Last Updated: July 27, 2025

Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information.

1. Introduction

About This Policy

Heart for Children Africa ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information.

Your Consent

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

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect the following types of personal information:

  • • Contact details (name, email, phone number)
  • • Donation information and history
  • • Account credentials and preferences
  • • Communication records and feedback

Automatic Information

We automatically collect:

  • • Device and browser information
  • • Usage data and analytics
  • • IP address and location data
  • • Cookie and tracking data

3. How We Use Your Information

Processing Donations

To process and confirm your charitable donations.

Communication

To send you updates about projects, newsletters, and important announcements.

Account Management

To create and manage your account, if applicable.

Volunteer Coordination

To match you with appropriate volunteer opportunities.

Website Improvement

To analyze usage patterns and improve our Website functionality.

Legal Compliance

To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements.

Security

To protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access.

Impact Reporting

To provide transparency about how donations are used.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

  • • Processing payments and donations
  • • Hosting and maintaining our Website
  • • Sending emails and communications
  • • Analyzing website usage and performance

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

Consent

We may share your information with your explicit consent or at your direction.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Website:

  • • Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
  • • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Website
  • • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
  • • Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising and content

Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Website.

6. Data Security

Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

  • • Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
  • • Regular security assessments and updates
  • • Access controls and authentication measures
  • • Employee training on data protection practices
  • • Incident response procedures

Security Disclaimer

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

Retention Periods

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law:

  • • Donation Records: Retained for tax and accounting purposes (typically 7 years)
  • • Account Information: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter
  • • Communication Data: Retained for customer service and relationship management
  • • Analytics Data: Retained for website improvement and analysis

8. Your Rights and Choices

Access and Portability

You have the right to request access to your personal information and receive a copy of the data we hold about you.

Correction and Update

You can request that we correct or update inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

Deletion

You may request the deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations.

Opt-Out

You can opt out of marketing communications and certain data processing activities.

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.

9. Children's Privacy

Website Intended for Adults

Our Website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Parental Consent Required

For children between 13 and 18 years old, we require parental consent before collecting personal information.

10. International Data Transfers

Transfers to Other Countries

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

Donor Privacy

Donor Information

We respect donor privacy and will not sell, share, or trade donor names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings on behalf of other organizations.

Financial Records

Donation records are maintained for tax and regulatory compliance. Access to this information is restricted to authorized personnel only.

Donor Recognition

Donors may choose to remain anonymous. We will honor all requests for anonymity in our publications and donor recognition materials.

Beneficiary Privacy

Child Protection

We follow strict protocols to protect children's privacy. Personal information and images of children are only shared with explicit guardian consent and in accordance with child protection laws.

Beneficiary Data

Information about our beneficiaries is handled with utmost confidentiality. Access is strictly limited to staff members who need this information to perform their duties.

Volunteer Privacy

Volunteer Information

Personal information collected from volunteers is used solely for volunteer program management and will not be shared with third parties without consent.

Background Checks

For child protection, we conduct background checks on volunteers. This information is handled confidentially and in compliance with relevant laws.

Reporting & Compliance

NGO Reporting

We maintain transparency in our reporting while protecting individual privacy. Aggregate data may be used in reports to stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Regulatory Compliance

We comply with NGO regulations in Ghana regarding data protection, financial reporting, and transparency while maintaining individual privacy.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Updates to Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our Website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our Website after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. For questions about this policy, please contact privacy@heartforchildren.org.