Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide directly:

• Full name, email address, phone number, and business address when submitting an application or contacting us
• Business name, business description, and intended use of grant funding
• Gift card or payment-related images uploaded voluntarily during application
• Email address when subscribing to our newsletter
• Any messages, inquiries, or feedback sent through our contact form

Information collected automatically when you load our website:

• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Browser type, operating system, and device information
• Pages visited, time spent on each page, and navigation paths
• Referring website or link that directed you to our site
• Cookie identifiers (see our Cookie Policy for full details)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide to:

• Process, review, and evaluate grant applications
• Send application confirmation and status notifications
• Respond to contact inquiries and support requests
• Send newsletters and grant opportunity updates (only if subscribed)
• Analyze website usage to improve our content and user experience
• Detect and prevent spam, fraud, or abuse of our services
• Comply with applicable legal obligations

We NEVER sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.

3. Cookies & Tracking

When you load our website, cookies are automatically set on your device to support essential functionality, remember your preferences, and analyze traffic via Google Analytics.

For full details on the specific cookies we use, how long they last, and how to control them, please read our dedicated Cookie Policy.

4. Data Storage & Submission Logs

All grant applications and contact messages submitted through our website are saved securely on our server in the following log files:

• grant_applications.log — stores all grant application submissions
• contact_submissions.log — stores all contact form messages
• newsletter_subscriptions.log — stores newsletter sign-ups

These files are stored on a password-protected server and are accessible only to authorized Amber Grant Foundation staff. They are used solely for internal review, follow-up, and record-keeping purposes.

5. Payment Information

We do NOT store credit or debit card information. The application fee is submitted as a gift card — we only receive and review the gift card details you voluntarily upload or email to us. No financial transaction data is stored on our servers.

Important: We will never ask you to make additional payments to release or receive a grant award. Any such request is fraudulent — please report it to info@ambergrantfoundation.com immediately.

6. Third-Party Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party services that may process certain data on our behalf:

• Google Analytics — anonymous website traffic analysis
• PHPMailer / SMTP — secure email delivery for confirmations and notifications

These providers are contractually required to keep your data confidential and may only use it for the specific purposes we authorize.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These include:

• HTTPS encryption across all website pages
• Server-side input sanitization and honeypot spam protection on all forms
• Security headers (X-Content-Type-Options, X-Frame-Options, X-XSS-Protection)
• Restricted server access for submission log files

While no online system is 100% secure, we continuously work to protect your data using industry-standard practices.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate personal information
• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Opt out of newsletter communications at any time by contacting us
• Withdraw consent for cookie use through your browser settings

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@ambergrantfoundation.com.

9. Social Media & Scam Awareness

If you interact with us on social media, please be aware that we do not share your information with social media platforms beyond what is required for normal interaction.

Be cautious of individuals or pages impersonating the Amber Grant Foundation. We will NEVER ask for payment to release or activate a grant. If you receive suspicious messages claiming to be from us, do not engage — report them to us immediately.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has submitted information to us, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, technology, or our practices. When we make significant changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Email: info@ambergrantfoundation.com

Address: 517 W. 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST