Privacy Policy and SMS Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: May 14, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Take Stock in Children of Hillsborough Education Foundation (“Take Stock in Children,” “Hillsborough Education Foundation,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information through our website, educational programs, mentoring services, scholarship initiatives, events, and communications, including SMS/text messaging services.

As a nonprofit educational organization supporting students, families, mentors, educators, donors, volunteers, and community partners, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining responsible data practices consistent with our student support mission.

By accessing our website, participating in our programs, submitting forms, or communicating with us by phone, email, or text message, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information directly from students, parents or guardians, educators, donors, volunteers, event attendees, community partners, and website visitors.

The information we collect may include:

• Full name
• Email address
• Mobile or telephone number
• Mailing address
• School or educational affiliation
• Student or parent/guardian information submitted through applications or inquiries
• Donation and sponsorship information
• Volunteer registration information
• Event registration details
• Communication preferences
• Website usage data and analytics
• Any additional information voluntarily submitted through forms, surveys, applications, or communications

For student-related services, we only collect information reasonably necessary to provide educational support, respond to inquiries, coordinate events, administer scholarships or programs, and maintain ongoing communication.

How We Use Information

We use collected information for legitimate nonprofit and educational purposes, including:

• Responding to student, parent, educator, and community inquiries
• Coordinating educational programs, scholarships, workshops, and events
• Sending event reminders and program updates
• Providing support related to applications or participation
• Managing volunteer and donor relationships
• Improving our website, programs, and services
• Sending administrative notices and operational communications
• Maintaining records required for nonprofit operations
• Providing SMS/text message communications where consent has been provided
• Ensuring website security and preventing fraud or misuse

We may also use aggregated or de-identified information for reporting, program improvement, or impact measurement purposes.

SMS/Text Messaging Terms & Conditions

By providing your mobile phone number and opting into SMS communications from Take Stock in Children of Hillsborough Education Foundation, you consent to receive conversational and informational text messages related to:

• Educational events and workshops
• Student or parent inquiries
• Program participation updates
• Scholarship or application follow-ups
• Volunteer coordination
• Appointment or meeting reminders
• Ongoing support conversations
• Responses to questions submitted through our website or staff members

SMS consent is not a condition of participation, donation, or enrollment.

Message Frequency

Message frequency may vary depending on your interactions, inquiries, event registrations, or participation in programs and services.

Message and Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply depending on your wireless carrier and mobile plan.

Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying:

STOP – After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us unless you opt back in.

Help Instructions

For assistance, reply:

HELP – You may also contact us through our website contact form or office contact information.

Example SMS Messages

“Hello Sarah, this is Take Stock in Children reminding you about tomorrow’s mentoring workshop at 4:00 PM. Reply HELP for assistance or STOP to opt out.”

“Hi John, thank you for contacting Take Stock in Children regarding scholarship opportunities. A staff member will follow up with you shortly. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance.”

SMS Data Sharing Restrictions

We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile information with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All categories outlined in this Privacy Policy exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Sharing of Information

We may share information only when reasonably necessary to operate our nonprofit organization and provide services, including:

• With trusted service providers assisting with website hosting, communications, analytics, event registration, payment processing, or technical support
• With educational partners or affiliated organizations directly involved in administering programs or events
• When required by law, legal process, or governmental request
• To protect the rights, safety, or property of our organization, students, participants, or others
• In connection with organizational restructuring, merger, or transfer of assets

All service providers are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security measures.

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

Student and Minor Privacy

Because we work with students and educational programs, we recognize the importance of protecting minors’ information.

Where applicable, parents or legal guardians may provide information on behalf of students. We encourage parents and guardians to participate in students’ online activities and communications.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children in violation of applicable laws.

If you believe a child has provided personal information improperly, please contact us so we may review and remove the information when appropriate.

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies, analytics tools, and similar technologies to:

• Understand website usage and visitor behavior
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Monitor website performance and security
• Support internal reporting and analytics

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some website functionality may be affected.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, misuse, or loss.

However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary for:

• Program administration
• Educational services
• Event coordination
• Legal and accounting obligations
• Nonprofit operational requirements
• Dispute resolution and recordkeeping

When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to securely delete or anonymize it.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, educational resources, sponsors, or partner organizations.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. Users should review the privacy policies of external sites before submitting personal information.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have the right to:

• Request access to personal information we maintain about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of certain personal information
• Withdraw consent to communications
• Opt out of SMS messaging
• Request additional information regarding our privacy practices

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes.

Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

Continued use of our website, programs, or services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our SMS Terms & Conditions, please contact:

Kayla Zambito, Director of Take Stock in Children & Student Services Coordinator,
813-574-0271, kzambito@educationfoundation.com

Take Stock in Children of Hillsborough Education Foundation Website: https://educationfoundation.com/