Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 21, 2026. Last Updated: August 21, 2026.

Great Lakes Stewardship ("we," "us," "our," or the "Organization") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through this Privacy Policy. This policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit greatlakesstewardship.org (the "Site"), including any related services such as donations, event registration, volunteer sign-ups, and newsletters.

By using the Site, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

1. Information We Collect

a. Information You Provide Directly

We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including:

Name, email address, mailing address, and phone number
Payment and billing information (when making a donation or purchase)
Information submitted through contact forms, volunteer applications, or event registrations
Content you submit, such as comments, testimonials, or photos
Communications you send to us directly (emails, messages, survey responses)

b. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the Site, we and our service providers may automatically collect certain information, including:

IP address, browser type, and device information
Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring/exit pages
Approximate geographic location (based on IP address)
Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 5 below)

c. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, such as payment processors, event platforms, social media platforms (if you interact with us there), or partner organizations, in accordance with their own privacy practices.

2. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect to:

Process donations, payments, and event or volunteer registrations
Communicate with you, including sending newsletters, updates, and event notifications (where you have opted in)
Respond to inquiries and provide customer or volunteer support
Improve, operate, and maintain the Site
Analyze usage trends and Site performance
Comply with legal obligations, including tax and financial recordkeeping for donations
Detect, prevent, and address fraud, security issues, or technical problems
Promote our programs, mission, and impact, including through impact stories or testimonials (only with your consent where required)

We do not sell your personal information.

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: With third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf, such as payment processing, email delivery, hosting, analytics, and event management. These providers are only permitted to use your information as necessary to provide services to us.
Legal Requirements: If required to do so by law, subpoena, or governmental request, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.
Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, reorganization, or transfer of assets, in which case your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
With Your Consent: For any other purpose disclosed to you at the time we collect the information, or with your consent.

We do not share your personal information with third parties for their own independent marketing purposes without your consent.

4. Donations and Payment Information

When you make a donation through the Site, your payment is typically processed by a third-party payment processor (e.g., [insert processor name, such as Stripe, PayPal, or Donorbox]). We do not store full payment card numbers on our servers. Your use of these payment services is subject to the applicable processor's own privacy policy and terms.

We may retain records of your donation (name, amount, date, contact information) for accounting, tax receipt, and donor relationship purposes.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Site may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to:

Remember your preferences
Understand how visitors use the Site
Improve Site functionality and content
Support analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)

You can control cookies through your browser settings, including disabling them entirely. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on the Site.

6. Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms and partner organizations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, including for legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Donation records, in particular, may be retained as required by applicable tax and financial regulations.

8. Data Security

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

9. Your Choices and Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, which may include the right to:

Access the personal information we hold about you
Request correction or deletion of your personal information
Opt out of marketing communications at any time (e.g., by using the "unsubscribe" link in our emails)
Object to or restrict certain processing of your information
Request a copy of your information in a portable format

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 13 below. We will respond in accordance with applicable law.

California Residents

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect and the right to request deletion. We do not sell personal information as defined under the CCPA.

European Users

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or UK, you may have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection. Our legal basis for processing your information typically includes your consent, our legitimate interests in operating the Organization, and compliance with legal obligations.

10. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will take steps to delete it. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

11. Newsletter and Marketing Communications

If you subscribe to our newsletter or opt in to receive communications from us, we will use your contact information to send updates about our programs, events, and mission. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in our emails or by contacting us directly.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will indicate when changes were made. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Material changes may also be communicated via the Site or by email where appropriate.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Great Lakes Stewardship [10925 Foreman St., Lowell, MI 49331] Email: [info@greatlakesstewardship.org]