Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 06/15/2026
The Franciscan Center (“The Franciscan Center,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide through our website, events, programs, volunteer opportunities, donation platforms, and related services.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, make a donation, register for an event, volunteer, contact us, purchase items from our online store, or otherwise interact with us.
By using our website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:
- Name
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Donation information
- Volunteer information
- Event registration details
- School, organization, or business information
- Communication preferences
- Information submitted through forms
- Any information you choose to provide in messages or inquiries
We may also collect certain non-personal information automatically, including:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Operating system
- Pages viewed
- Referring websites
- Time spent on pages
- Website usage data
Donations & Payment Information
Donations made through our website may be processed by trusted third-party payment processors.
The Franciscan Center does not store complete credit card numbers or sensitive payment information on our servers.
Payment processors are responsible for securing and processing payment transactions in accordance with applicable industry security standards.
Volunteer Information
When you submit a volunteer application, we may collect information necessary to:
- Coordinate volunteer opportunities
- Contact volunteers
- Schedule volunteer activities
- Verify eligibility when applicable
- Maintain volunteer records
- Communicate important updates
Volunteer information is used solely for organizational and operational purposes.
Event Registration Information
When registering for events, we may collect:
- Contact information
- Attendance details
- Registration information
- Emergency contact information when applicable
- Volunteer preferences
This information is used to administer events, communicate updates, and improve future event experiences.
Online Store & Auction Information
If you purchase products or participate in auctions through our website, we may collect:
- Name
- Billing information
- Shipping information
- Contact information
- Transaction records
This information is used solely to process orders, provide customer support, fulfill purchases, and maintain transaction records.
How We Use Information
We may use collected information to:
- Process donations
- Respond to inquiries
- Manage volunteer programs
- Administer events
- Fulfill orders
- Improve website functionality
- Send organizational updates
- Provide receipts and confirmations
- Conduct internal reporting
- Maintain organizational records
- Comply with legal obligations
Email Communications
We may use your email address to send:
- Donation confirmations
- Event updates
- Volunteer communications
- Organizational news
- Program updates
- Fundraising communications
You may opt out of non-essential email communications at any time by following unsubscribe instructions included in our emails.
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Improve website functionality
- Analyze website traffic
- Understand visitor behavior
- Enhance user experience
- Remember user preferences
You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, certain website features may not function properly.
Analytics Services
We may utilize analytics services such as Google Analytics to better understand how visitors interact with our website.
Analytics services may collect information regarding:
- Device usage
- Website activity
- Traffic sources
- Visitor engagement
This information is aggregated and generally does not personally identify users.
Information Sharing
The Franciscan Center does not sell, rent, or trade personal information.
We may share information only when necessary with:
- Payment processors
- Event management providers
- Website hosting providers
- Email service providers
- Technology vendors assisting with operations
- Government authorities when legally required
All third-party providers are expected to maintain reasonable safeguards for personal information.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet can be guaranteed as completely secure.
Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary to:
- Fulfill operational purposes
- Maintain donation records
- Comply with legal obligations
- Support volunteer and event administration
- Resolve disputes
- Enforce agreements
Children’s Privacy
Our website is not directed toward children under the age of 13.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without appropriate parental or guardian consent where required.
If we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child without proper authorization, we will take appropriate steps to remove such information.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or policies of external websites and encourage users to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites they visit.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on applicable law, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including:
- Request access to your information
- Request corrections
- Request deletion of information
- Opt out of marketing communications
- Request information regarding data usage
Requests may be submitted using the contact information provided below.
Changes To This Privacy Policy
The Franciscan Center reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time.
Changes become effective upon posting to this page. Continued use of the website after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:
The Franciscan Center
1015 E. Maple Grove Ave
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Phone: (260) 744-3977
We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining your trust as we continue serving our community.