Privacy Policy

1. Introduction
Coastal Carolina Kittens (“we”, “us”, “our”) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, fostering and finding forever homes for young and bottle‑baby kittens in the Coastal Carolina area. We are committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our website visitors, donors, adopters, volunteers, foster families and other supporters. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, engage with our programs, or interact with us.

2. Scope and Applicability
This Policy applies to all personal information collected by us via our website, social media, donation/foster/adoption/volunteer processes, events and other program‑related interactions. By using our website or otherwise providing personal information, you consent to the collection and use of that information as described herein.

3. What Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:

Contact details: name, mailing address, email address, phone number.
Donation/payment information: payment method, transaction records, billing address.
Adoption/foster/volunteer application information: names, addresses, references, household composition, pet care experience, background check information (where applicable).
Website usage: IP address, browser/device information, site activity, cookies and analytics data.
Communications: any information provided when you complete our forms, subscribe to newsletters, contact us, respond to surveys or engage with us.
Media consent information: consent/opt‑out preferences for use of photographs, video, or likeness.

4. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for purposes including but not limited to:

Processing donations, issuing receipts and maintaining donor records.
Evaluating adoption/foster/volunteer applications, coordinating placements and supporting kitten care.
Communicating with supporters, adopters, volunteers and foster families (newsletters, updates, events, appeals) unless you opt out.
Improving our website and user experience, analyzing usage and tailoring content.
Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, protecting our organization, our volunteers/fosters/adopters, and the kittens in our care.
Recognizing donors and acknowledging contributions (subject to your consent/opt‑out preferences).

5. Volunteer Screening
As part of our commitment to the safety, welfare and quality of our kitten rescue and foster programs, we may collect and process information from volunteer/foster applicants such as references, pet‑care/household information, and background checks (where required or appropriate). According to guidance for nonprofits, such screening must be limited to what is reasonably necessary for the role. UA Little Rock+2OACAO+2 We will explain what information is being collected, the purpose of collection and, where required, obtain express consent. We will maintain confidentiality of such screening information and restrict access to authorized personnel only.

6. Photo/Media Consent
We may capture or receive photographs, videos and other media involving appear‑ances of supporters, volunteers, adopters/fosters, kittens and events. By participating in our programs, events or volunteering, or by providing media content to us, you may be asked to give consent to use your name, image, likeness and voice in promotional, educational, fundraising or archival materials. We will seek your explicit consent (or provide opt‑out mechanisms) for use of your media in such materials. See examples of best practices. Philanthropy Together+1 If you do not provide consent, we will make reasonable efforts not to use your media. You may contact us at any time if you wish to withdraw consent and we will update our records accordingly.

7. Donor Acknowledgment & Privacy
We value our donors’ trust and safeguard donor information accordingly. We will not sell or share personal contact or gift information of donors to third parties for commercial purposes, except as required by law. Academy of Natural Sciences+2People Serving People+2 Unless you request anonymity, we may publicly acknowledge your gift through our annual reports, website, social media or printed materials. If you prefer not to be publicly acknowledged or identified, please notify us and we will respect your preference.

8. Sharing & Disclosure of Information
We will not sell your personal information. We may share your information only under the following circumstances:

With trusted service providers/vendors who perform functions on our behalf (donation processing, website/analytics, adoption/foster support), subject to confidentiality and security obligations.
When required by law or to protect our rights, property, safety or that of others.
With your explicit consent.
In aggregated or anonymized form (no personal identifiers) for analytical or reporting purposes.

9. Cookies & Website Tracking
Our website may use cookies, web‑beacons, analytics tools and other tracking technologies to collect information about how visitors use the site (e.g., pages visited, duration, referring site). This helps us enhance user experience and improve content and functionality. You may disable cookies in your browser settings (though site functionality may be affected).

10. Data Retention
We keep personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected (e.g., active supporters, volunteers, donors, adopters) and to comply with legal or regulatory obligations. When data is no longer required, we will erase or anonymize it in a secure manner.

11. Security of Your Information
We take reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration or disclosure. However, no Internet or electronic transmission is completely secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. Your Rights & Choices
Depending on applicable law, you may have rights regarding your personal information such as:

Accessing the personal information we hold about you.
Requesting correction or update of your information.
Requesting deletion of your personal information (subject to retention requirements).
Opting‑out of certain communications (newsletters, appeals, public acknowledgments).
Withdrawing your consent for media usage or processing of your information (where applicable).

If you wish to exercise these rights, please contact us using the “Contact Us” information below.

13. Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe we may have collected such information, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

14. International Data Transfers
If you access our website or provide information from outside the United States, please note your information may be transferred to, stored in and processed in the United States. By providing your information you consent to such transfer.

15. Links to External Sites
Our website may contain links to third‑party websites not operated by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any site you visit via our links.

16. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, operations or legal/regulatory requirements. We will post the revised version on this website with the updated “Effective Date”. Your continued use of the website or services after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Policy.

17. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:
Coastal Carolina Kittens
Email: info@cckittens.com

End of Policy