PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: July 01, 2025

Cooks 4 Hope ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at https://cooks4hope.org (the "Site"), use our services, or interact with us.

By using our Site or services, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.

INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address

Donation Information: Payment details, donation amounts, billing information

Volunteer Information: Skills, availability, emergency contact information

Communication Data: Messages, inquiries, and correspondence with us

Event Registration: Dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, emergency contacts

SMS Data: Phone numbers for text message communications (when you opt-in)

Non-Personal Information

We automatically collect certain information about your device and usage patterns:

Technical Data: IP address, browser type and version, operating system

Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click-through rates

Analytics Data: Information collected through Google Analytics

HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION

We collect information through:

Direct Submission: When you fill out forms, make donations, or contact us

Automatic Collection: Through cookies and analytics tools

Third-Party Integration: Through payment processors and email service providers

Event Participation: During community meals, volunteer activities, and fundraising events

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the collected information to:

Respond to your inquiries and provide support

Process donations and send receipts and acknowledgments

Coordinate volunteer activities and communicate opportunities

Organize and manage community meal events

Send newsletters and updates about our programs

Send SMS notifications and alerts (only with your consent)Improve our website functionality and user experience

Comply with legal obligations and maintain tax-exempt organization records

Protect against fraud and ensure security

INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We DO NOT Sell Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for any purpose.

Limited Sharing

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors including:

Payment processors for secure donation transactions

Email service providers for newsletters and communications

Google Analytics for website usage analysis

Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority

Safety and Security: To protect the rights, safety, or property of our organization or others

Social Media: Integration with social media platforms for sharing and engagement

Your Consent: When you have given us explicit permission to share your information

COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us understand how you use our website.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality (donations, contact forms)

Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand website performance and user behavior

Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and improve user experience

Your Cookie Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may affect your ability to donate or use contact forms.

DATA SECURITY

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information, including:

Encryption of sensitive data during transmission

Secure storage systems and access controls

Regular security updates

Staff training on data protection practices


Important: While we take reasonable precautions, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

DATA RETENTION

We retain your personal information as follows:

Donation Records: 7 years for tax and legal compliance purposes

Contact Information: Until you request removal or opt-out

Volunteer Information: While you remain an active volunteer, plus 2 years

Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)

Email Communications: Until you unsubscribe

YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Correction

Request access to the personal information we have about you

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information

Deletion and Opt-Out

Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal record-keeping requirements)

Opt-out of email communications at any time using unsubscribe links

Reply STOP to opt-out of SMS messages

Update your communication preferences by contacting us

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected] or (763) 402-9558.

CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our website

Updating the "Last Updated" date

Sending email notifications for significant changes (if we have your email address)

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:


Cooks 4 Hope


Email: [email protected]


Phone: (763) 402-9558


Address: 3501 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis MN 55407


Website: https://cooks4hope.org

For SMS-related inquiries, text HELP to (763) 402-9558.




This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date listed above and governs our collection and use of information from that date forward.