Introduction
Welcome to GoFundMe. We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or apply for a grant through our platform.
Please read this policy carefully. If you disagree with its terms, please discontinue use of our site. By accessing or using our platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you register, apply for a grant, or contact us. The personal information we may collect includes:
- Full name, email address, and date of birth
- Government-issued identification (Driver's License or Passport number)
- Business name, type, and registration details
- Financial information relevant to your grant application
- Bank account or payment details for fund disbursement
- Messages and correspondence you send us
We also automatically collect certain information when you visit our platform, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on pages. This data helps us improve our services and detect fraud.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To process and evaluate your grant application
- To create and manage your GoFundMe account
- To disburse approved grant funds to your designated account
- To send you application status updates and important notices
- To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
- To detect, prevent, and address fraud or other illegal activities
- To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- To improve our platform, services, and user experience
We will not use your information for purposes other than those described in this policy without your prior consent.
Information Sharing
GoFundMe does not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
- Grant Partners: We partner with the SBA and other grant providers. Your application details may be shared with these partners solely to process your grant.
- Payment Processors: To disburse funds, we work with payment processing partners who handle transactions securely.
- Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS), secure server infrastructure, and access controls limiting who can view your data.
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You use our platform at your own risk.
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. When your data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.
Cookies
Our platform uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. We use:
- Essential cookies: Required for the platform to function (e.g., session management, CSRF protection).
- Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site so we can improve it.
- Preference cookies: Remember your settings and choices for a better experience on return visits.
You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, some portions of our platform may not function properly.
Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal obligations.
- Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider.
- Objection: Object to our processing of your data in certain circumstances.
- Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@gofundmegrant.org. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
Children's Privacy
GoFundMe is not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at info@gofundmegrant.org and we will take steps to delete such information.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. When we make changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. Your continued use of our platform after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out to us:
- Email: info@gofundmegrant.org
- Contact form: https://gofundmegrant.org/contact
We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns promptly and transparently.