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Empathos

Legal

Privacy Policy

How Empathos collects, uses, and protects personal information shared through this website.

Last Updated

Effective as of March 20, 2026

This policy is adapted from the current Plumwheel legal framework and revised for the Empathos website, programs, and supporter communications.

This Privacy Policy explains how Empathos collects, uses, stores, and shares personal information when you use this website, engage with our programs, submit forms, sign up for updates, or otherwise communicate with us.

By using the site, you acknowledge that you have read this policy and understand how your information may be handled.

1. What Information We Collect

We collect personal information you voluntarily provide when you sign up for updates, contact us, submit forms, donate, or otherwise communicate with Empathos.

Depending on how you interact with the site, that information may include your name, email address, phone number, mailing details, donation details, organizational affiliation, and any message or materials you choose to send us.

  • Contact details such as name, email address, phone number, and organization
  • Information you submit in forms, messages, surveys, event registrations, or volunteer inquiries
  • Donation and transaction details needed to process contributions through our payment or fiscal sponsorship partners
  • Basic website usage information collected through cookies, analytics, or security tooling

2. How We Use Your Information

Empathos uses personal information to operate the website, respond to inquiries, communicate with supporters, administer events and initiatives, process donations, and improve the effectiveness of our programs and digital experience.

  • Provide and maintain our services, programs, and communications
  • Respond to inquiries, support requests, and partnership conversations
  • Process donations and maintain related records
  • Send updates, invitations, or promotional communications when you have asked to receive them
  • Protect the site against misuse, fraud, and unauthorized access
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our policies

3. Legal Bases for Processing

Where privacy law requires a legal basis, we process personal information based on one or more of the following: your consent, the performance of a contract or requested service, our legitimate interests in operating and improving Empathos, compliance with legal obligations, or protection of vital interests.

4. When We Share Information

We do not sell personal information. We may share information only when necessary to operate Empathos or comply with the law.

  • With service providers who help us host the website, deliver email, process donations, or support operations
  • With fiscal sponsors, payment processors, or professional advisers when necessary to administer contributions or fulfill obligations
  • When required by law, court order, or lawful request from public authorities
  • To protect rights, safety, security, or the integrity of our services

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies to keep the site functioning, understand usage patterns, and improve performance. Some third-party tools may also set cookies or collect limited technical information when you use the website.

You can usually control cookies through your browser settings, although disabling them may affect some site functionality.

6. Artificial Intelligence and Submitted Materials

Empathos may use digital tools, including AI-assisted tools, to help organize, draft, summarize, or analyze submitted materials for internal operational purposes. We do not use submitted materials for public publication without appropriate authorization.

If you share stories, recordings, written materials, or other contributions with us, you should avoid sending confidential information unless we have expressly agreed to receive and protect it in a particular way.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as needed to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, maintain appropriate records, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and protect the organization.

8. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect personal information. No digital system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children and Minors

Empathos does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without appropriate consent. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us inappropriately, please contact us so we can review and address the issue.

10. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to request access to, correction of, deletion of, or limits on the processing of your personal information. You may also have the right to withdraw consent for certain processing activities or opt out of marketing communications.

  • Access or receive a copy of your personal information
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Request deletion of information where legally permitted
  • Withdraw consent or object to certain uses of your information
  • Opt out of marketing emails by using the unsubscribe link or contacting us directly

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, the law, or the website. When we do, we will update the effective date on this page.

12. Contact About Privacy

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or would like to make a privacy-related request, please contact Empathos using the contact information or communication channel made available on this website.