The Proud of You Project (“POY,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects the trust people place in us when they share a story, send someone a Proud Card, make a contribution, purchase something from our Shop, join our community or simply visit our website.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it and the choices available to you.
1. Information We Collect
Information you provide directly
Depending on how you use the website, this can include your name, email address, contact information, nomination information, information you provide about a nominee, Proud Card messages and replies, Proud Wall submissions, partner inquiries, contact requests, newsletter preferences, account information, purchase and order information, contribution information, and information included in forms or messages you choose to submit.
Nomination information about another person
When someone submits a nomination, they may provide information about another person, including that person’s name, email address, City, State, age group and story. We use this information to evaluate and administer Proud of You Project nominations. We do not request a nominee’s street address, apartment number or ZIP code at the nomination stage; fulfillment information is collected later only if needed for a selected Honoree. A nomination does not automatically make a person’s story public. Public recognition requires additional participation and, where appropriate, consent.
Proud Card information
When you send a Proud Card, we process the information needed to create and deliver the Card. Private Proud Cards are accessible through private links and are not intended for public indexing. If the sender chooses to submit a message to the Proud of You Wall, that message may be displayed publicly according to the selected privacy settings.
Technical and security information
We may automatically collect IP address, browser type, device information, approximate location, request timestamps, security logs, referral information, and cookie and consent information. We use this information to operate, protect and improve the website and to prevent abuse, spam and fraud.
2. How We Use Information
We may use information to operate the Project; process nominations; contact nominees or nominators; administer Honoree selection; create Proud of You Packs; deliver Proud Cards; operate private Proud Card reply conversations; moderate submissions; operate the Proud of You Wall; respond to questions and support requests; process orders and contributions; communicate about transactions; improve the website; prevent abuse and fraud; analyze website performance; comply with law; and protect POY, our users and others.
We will not add a Proud Card recipient or nominee to a marketing email list merely because another person entered their email address.
3. Minors
The nomination program is currently designed for nominees age 16 or older. If a nominee is 16 or 17, parent or legal guardian permission is required before that person may participate as an Honoree or have their story publicly shared by POY. Our services are not directed to children under 13. If you believe personal information from a child under 13 has been submitted to us improperly, contact privacy@proudofyouproject.com.
4. How We Share Information
We may share information with service providers that help us operate the Project, such as website hosting providers, email providers, payment processors, ecommerce and fulfillment providers, security services, analytics providers, advertising platforms when enabled, and professional advisers. These providers may only receive information reasonably needed for their role.
We may also disclose information with your direction or consent; to comply with law or legal process; to investigate abuse, fraud or security incidents; to protect the rights or safety of POY or others; or as part of a legitimate merger, acquisition, financing or transfer of the business.
We do not sell personal information for money. Some analytics or advertising technologies may be treated as “selling” or “sharing” information under certain state privacy laws. Where applicable, we provide appropriate privacy controls.
5. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies for website functionality and may use optional analytics or advertising technologies. Non-essential tracking technologies should respect the cookie choices offered through our website. See our Cookie Policy for more information.
6. Data Retention
We keep information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, for legitimate operational needs, or as required by law.
- Active nominations may remain under consideration for six months.
- Unsuccessful or expired nominations may be retained for approximately another six months for limited administrative purposes. At roughly 12 months from submission, unnecessary nominee/nominator personal information and nomination-story content is deleted or anonymized unless there is a legitimate reason to retain it longer.
- Proud Cards and Proud Wall content may remain until removed, moderated or no longer needed to provide the service.
- Identifiable IP/security logs are generally retained for approximately 12 months unless needed longer for an active security, fraud or legal matter.
- Order, contribution and financial records may be retained as required for accounting, tax, fraud prevention and legal purposes.
- Support records may be retained for a reasonable period after the request is resolved.
7. Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical and organizational measures designed to protect information. No online service can guarantee absolute security. Please do not submit highly sensitive information that a POY form does not request.
8. Your Choices
Depending on your relationship with POY and applicable law, you may request that we provide access to certain personal information, correct or delete certain information, stop certain communications, review or remove a Proud Card or Wall submission, or explain how information is being used.
To make a privacy request, visit our Contact page and select the privacy/data request option, or email privacy@proudofyouproject.com. We may need to verify your identity before completing certain requests.
9. Email Communications
Transactional emails—such as Proud Card delivery, order updates, contribution receipts or nomination-related communications—are different from marketing emails. Receiving a Proud Card or being nominated does not automatically subscribe a person to marketing. Marketing emails include an unsubscribe option.
10. Third-Party Services
The website may link to or integrate services operated by third parties. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as the Project evolves. The “Last Updated” date will reflect the latest revision.
12. Contact
Privacy questions or data requests: privacy@proudofyouproject.com
General questions: contact@proudofyouproject.com