Effective Date: December 10, 2025

Sunny’s Helping Paws

A Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation

Recognized as a 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization

1. Introduction

Sunny’s Helping Paws (“we,” “our,” or “the Organization”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our donors, visitors, volunteers, and community members. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the rights available to you under applicable laws, including Minnesota state privacy protections and federal nonprofit regulations.

By using sunnyshelpingpaws.org, hosted on Squarespace, or by providing information to us through our donation platform, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide Directly

We may collect:

• Name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Mailing address

• Donation information (amount, frequency, preferences)

• Volunteer or program information (if applicable)

• Communications or inquiries you send to us

Payment information is processed securely by a third-party processor (Squarespace Payments). Sunny’s Helping Paws does not store credit card or banking information.

B. Information Automatically Collected

Squarespace may automatically collect:

• IP address

• Browser and device information

• Pages visited and referring sites

• Log data and analytics

• Cookies or similar technologies for site functionality

This data is collected in aggregate form and is not used to identify you personally.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for the following purposes:

• Processing donations and issuing tax-deductible receipts

• Communicating with donors, volunteers, and subscribers

• Responding to questions and requests

• Managing events, programs, or volunteer activities

• Improving website performance, security, and user experience

• Maintaining records required by Minnesota law and IRS regulations

• Sending newsletters, updates, or fundraising communications (opt-out available anytime)

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information.

4. Donor Privacy Commitment

Sunny’s Helping Paws adheres to strict donor privacy practices:

• We never sell, rent, or exchange donor information.

• Donation amounts are used only for internal reporting, required audits, or IRS filings (e.g., Form 990).

• Donors may request to remain anonymous in any public recognition.

• Payment data is handled solely by secure, PCI-compliant third-party processors.

5. Third-Party Service Providers

We rely on trusted third-party vendors, including:

• Squarespace (website hosting, analytics, forms)

• Squarespace Payments (donations and payment processing)

• Email marketing tools (e.g., Squarespace Email Campaigns or other service providers)

• Cloud-based or communication platforms used for administrative functions

These vendors may only access personal information as necessary to perform services for us and must protect it according to their own security policies.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Squarespace-hosted website uses cookies for:

• Core functionality

• Performance analytics

• Security and fraud prevention

• You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although some features of our website may not function properly.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to safeguard personal information, such as:

• Secure (HTTPS) website

• Limited staff access to personal data

• Regular security procedures for accounts and records

• Use of reputable, PCI-compliant payment processors

• While we take security seriously, no online transmission is completely secure.

8. Data Retention

We retain information as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes described in this policy

• Meet legal, tax, and audit requirements (including IRS and Minnesota nonprofit obligations)

• Maintain accurate donor and organizational records

• You may request deletion of your information where allowed by law.

9. Your Rights and Choices

You may request at any time:

• Access to personal information we hold

• Corrections or updates

• Removal from mailing lists

• Deletion of your information, subject to legal retention requirements

To make a request, contact us.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under age 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we become aware that information from a minor has been collected, we will delete it promptly.

11. Updates to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. All updates will be posted to this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of our website indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

For privacy questions, requests, or to access organizational documents relevant to this policy, including internal data-handling procedures or third-party security documentation, please contact:

Sunny’s Helping Paws

Email: sunnyshelpingpaws@gmail.com