Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At Westridge Foundation, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you interact with our organization through our website, donations, programs, or other services.

Information We Collect

We collect information to provide better services to all our stakeholders—from donors to program beneficiaries. The types of information we collect include:

1. Personal Information You Provide

• Contact details (name, email address, phone number, physical address)
• Payment information for donations (processed securely through our payment partners)
• Demographic information for program participation
• Child sponsorship details and correspondence
• Employment information for job applicants and volunteers

2. Information Collected Automatically

• Website usage data through cookies and similar technologies
• Device information (browser type, IP address)
• Interaction data with our emails and online content

3. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from partners, social media platforms, or other organizations working with us, always in compliance with applicable laws.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To process donations and provide tax receipts where applicable
• To communicate with you about our programs, impact, and opportunities to support our work
• To improve our services and tailor our communications to your interests
• To manage child sponsorships and facilitate connections between sponsors and beneficiaries
• To comply with legal obligations and maintain the security of our operations
• To evaluate and improve our programs and outreach efforts

Data Protection & Security

Westridge Foundation implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction, or damage.

Our Security Measures Include:

• Secure servers and encrypted data storage
• Restricted access to personal information
• Regular security audits and updates
• Staff training on data protection best practices
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant partners

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but we commit to promptly notify you if a data breach occurs that affects your information.

Information Sharing & Disclosure

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• With service providers: Who assist us in operations (payment processors, email services, etc.) under strict confidentiality agreements
• For legal compliance: When required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our organization and others
• With your consent: For specific purposes you authorize
• For program operations: Limited information may be shared with partners directly involved in program implementation

In cases where we share information with partners or service providers, we ensure they adhere to similar privacy and security standards as outlined in this policy.

Your Rights & Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

1. Access & Correction

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and ask us to correct or update it.

2. Opt-Out of Communications

You can unsubscribe from our communications at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us directly.

3. Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal obligations we may have to retain records.

4. Object to Processing

You may object to certain uses of your information, such as for direct marketing purposes.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@westridgefoundation.org.

Children's Privacy

Westridge Foundation takes special care to protect the privacy of children in our programs:

• We collect minimal personal information from children, only as necessary for program participation
• Parental consent is obtained for children under 13 when collecting personal information
• Photos and stories shared publicly never identify children by full name or exact location without consent
• We implement additional safeguards for the storage and access of children's information

International Data Transfers

As an organization operating in Kenya with international supporters, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries outside your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for these transfers in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on our website with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

Email: privacy@westridgefoundation.org
Mail: Data Protection Officer, Westridge Foundation, Duka Moja, along Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, Kakamega, Western Kenya