How we handle your information.

1. Information you provide

Depending on the form, we collect your name, email address, telephone number, message, program interests, and information needed to respond to your request. Giving Tree requests may include family needs and children's names, ages, and clothing sizes. Please submit information about a child only if you are their parent, legal guardian, or otherwise authorized.

Vendor applications include business and contact details, offerings, event preferences, booth needs, social links, and any permits or insurance documents you upload. Story forms collect your contact details and the story you choose to share. The contact form also records your separate choices for non-marketing and marketing text messages.

Please do not send Social Security numbers, account passwords, full payment-card details, or sensitive health information through these forms. Remove unrelated sensitive details from uploaded documents.

2. Website technology and third-party services

Hosting and service providers may process technical information such as IP addresses, browser or device information, request times, and error or delivery logs to operate, secure, and troubleshoot the website. Website operation and embedded services may use cookies or similar technology.

We have not installed Google Analytics or advertising-tracking tools on this website. Embedded PayPal donation tools and externally loaded fonts may send technical information to their providers when they load. Those providers may use their own cookies or other technology under their privacy notices. Your browser settings can control cookies; blocking them may affect some services.

3. How we use information

We use information to answer messages, review applications and stories, coordinate programs and events, communicate about your request, and maintain operational, security, and legally required records. We do not treat submitting a form as permission for unrelated advertising. If you separately opt in, we use your phone number for the selected text-message category: appointment confirmations, reminders, relevant follow-up and support, or marketing messages such as offers, discounts, and product updates.

4. Where information is stored and shared

Forms send notifications to support@fmgfoundationinc.org. Giving Tree requests, story submissions, and vendor applications are also stored in our website's cloud database. Vendor documents are uploaded to private cloud storage. Other forms are delivered to our team by email. Email-delivery records and service logs may also be retained.

We do not sell personal information. Information may be handled by authorized foundation personnel and providers of hosting, database storage, file storage, email, and related services as needed to operate the website and respond to you. We may also disclose information when required by law or reasonably necessary to protect people, prevent fraud, or respond to a security incident.

Mobile opt-in information and text-message consent are not sold or shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes. This restriction applies regardless of the other sharing described above. Providers that support messaging may process this information only to deliver and administer communications on our behalf.

5. Donations, the online shop, and external links

PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, and the online shop handle information under their own privacy policies. Their payment forms are not our website forms; please enter financial credentials only with your chosen payment provider. A donation or apparel request may require us to use contact, transaction-confirmation, and delivery information to verify or fulfill it.

When you follow links to the shop, social media, or another website, review that service's privacy notice. This policy does not describe every practice of those independent services.

6. Children's information, stories, and photographs

Our forms are intended for adults, including parents and guardians requesting help for their families. Children under 13 should not submit personal information directly. A parent or legal guardian should contact us or complete the appropriate request. A parent's submission about a child is not a substitute for any separate consent required for participation or public use of the child's information.

Submitting a story does not automatically authorize us to publish it, your name, or your photograph. Public use must follow the permission obtained for that use, including parent or guardian permission where required. This website does not use facial-recognition or biometric-scanning features.

If you believe a child submitted information without appropriate authorization, or you want us to review a child's information or an image displayed on the site, contact us below. We will review the circumstances and take appropriate steps, including deletion where required.

7. Retention, security, and Illinois protections

Retention depends on the type of record and the program or request. We keep records as needed to administer requests, maintain appropriate operational records, and satisfy legal obligations; this policy does not promise a fixed deletion date. Deletion may be subject to legitimate recordkeeping requirements and backup retention.

Website records and vendor documents use access restrictions. No website, email system, or storage service can guarantee complete security. Where applicable, the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (815 ILCS 530) requires reasonable security measures, secure disposal of covered personal information, and notification of affected residents and the Illinois Attorney General when required after a qualifying breach. We will provide legally required notices; this policy is not a certification of security or legal compliance.

8. Your requests and choices

You may contact us to ask about information you submitted, request a correction or deletion, or stop optional communications. We may need to verify your identity or authority to act for another person. We will consider requests under applicable law; some records may need to be kept for legal, security, or program-administration reasons. We do not promise rights or deadlines beyond those the law provides.

Text-message consent is optional and separate for non-marketing and marketing messages; it is not required to submit a contact request, purchase, donate, or receive assistance. Reply STOP to opt out or contact us to withdraw consent by another reasonable method. Text HELP for assistance. Message frequency varies; message and data rates may apply. See our Terms of Service for the full text-messaging terms.

You can choose not to submit optional information, although we may be unable to process a request without the details needed for it. Nothing in this policy waives rights or remedies available under Illinois law or other applicable law.

9. Contact us and policy updates

For privacy questions or requests, email support@fmgfoundationinc.org. Please describe your request without including unnecessary sensitive information.

We will update this policy and its date when our practices change. If applicable law requires additional notice or consent, updating this page alone does not replace it.