Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The ShadeTree Fund ("we," "us," "our," or the "Organization") is dedicated to protecting the privacy and personal information of individuals who interact with our organization. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices concerning the collection, use, protection, and disclosure of information in our capacity as a philanthropic not-for-profit fund that provides grants to technical teams addressing climate change issues.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Types of Information

We collect limited information from grant applicants and donors, including:

• Voluntary contact details
• Summaries of research or donation activities
• Publicly available information relevant to our grant-making process

2.2 Donor Information

For donors, we collect and maintain information as required by applicable legal and tax reporting obligations.

2.3 Information Collection Methods

We primarily collect information through direct interactions. We do not use cookies or other tracking technologies on our website.

3. Use of Information

3.1 Primary Uses

We use the information to:

• Assess grant applications and make funding decisions
• Communicate with applicants and grantees
• Provide updates to donors
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

3.2 Sharing of Information

Contact information is kept strictly confidential. Summaries may be shared with advisors and donors in a manner that respects individual privacy.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Third-Party Sharing

We do not share collected information with third parties beyond our donors, who may receive summarized information.

4.2 Legal Compliance

We may disclose personal information if required by law or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

5. Data Protection and Security Measures

We have implemented physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect, including:

• Secure, encrypted storage
• Limited access to personal information
• Regular security audits
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure data transmission

6. Data Retention and Deletion

6.1 Retention Policy

We retain basic contact information and summaries indefinitely.

6.2 Additional Information

For additional information collected through electronic communications, we retain it for 7 years after the last interaction or end of the grant period.

6.3 Data Deletion Requests

Individuals may request deletion of their personal information, subject to our legal obligations.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

• Right to Access
• Right to Rectification
• Right to Erasure
• Right to Restrict Processing
• Right to Data Portability
• Right to Object

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update or change our Privacy Policy at any time. The date of the last revision will be indicated at the top of the policy.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

11. International Data Transfers

Information we collect may be transferred to, processed, and stored in the United States.

12. Cookie Policy

The ShadeTree Fund website does not use cookies or similar tracking technologies.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at: