Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 18, 2026

EcoQuest Foundation ("EcoQuest", "we", "our", or "us") is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 33-4376241) committed to protecting the privacy of students, families, educators, volunteers, donors, and visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy describes the limited information we collect through our website and programs, how we use it, the choices you have, and the steps we take to keep it safe.

Information We Collect

We only collect information that is necessary to run our website, programs, events, newsletters, volunteer opportunities, and donor communications. Specifically, we may collect:

• Contact information you provide through forms — name, email address, school or organization, and any message you choose to send.
• Event and EcoChallenge registrations — including parent or guardian contact details for participants under 18, t-shirt sizes (when relevant), and emergency contact information.
• Newsletter preferences — your email address and the topics you have opted in to receive updates about.
• Donation details — donor name, contact information, donation amount, and acknowledgment preferences. Payment card information is handled directly by our third-party payment processor and is never stored on our servers.
• Anonymous usage data — basic analytics such as page views, referring site, approximate region, and device type, used in aggregate to improve the site.

How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to inquiries and partnership requests.
• Coordinate events, EcoChallenges, and volunteer activities, including safety follow-up.
• Send newsletters and program updates you have requested.
• Acknowledge donations, issue tax receipts, and comply with applicable nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Improve our website, educational games, and lesson resources.
• Share anonymized, aggregated impact stories (for example, "200+ students participated this quarter") with supporters and partners.

Children's Privacy

Our programs are designed for K-12 audiences. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 without verifiable consent from a parent, guardian, or supervising educator. When children participate through a school, classroom program, or partner organization, we typically work with the educator or organization as the primary point of contact. Parents, guardians, and educators may contact us to review, correct, or request deletion of any information related to a minor in their care.

Sharing of Information

EcoQuest Foundation does not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We may share limited information with trusted service providers who help us operate the Foundation — for example, email delivery, event registration platforms, analytics, and payment processing. These providers are only authorized to use information as needed to provide their services to us, and are required to keep it confidential.

We may disclose information if required to do so by law, to comply with a legal process, to protect the safety of participants, or to protect the rights and property of EcoQuest Foundation.

Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use a small number of cookies and similar technologies to remember preferences and to measure aggregate site usage. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some interactive features but will not prevent you from accessing core educational content.

Data Retention and Security

We retain information only for as long as needed to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, to comply with legal and accounting requirements, and to support ongoing program participation. We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information, including encryption in transit, restricted access, and vetted third-party providers. No method of internet transmission is fully secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Choices

You can unsubscribe from newsletters at any time using the unsubscribe link in any email, or by contacting us. You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of information you have submitted, subject to legal and recordkeeping obligations applicable to a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our programs, technology, or legal requirements. The "Last updated" date above indicates when this policy was most recently revised. Material changes will be highlighted on this page.

Contact Us

Questions, concerns, or requests related to this policy can be sent through our contact form or by email to ecoquestfoundation@gmail.com.