1. Introduction
WNC Grows (“WNC Grows,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community-based tree planting, stewardship, and environmental resilience in Western North Carolina.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information obtained through our website, donation activities, and related communications. By using our website or supporting WNC Grows, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
A. Information You Provide Directly
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- Message content submitted through contact forms
- Newsletter or mailing list subscriptions
- Donation-related information
- Event registration or volunteer information
If you make a donation online, payment information is processed securely by a third-party payment processor. WNC Grows does not store full credit card numbers or banking information.
B. Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:
- Internet Protocol (IP) address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Device identifiers
- Pages visited, referring URLs, and timestamps
This information is used in aggregated form for website administration, analytics, and security.
C. Cookies and Similar Technologies
We may use cookies or similar technologies to:
- Enable essential website functionality
- Improve performance and security
- Understand aggregate site usage
You may control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain site features.
3. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:
- Respond to inquiries and communications
- Provide newsletters, program updates, and organizational information
- Process donations and issue acknowledgments or receipts
- Maintain donor and supporter records consistent with nonprofit best practices
- Operate, maintain, and improve our website
- Monitor and protect website security
- Comply with legal, accounting, and regulatory obligations
We do not use personal information for commercial profiling, advertising, or resale.
4. Donor Privacy Commitment
WNC Grows is committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of our donors.
Specifically:
- We do not sell, trade, rent, or exchange donor names or contact information with any third party for marketing or fundraising purposes.
- Donor information is used solely for purposes directly related to WNC Grows’ mission and operations, such as acknowledgments, receipts, internal reporting, and legally required disclosures.
- Donors may choose to remain anonymous in public-facing donor recognition materials.
- We honor donor requests to limit communications or recognition to the extent reasonably practicable.
This commitment applies to all forms of giving, including online donations, mailed contributions, grants, and in-kind support.
5. How We Share Information
WNC Grows does not sell or commercially share personal information.
We may share limited information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With trusted vendors that support our operations, such as website hosting, email delivery, donor management systems, analytics providers, and payment processors. These vendors may access information only as necessary to perform services on our behalf and are expected to safeguard it.
- Legal or Regulatory Requirements: When required to comply with applicable laws, regulations, court orders, or governmental requests.
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information.
6. Email Communications
If you subscribe to receive emails from WNC Grows, we may send newsletters, updates, fundraising appeals, or event information.
You may opt out of non-essential email communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting info@wncgrows.org. Transactional or legally required communications (such as donation receipts) may still be sent.
7. Children’s Privacy
Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If such information is discovered, we will delete it promptly.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal and donor information only as long as reasonably necessary for:
- Nonprofit recordkeeping
- Accounting and audit requirements
- Tax and regulatory compliance
- Donor relationship management
- Dispute resolution and enforcement of agreements
9. Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect personal and donor information. While we strive to protect information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure.
10. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Request access to personal information we maintain about you
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Request deletion of certain information
- Limit or object to certain uses of your information
Requests may be submitted to info@wncgrows.org.
11. North Carolina Privacy Note
WNC Grows respects the privacy of donors, volunteers, and supporters and seeks to protect information identifying individuals’ association with our nonprofit to the fullest extent permitted by law.
12. External Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. WNC Grows is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those external sites.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
14. Contact Information
For questions or requests related to this Privacy Policy:
WNC Grows
Email: info@wncgrows.org
Phone: 828-367-9140
Mail: PO Box 9183, Asheville, NC 28815