DONOR CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY POLICY

Confidentiality

In performing their duties, Houston Area Women’s Center staff, board members and volunteers are privy to information about individuals and families, such as giving history, assets, wealth and family relationships. This is especially true for staff, board members and volunteers involved in fundraising and development activities. Due to the sensitivity of this information, it is important that all Houston Area Women’s Center staff, board and volunteers adhere to the policy that information shared with them remains confidential, is not discussed with others in private or public settings and is not disclosed or used for any other purpose.

Privacy

The Houston Area Women’s Center values the privacy of our donors and has established this policy to safeguard donor information.

The Women’s Center collects and uses personal information from donors that may include name, address, telephone number, company, position, spouse name, e-mail address, giving history, events attended and donor comments. This information is kept on file for IRS purposes. It is also used in our development process to analyze overall giving patterns in order to make accurate budget projections and to communicate with donors about upcoming events and activities that may be of interest.

The Houston Area Women’s Center does not sell, trade, rent or share names, addresses, telephone numbers, or e-mail addresses of our donors. Donors may request to have their names removed from any email or mailing list by calling 713-528-6798 x2230 or emailing give@hawc.org.

The Houston Area Women’s Center publicly recognizes donors by publishing their names in our annual report, event materials and on our website unless the donor explicitly requests anonymity when making a donation. Donors are listed in giving categories and the Women’s Center will not publicly disclose the specific amount of a gift except where required by law or when requested by the donor.

The Women’s Center uses online payment processing services provided through businesses that have strong security measures and solid reputations for privacy protection.

Copies of these policies are shared with the Board of Directors on an annual basis and provided to fundraising volunteers such as event chairs and committee members.