Privacy Policy

FareStart does not sell, share or rent information it collects to others for their use.

FareStart is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our donors, volunteers, program participants, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the steps we take to safeguard it. By accessing our website or providing your information to us, you agree to the terms of this policy.

Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us in connection with:

  • Donations made through our website, by mail, phone, or in person
  • Event registration or ticket purchases
  • Email newsletter sign-ups or general inquiries
  • Participation in FareStart programs or activities

The information collected may include your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and payment information.

In addition, our website collects certain information automatically through standard log files and tracking technologies. This may include your IP address, browser type, device information, referring pages, time stamps, and browsing activity on our site. This data is used in aggregate to help us understand and improve the performance and effectiveness of our website.

How We Use Your Information

FareStart uses the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To process donations, registrations, and other transactions
  • To send updates, confirmations, and receipts
  • To respond to inquiries and provide customer support
  • To share organizational news, program updates, or fundraising appeals (if you have opted in)
  • To improve our website functionality and outreach efforts
  • To support online advertising and engagement via platforms such as Google Ads

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information with trusted third-party service providers only as necessary to perform essential services on our behalf (e.g., payment processing, email marketing, reservation platforms).

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, perform analytics, and support targeted advertising. These technologies may collect data such as IP addresses, browser type, device identifiers, and user interactions.

We utilize services such as Google Ads for remarketing and outreach. These services may use cookies and identifiers to show you FareStart-related content on other websites. If you have provided your email address and consented to such use, this information may be used in connection with personalized advertising campaigns.

You may disable or control the use of cookies through your browser settings. To opt out of Google Ads personalization, please visit: https://adssettings.google.com

Third-Party Services

FareStart partners with reputable third-party service providers to facilitate elements of our website and operations. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Toast and OpenTable for food ordering and restaurant reservations
  • Payment processors for secure transaction handling
  • Volunteer registration platforms
  • Google Ads for digital advertising and outreach

Please note that these third parties may independently collect and use data in accordance with their own privacy policies. We encourage users to review the privacy practices of any third-party platforms they engage with through our website.

Email Communications

If you opt in to receive email communications from FareStart, we may use your email address to send organizational updates, event information, and fundraising appeals. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any email or by contacting us directly.

Children’s Privacy

FareStart’s website and services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13 without verifiable parental consent, we will delete it from our records. If you believe that a child under 13 may have provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at info@farestart.org or 206.443.1233 so that we can take appropriate action.

Data Retention

FareStart retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to meet legal, accounting, or reporting requirements, or as otherwise permitted by law.

The length of time we retain your information may vary depending on the type of data and its purpose. For example:

  • Donor and transaction records may be retained for a minimum of seven years for tax and audit purposes.
  • Email communication preferences and contact records may be maintained as long as you remain subscribed or engaged with FareStart communications.
  • Website analytics and usage data may be stored in aggregate form for a longer period to help improve our digital services.

If you have questions about our data retention practices or would like to request deletion of your personal information, please contact us at info@farestart.org or 206.443.1233.

Data Security

We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the personal information we collect. While we strive to maintain a secure environment, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We encourage users to take appropriate precautions when sharing personal information online.

SMS Messaging

For privacy policy information about SMS messaging click here.

Your Rights and Choices

If you would like to request access to your personal information, correct inaccurate data, unsubscribe from emails, or request deletion (where feasible), please contact us at info@farestart.org or 206.443.1233.

While certain data may need to be retained for legal or operational reasons, we will honor your preferences to the extent possible and respond to all requests in a timely manner.

Policy Updates

FareStart may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact info@farestart.org or 206.443.1233.

 

Effective Date: July 1, 2025