1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy

STEP Foundation ("STEP," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals who engage with our organization. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information through our website and related services. We are committed to complying with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), as well as other applicable Canadian privacy laws, including federal PIPEDA where required.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Contact details you provide voluntarily (e.g., name, email, address, phone).
• Information related to event participation, volunteering, or other interactions with us.
• Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and site usage behavior collected via cookies or third-party analytics tools.

3. How We Use Your Information

• Communicate with you regarding your inquiries, donations, or engagement.
• Send updates, newsletters, or invitations (only if you've opted in).
• Improve our website and user experience.
• Meet legal and regulatory requirements.

4. Use of Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience and understand site traffic. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse or manage cookie usage, though doing so may affect certain site features.

5. Donation Processing

When you make a donation, all information—including payment details and personal data—is collected and processed exclusively by a trusted third-party provider. STEP does not collect, store, or have access to your credit card, banking information, or any personal data submitted during the donation process. The third-party provider may retain only the information necessary to acknowledge your gift and issue a tax receipt, in accordance with their own privacy policy.

6. Information Sharing

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share it only with service providers who help us operate our systems or comply with legal obligations, under strict confidentiality agreements.

7. Data Security

We use appropriate safeguards to protect your information, including encryption, access control, and secure storage. While we strive to ensure data security, no online transmission is completely secure.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, including legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal information. You can also withdraw consent for communications at any time. To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.

10. Links to Other Sites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any website you visit.

11. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. Changes will be posted on this page, and the date of revision will be updated above. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about our privacy practices or your personal information, please contact supportstep@step-foundation.com.