Privacy Policy
SWB protects the information you entrust to us. This policy explains what we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.
Purpose
Scholars Without Borders is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of the personal information entrusted to us by donors, beneficiaries, volunteers, employees, partners, and website visitors.
This policy explains how we collect, use, store, protect, and share personal information in our charitable, fundraising, educational, and digital work. Maintaining your trust depends on responsible data handling and compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards.
Scope
This policy applies to personal data we collect through donations, program participation, volunteer and job applications, event registration, our website, communications, and third-party fundraising and payment platforms.
It covers everyone who interacts with us: donors and supporters, beneficiaries and program participants, volunteers and interns, employees and consultants, website visitors, and partner organizations and vendors.
Legal and ethical framework
SWB operates primarily in the United States and follows applicable privacy and consumer-protection laws. We also aim to follow best practices drawn from U.S. Federal Trade Commission data-protection guidance, state privacy laws where they apply, nonprofit accountability standards, and ethical donor-privacy practices recommended by nonprofit governance bodies.
We treat donor confidentiality as part of ethical nonprofit stewardship.
Information we collect
We collect only what we need to run our programs, maintain relationships with supporters, and meet legal requirements.
We do not store full credit-card numbers. Payments are handled by secure, PCI-compliant providers.
Personal details
Name, email, mailing address, phone, and organizational affiliation if relevant.
Donation and financial
Amount, date, frequency, designation, and tax-receipt details. Payments run through secure providers.
Program participation
Contact details, eligibility, application information, and participation history.
Technical and website
IP address, device and browser type, and pages visited, used for analytics.
How we collect it
We collect information through online donation forms, website registration forms, email, event sign-ups, volunteer applications, phone conversations, third-party fundraising platforms, and social media. You may also share information voluntarily when you contact us.
How we use your information
We use personal information for legitimate organizational purposes:
- Processing donations, issuing tax receipts, keeping accurate records, sharing impact updates, and recognizing supporters who consent.
- Sending newsletters and program news, and responding to your questions and requests.
- Running beneficiary support, educational initiatives, and scholarship tracking, and coordinating volunteers.
- Analyzing website performance, improving our services, and monitoring fundraising.
- Meeting legal and compliance obligations, including tax records, reporting such as IRS Form 990, and preventing fraud or misuse.
Data sharing and third parties
We may share information with trusted service providers who help us operate, such as payment processing, donor-management software, email services, event-management platforms, and website analytics. These providers are expected to keep data confidential and use it only for authorized purposes. We may also disclose information if required by law, court order, or a regulatory authority.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
Donor privacy
We respect the rights of our supporters. You can give anonymously, ask that your name not be publicly disclosed, and limit communications from us.
Donor lists are never sold or exchanged with other organizations.
Data security
We maintain reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.
No system can guarantee absolute security. Please take care when sending sensitive information online.
Secure databases
Information is stored in secure database systems.
Password protection
Systems are protected by passwords and access controls.
Restricted access
Staff access is limited to those who need it.
Encrypted payments
Payments run through encrypted, PCI-compliant systems.
Staff training
Staff are trained on confidentiality and data protection.
Data retention
We keep personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes it was collected, including legal and financial reporting. Donor records may be kept for tax compliance and historical reporting that supports accountability and transparency.
Your rights
If SWB holds your personal information, you can ask to:
- Access the information we hold about you.
- Correct inaccurate information.
- Update your contact preferences.
- Be removed from our mailing lists.
We review and respond to requests within a reasonable time. To make a request, email info@swbrelief.org.
Cookies and online tracking
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to analyze traffic, improve the experience, and understand how visitors engage. You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.
Children's privacy
SWB does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through its website without appropriate consent. If we learn that we have, we will take reasonable steps to remove it promptly.
Policy updates
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect operational changes, legal requirements, or best practices. Updated versions are published on our website.
Contact
Questions about this policy? Email info@swbrelief.org or visit swbrelief.org.
Scholars Without Borders. EIN 33-2263508.