***This Policy Was Modified on 12/30/10***
Minnesota Council on Foundations ("MCF," "we," "us," and "our"), owns the Web site located at www.mcf.org (this "Site"). This Privacy Policy (this "Policy") explains how MCF protects your privacy when you use this Site.
Effective Date
This policy went into effect on 12/30/10.
Our Commitment to Transparency
MCF is committed to providing the information you need to make informed choices about the ways you use this Site. This Policy describes the personal information we collect when you use this Site, for example, by registering for a class or creating a profile. It also describes how we use the personal information you share with us and some of the steps we take to protect your privacy.
If you have any questions about this Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us by e-mail or by phone at 612.338.1989.
Your Consent
Please take a few minutes to review this Policy before using this Site. By using this Site you are consenting to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information as set forth in this Policy. If you do not agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy, you may not access or use this Site.
This Policy is Part of Our Terms of Use
This Policy is part of the Terms of Use that govern your use of this Site. A link to our Terms of Use is provided at the bottom of each page of this Site.
This Policy May Change
This Policy describes MCF's current policies and practices with regard to the personal information we collect through this Site.
We are continually improving and adding to the features and functionality of this Site and the services we offer through this Site. As a result of these changes (or changes in the law), we may need to update or revise this Policy. Accordingly, we reserve the right to update or modify this Policy at any time, without prior notice, by posting the revised version of this Policy behind the link marked "Privacy Policy" at the bottom of each page of this Site. Your continued use of this Site after we have posted the revised Policy constitutes your agreement to be bound by the revised Policy. However, we will honor the terms that were in effect when we gathered data from you.
For your convenience, whenever this Policy is changed, we will alert you by posting a notice on our home page for sixty days. We will also update the "effective date" at the top of this page. If more than sixty days goes by between your visits to this Site, be sure you check the effective date to see if this Policy has been revised since your last visit.
You may access the current version of this Policy at any time by clicking the link marked "Privacy Policy" at the bottom of each page of this Site.
Privacy Notices
This Policy may be supplemented or amended from time to time by "privacy notices" posted on this Site. These privacy notices provide a level of detail that we cannot provide in this more general description of our privacy practices. For example, certain pages of this Site may contain privacy notices providing details about the personal information we collect on those pages, why we need that information, and choices you may have about the ways we use that information.
Other Agreements
When you sign up to use a special feature of this Site, you may be asked to agree to special terms governing your use of the special feature. In such cases, you may be asked to expressly consent to the special terms, for example, by checking a box or clicking on a button marked "I agree." This type of agreement is known as a "click-through" agreement. If any of the terms of the click-through agreement are different than the terms of this Policy, the terms of the click-through agreement will supplement or amend this Policy, but only with respect to the matters governed by the "click-through agreement."
Definition of "Personal Information"
"Personal information" means information about an identified or identifiable individual. Examples of personal information include your name, your e-mail address, and your photograph.
Types of Personal Information We Collect
Information You Volunteer. MCF collects the personal information you and others knowingly and voluntarily provide (using your mouse and keyboard) when you use this Site. For example, we collect the personal information you provide when you register for a class, create a profile, or contact us for additional information.
Information Sent to Us by Your Web Browser. We collect information that your Web browser automatically sends to us. This information typically includes your IP address, the identity of your Internet service provider, the name and version of your operating system, the name and version of your browser, the date and time of your visit, and the pages you visit. Please check your browser if you want to learn what information your browser sends or how to change your settings.
More About IP Addresses. An "IP address" is a unique number that is automatically assigned to your computer when you connect to the Internet. It is used to identify your computer's "location" in cyberspace, so that the information you request can be delivered to you. If you use a dial-up connection or a connection that assigns dynamic IP addresses, your computer will be assigned a new IP address each time you connect to the Internet. If, however, your computer is permanently connected to the Internet using a static IP address, the IP address assigned to your computer will generally be the same each time you use your computer.
IP addresses do not include your name, e-mail address or other information that identifies you personally, but in some cases, they can be used to identify you. For example, if you have a username and password, we may link your IP address to account information that identifies you personally. We may also provide your IP address to our third-party service providers who can use it to identify your state and zip code. This gives us valuable demographic information about the individuals who use this Site. In addition, if we suspect fraud or a threat to the security of this Site, we may share our server logs, which contain users' IP addresses, with the appropriate investigative authorities, who could use that information to trace and identify individuals.
Cookies. A "cookie" is a small amount of data that is sent to your browser from a Web server and stored on your computer's hard drive. A cookie contains a unique number that allows this Site to recognize your computer. We use both session cookies and persistent cookies. For the session cookie, once you close your browser, the cookie simply terminates. A persistent cookie is a small text file stored on your hard drive for an extended period of time.
We use cookies to collect information and support certain features of this Site. For example, we use cookies to:
collect information about the ways visitors use this Site, which pages they visit, which links they use, and how long they stay on each page;
to support the features and functionality of this Site;
to personalize your experience when you use this Site; and
to advertise our services.
Often, the information we collect using cookies does not identify you personally. If, however, you have a username and password we may link the information we collect using cookies to other information that identifies you personally. This enables us to check our database to verify your information so you can gain access to parts of this Site. It also allows us to keep track of your username and password so you don't have to re-enter that information each time you visit this Site, thereby saving you time. We also use cookies to save your preferences. Without cookie technology, we would not be able to offer you convenient features such as your saved preferences and searches.
If you do not wish to receive cookies, you may set your browser to reject cookies or to alert you when a cookie is placed on your computer. You may also delete our cookies as soon as you leave this Site. Although you are not required to accept our cookies when you visit this Site, if you set your browser to reject cookies, you will not be able to use all of the features and functionality of this Site.
Clear Gifs (Web Beacons/Web Bugs). We employ a software technology called clear gifs (a.k.a. Web Beacons/Web Bugs), that help us better manage content on this Site by informing us what content is effective. Clear gifs are tiny graphics with a unique identifier, similar in function to cookies, and are used to track the online movements of Web users. Clear gifs are not tied to users' personally identifiable information.
In addition, our vendors may use clear gifs in HTML-based e-mails they send on our behalf to let us know which e-mails have been opened by the recipients. This allows us to gauge the effectiveness of certain communications and the effectiveness of our promotional campaigns.
Use of Our Social Networking Tools
One of the purposes of this Site is to facilitate discussion and networking opportunities among employees of our member foundations and between our member foundations and non-member grantseekers.
If we have previously verified that you are employed by one of our member foundations, we will provide to you a username and password. The first time you login to this Site, it will automatically populate a profile about you, using information we have in our databases (your "Member Profile"). You will be given an opportunity to view and correct information in your Member Profile and to decide whether you want information in your Member Profile visible to other employees of member foundations. If you choose to maintain a private profile, only your name and organization will be visible to others.
Although much of this Site can be browsed without a username and password, employees of member foundations must login to view other Member Profiles, to sign up for a class, to participate in forum discussions, and to use certain other functionalities on this Site.
If you are not employed by one of our member organizations, you may still acquire a username and password. Because you are not employed by a member foundation, you will not be able to view the Member Profiles available on this Site and your profile will not be visible to other Site users. However, acquisition of a username and profile will allow you to register for a class through this Site and to take advantage of certain other services made available by MCF on this Site.
Understand that when you use the social networking tools available on this Site, personal information you post will be visible to others with access to those social networking tools. Therefore, you should have no expectation of privacy with respect to the content you or others submit on or through this Site using our social networking tools. You should not submit any content you do not wish to make available to the general public, and you must take special care to make sure your submissions comply with our Terms of Use. In particular, your submissions must not violate the privacy or other rights of others.
How We Use Personal Information Collected Through This Site
Generally, we use the personal information we collect through this Site
to provide the information, products and services you request;
for security, credit or fraud prevention purposes;
to provide you with effective customer service;
to provide you with a personalized experience when you use this Site;
to contact you with special offers and other information we believe will be of interest to you (in accordance with any privacy preferences you have expressed to us);
to contact you with information and notices related to your use of this Site;
to invite you to participate in surveys and provide feedback to us (in accordance with any privacy preferences you have expressed to us);
to better understand your needs and interests;
to improve the content, functionality and usability of this Site;
to improve our products and services;
to improve our marketing and promotional efforts; and
for any other purpose identified in an applicable Privacy Notice, click-through agreement or other agreement between you and us.
Please see below for information about the choices you have about the ways we use your personal information.
Your Choices
In General. We respect your right to make choices about the ways we collect, use and disclose your personal information. In most cases, we will ask you to indicate your choices the first time you login to this Site. In addition, we will include an "opt out" link in each electronic newsletter or promotional e-mail we send you, so that you can inform us that you do not wish to receive such communications from us in the future.
Previously Expressed Preferences. You may change previously expressed preferences regarding how we use your personal information. If you have a username and password, you can change your preferences on your profile page. Otherwise, if at any time you wish to be taken off our mailing lists, please contact us by e-mail or by phone at 612.338.1989. Please provide your full name, postal address and e-mail address so that we can find you on our mailing lists. Once we have the information we need, we will remove you from our mailing lists as you have requested. Please give us a reasonable amount of time to honor your request.
How to Access, Update or Delete Your Personal Information
If you have a username and password, you can access and update your personal information through your profile. If you do not have a profile or if you wish to delete your profile entirely, you will need our help. If you wish to access, update or correct your personal information, please contact us by e-mail or by phone at 612.338.1989. We will respond to you within a reasonable time and, in any case, within the time limits established by applicable law. We may ask you for additional information to verify your identity. In most cases, we will provide access and correct or delete any inaccurate information you discover. In some cases, however, we may limit or deny your request if the law permits or requires us to do so or if we are unable to verify your identify.
Steps We Take to Safeguard your Personal Information
We maintain reasonable administrative, physical and technological measures to protect the confidentiality and security of personal information you submit on or through this Site. Unfortunately, no Web site, server or database is completely secure or "hacker proof." We therefore cannot guarantee that your personal information will not be disclosed, misused or lost by accident or by the unauthorized acts of others. Further, we cannot control dissemination of personal information you post on or through this Site using our social networking tools, and you should have no expectation of privacy in such information.
How We Share Your Personal Information With Others
Third-Party Vendors. MCF shares personal information collected through this Site with third-party vendors who act for or on behalf of MCF. For example, we use third-party vendors to process credit card transactions, to conduct surveys, and to help us deliver our electronic newsletters. These third-party vendors may need information about you to perform their functions.
User Generated Content. As described above, the content you submit on or through this Site using our social networking tools is available to other users of this Site. Individuals with access to the content you submit may distribute your personal information outside of the MCF community, for example, by posting it to other Web sites. In addition, we may repurpose content you post using our social networking tools for use in advertising campaigns and other promotions. For all of these reasons, you should have no expectation of privacy with respect to the content you or others submit on or through this Site using our social networking tools.
Aggregate Information. We may share aggregate information about traffic and use patterns on this Site with third parties, including with potential members and advertisers. However, this aggregate information is not personally identifiable.
Business Transfers. Your personal information may be transferred to successor organization if, for example, we transfer the ownership or operation of this Site to another organization or if we merge with another organization. If such a transfer occurs, the successor organization's use of your personal information will still be subject to this Policy and the privacy preferences you have expressed to us.
Compliance With Laws and Protection of Our Rights and the Rights of Others. We may disclose your personal information when we, in good faith, believe disclosure is appropriate to comply with the law, a court order or a subpoena. We may also disclose your personal information to prevent or investigate a possible crime, such as fraud or identity theft; to protect the security of this Site; to enforce or apply our online Terms of Use or other agreements; or to protect our own rights or property or the rights, property or safety of our users or others.
As Described in a Privacy Notice. We reserve the right to disclose your personal information as described in any Privacy Notice posted on a page of this Site where you provide that information. By providing your personal information on that page you will be consenting to the disclosure of your personal information as described in that Privacy Notice.
As Described in a Click-Through Agreement. We reserve the right to disclose your personal information as described in any click"“through agreement to which you have agreed.
Children Under the Age of Thirteen
We are proud of this Site and we strive to ensure that it doesn't offend people of any age. However, this Site is not intended for children or minors under the age of thirteen years without the permission of a parent or guardian. If you believe that a child has submitted personal information on or through this Site without the consent and supervision of a parent or guardian, please contact us by e-mail or by phone at 612.338.1989 so that we can take appropriate action.
Links to Other Sites
This Site may provide links to other Web sites operated by third parties. Because we have no control over third-party Web sites, we are not responsible for the availability of those Web sites and do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any content, advertising, services, products, or other materials on or available from such Web sites. MCF shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, advertising, services, products, or other materials on or available from such Web sites. This Policy does not apply to your use of third-party Web sites; your use of such Web sites is subject to the terms and policies of the owner of such Web sites.
Information for Visitors Accessing Our Sites from Outside the United States
MCF is headquartered in the United States. This Site is currently hosted on servers located in the United States, although we reserve the right to relocate this Site to other servers elsewhere in the world. Your personal information may be stored on servers located within the United States or in another country. In addition, we may transfer your personal information to our service providers and others located in the United States or another country for the purposes described in this Policy. Different countries have different privacy laws and requirements, and some provide less legal protection for your personal information than others. Please know, however, that no matter where your personal information is collected, used, transferred or stored, if it was collected through this Policy, it will be protected by the terms of this Policy and any Privacy Notices, or other agreements that apply to you.
BY USING THIS SITE, YOU ARE CONSENTING TO THE COLLECTION, USE, AND TRANSFER OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IN OR TO THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THIS POLICY.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding this Policy, please contact us at:
Phone: 612.338.1989
E-mail
Postal Address:
800 Washington Ave. N., Suite 703
Minneapolis, MN 55401