A. Our commitment:

The United Church of Canada Foundation/Fondation de l’Église Unie du Canada is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information of its employees, donors and volunteers. We value the trust of those we deal with, and recognize that maintaining this trust requires us to be transparent and accountable in how we treat information that individuals have chosen to share with us.

During our activities, we frequently gather and use personal information. Anyone from whom we collect such information should expect that it will be carefully protected and that any use of it is subject to consent. Our privacy practices are designed to achieve this.

 

B. Defining personal information:

Personal information is any information that can be used to distinguish, identify or contact a specific individual. This information can include an individual’s opinions or beliefs, as well as facts about, or related to, the individual. Exceptions: business contact information is not considered personal information.

Where an individual uses his or her home contact information as business contact information as well, we consider that the contact information provided is business contact information, and is not therefore subject to protection as personal information.

 

C. Privacy practices

Personal information gathered by the Foundation is kept in confidence. Our personnel are authorized to access personal information based only on their need to deal with the information for the reason(s) for which it was obtained. Safeguards are in place to ensure that the information is not disclosed or shared more widely than is necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was gathered. We also take measures to ensure the integrity of this information is maintained and to prevent its being lost or destroyed.

We collect, use and disclose personal information only for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in light of the circumstances. We routinely offer individuals we deal with the opportunity to opt not to have their information shared for purposes beyond those for which it was explicitly collected.

 

D. Website

We will use password protocols and encryption software to protect personal and other information we receive when information is requested or a donation given online. Our software will be routinely updated to maximize protection of such information.

 

E. Updating of privacy policy

We regularly review our privacy practices for our various activities, and update our policy.

 

F. Contact information

Questions, concerns or complaints relating to the Foundation’s privacy policy or the treatment of personal information should be sent to: Privacy Officer, United Church of Canada Foundation, Suite 200, 3250 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4 or e-mailed to fdn@united-church.ca.