 2026 · Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Carry the Torch respects your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have about your data.

1. Who We Are

Carry the Torch is a Texas nonprofit corporation (the "Organization," "we," "us," or "our"). This Privacy Policy applies to our website and to information we collect from visitors, subscribers, donors, and applicants.

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Subscribe to our newsletter or mailing list (typically: name and email address)
• Make a donation (typically: name, email, mailing address, payment information processed by our payment processor, and any optional message you include)
• Apply for a grant or other program (information requested in the relevant application)
• Contact us directly through email or any contact form (the contents of your message and your contact details)

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we (or service providers acting on our behalf) may automatically collect limited technical information, including:

• IP address and approximate location
• Browser type, device type, and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring website
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To process donations and provide receipts and acknowledgments required by law
• To send you newsletters, program updates, and other communications you have opted to receive
• To review and respond to grant applications, inquiries, and other correspondence
• To operate, maintain, and improve our website and programs
• To comply with legal obligations, including IRS reporting requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations
• To protect the rights, property, and safety of the Organization, our supporters, and the public

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers. With third-party vendors who help us operate (for example, payment processors, email service providers, website hosts, and analytics providers). These providers are contractually limited to using your information for the services they provide us.
• Legal Compliance. When required by law, subpoena, court order, or other valid legal process; or when reasonably necessary to investigate fraud, protect our rights, or address security or technical issues.
• Business Transfers. If the Organization merges with or transfers assets to another nonprofit, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to terms consistent with this policy.
• With Your Consent. Any other sharing not described in this policy will be done only with your consent.

5. How We Protect Your Information

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to operate the site, remember your preferences, and understand how visitors use the site. Most web browsers let you control cookies through browser settings. If you disable cookies, some features of the site may not function properly.

We may use analytics services (such as Google Analytics or similar) to understand site traffic and usage. These services may collect information about your visits to our site and other sites over time.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on where you live, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

• The right to access the personal information we hold about you
• The right to request correction of inaccurate information
• The right to request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• The right to opt out of marketing communications at any time (every email we send includes an unsubscribe link)
• The right to opt out of certain disclosures of your personal information

Residents of California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and other states with consumer privacy laws may have additional rights under those laws. Residents of the European Economic Area or United Kingdom may have rights under the GDPR or UK GDPR. To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information in Section 11.

8. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete that information.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may link to third-party websites (such as donation processors, social media platforms, or partner organizations). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before sharing information with them.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. For material changes, we will provide reasonable additional notice (for example, by posting a notice on our website or sending an email to subscribers).

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise any of your rights, please contact us:

Carry the Torch
Email: privacy@carrythetorch.io
Mailing address: [To be added]