Privacy Policy

Who we are

Building Future Innovators is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children through hands-on STEAM education. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, process, and protect your personal data when you visit our website at https://bfiinnovators.com, engage with our programs, or make donations.

Your privacy is critically important to us. We are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us and being transparent about our practices.

Data We Collect

We collect various types of information to support our mission and provide effective services.

a. Information You Provide Directly: This includes personal data you voluntarily provide when you interact with our website or services, such as:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address (e.g., when you sign up for our newsletter, make a donation, or contact us).
  • Donation Information: Donation amount, payment method details (e.g., credit card information for Stripe, which is processed securely by Stripe and not stored directly by us; or Zelle transfer details).
  • Communication Content: Information you send to us in emails, feedback forms, or other communications.

b. Information Collected Automatically: When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically through technologies like cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking tools. This may include:

  • Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device type.
  • Usage Data: Pages you visit on our site, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring URL, search queries.
  • Location Data: General geographical location inferred from your IP address.

c. Information from Third Parties: We may receive information about you from third-party services that integrate with our website, such as payment processors (Stripe) or analytics providers (Google Analytics). This data is typically aggregated and anonymized but may include details about transactions or website usage.

How We Use Your Data

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To Process Donations: To securely process your contributions via Stripe or record Zelle donations, and to issue receipts.
  • To Communicate With You: To respond to your inquiries, send newsletters (if you opt-in), provide updates on our programs, and acknowledge your support.
  • To Provide and Improve Our Services: To operate, maintain, and enhance our website, programs, and overall user experience. This includes analyzing website traffic and user behavior.
  • To Manage Our Programs: To facilitate participation in workshops, camps, and other initiatives.
  • For Internal Operations: For accounting, record-keeping, and administrative purposes.
  • For Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.

How we Share your Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your data in limited circumstances, primarily with trusted third parties who help us operate our website and fulfill our mission:

With Your Consent: We may share your information for any other purpose disclosed to you at the time we collect the information or with your explicit consent.

Payment Processors: Your donation payment details are securely processed by third-party payment gateways like Stripe. We do not store sensitive payment card information directly on our servers. For Zelle donations, the transaction occurs directly between your bank and our bank; we only record your donation details after receiving it.

Service Providers: We may share data with service providers who perform functions on our behalf, such as website hosting, analytics, email delivery, or database management. These providers are obligated to protect your data and use it only for the purposes for which we provide it.

Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court order or government agency).

With Your Consent: We may share your information for any other purpose disclosed to you at the time we collect the information or with your explicit consent.

Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Generally, donation records are kept for a period mandated by tax and accounting laws.

Your Data Protection Rights

Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): Request deletion of your personal data under certain conditions.
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Request restriction of processing your data under certain conditions.
  • Right to Object to Processing: Object to our processing of your personal data under certain conditions.
  • Right to Data Portability: Request that we transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: If we are relying on your consent to process your personal data, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided below.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses “cookies” and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze site usage, and improve our services. A cookie is a small text file placed on your device. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to other websites not operated by us. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures designed to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, use, alteration, and disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Children’s Privacy

Our website and programs are designed for children under the supervision of parents or guardians. While we promote STEAM education for children, we do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information directly from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 13 without appropriate consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe we may have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the “Effective Date” at the top. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal data, or your rights, please contact us: