Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal information directly from individuals:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, mailing address (e.g., for newsletters or event inquiries).
• Donation-Related Information: Billing and financial details (e.g., payment method) when donations are made online.
• Website Usage Data: Information collected via cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics).

2. How Information Is Used

We use the collected information to:

• Process donations and issue receipts.
• Communicate with supporters (e.g., newsletters, event updates).
• Personalize and improve our website experience.
• Monitor and maintain site functionality and performance.

3. Legal Basis and Compliance

Under Maryland’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), we implement and maintain reasonable security procedures to safeguard personal data. If we use third-party service providers (such as payment processors), our contracts require them to adhere to the same security standards (marylandattorneygeneral.gov).

We comply with Maryland’s Data Breach Notification requirements. In the event of a breach, we’ll notify affected Maryland residents within 45 days, including details about the incident and steps to protect themselves (Maryland General Assembly).

4. Cookies, Analytics, and Tracking

We use cookies and analytics tools to understand how users interact with our site and to enhance user experience. You may opt out of analytics tracking via browser settings or by disabling cookies.

5. Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA) — Coming Soon

Effective April 1, 2026, the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act will apply and grant residents additional rights. In advance, our policy reflects these forthcoming requirements:

Data Minimization: We only collect personal data necessary to provide donations, communications, or functionality (White & Case, ketch.com).

Transparency & Rights: Maryland residents will be able to:

• Access, correct, or delete data held about them.
• Obtain a copy of their data (data portability).
• Opt out of the sale of personal data or processing for targeted advertising or profiling (White & Case, Clifford Chance).

We will provide a clear and easy mechanism for exercising these rights (e.g., via email). We’ll respond within 45 days, with an appeals process if necessary (White & Case).

6. Sharing Data with Third Parties

We do not sell your personal data. We may share necessary information with trusted third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors, email platforms, analytics providers). Such third parties are contractually required to safeguard your information and comply with applicable laws.

7. How to Contact Us or Exercise Your Rights

If you’re a Maryland resident and wish to:

• Access, correct, delete, or port your data;
• Withdraw consent (where applicable);
• Appeal a data rights decision;

Please contact us at:

Email: trfsanctuary@gmail.com

Mailing Address: Travellers Rest Farm Sanctuary, 7450 Emory Pl, Hughesville, Maryland, USA

If we deny your request, you’ll have access to an appeals process, and we will inform you of your right to lodge a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (White & Case).

8. Security Measures

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal data from unauthorized access or misuse, consistent with Maryland legal standards (White & Case, Clifford Chance). When we engage processors, they must meet the same security criteria.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our website does not intentionally target or collect information from children under 18. If we learn that personal data has been collected from a child, we will delete it promptly.

10. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy over time — especially as MODPA takes full effect. Any changes will be posted on this page with a new effective date.