1. Purpose
The Humane Choices Foundation (the Organization) respects the privacy of all individuals with whom it interacts, including donors, supporters, volunteers, staff, members, and the public. This policy establishes how the Organization collects, uses, protects, and discloses personal information in compliance with applicable privacy legislation wherever it operates.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all personal information collected, used, or disclosed by the Organization or by any individual acting on its behalf.
3. Collection of Personal Information
The Organization will collect only the personal information that is necessary for identified purposes, including:
- Processing donations and issuing charitable receipts
- Communicating with donors, volunteers, and supporters
- Administering employment and volunteer engagements
- Fulfilling legal and reporting obligations
- Advancing the Organization's animal welfare, advocacy, and environmental mission
Personal information will be collected with the knowledge and consent of the individual unless collection without consent is permitted or required by law.
4. Use and Disclosure
Personal information will be used only for the purposes for which it was collected. The Organization will not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties. Information may be shared with service providers acting on the Organization's behalf, subject to appropriate confidentiality agreements.
5. Data Security
The Organization will implement reasonable physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Staff and volunteers with access to personal information are required to treat it as confidential.
6. Retention and Disposal
Personal information will be retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. Refer to the Records Retention Policy for specific retention periods. Information will be securely destroyed when no longer needed or legally required to be held.
7. Access and Correction
Individuals have the right to request access to their personal information held by the Organization and to request corrections where the information is inaccurate or incomplete. Requests should be directed to the Executive Director in writing.
8. Confidentiality Obligations
All staff, volunteers, Board members, and contractors are required to maintain the confidentiality of:
- Donor and supporter information
- Personnel and volunteer records
- Financial information and internal communications
- Strategic plans, campaign details, and advocacy strategies
- Any information designated as confidential by the Organization
Confidentiality obligations continue after the end of an individual's association with the Organization.
9. Annual Review
This policy will be reviewed annually. All covered individuals will acknowledge having re-read Organization policies at least once annually.
For questions about this policy, please contact us at info@humanechoice.org.