How we use cookies

Session cookies. Persistent cookies. Performance cookies. Targeting cookies. Analytics cookies. Preference cookies. These small text files—which sound like technical jargon from a developer's manual—are the invisible workers that help our website function smoothly and understand how you interact with our content.

The modern approach to cookie management has moved far beyond the simple "this site uses cookies" banner. Thanks to comprehensive privacy regulations like the GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, and CCPA, organizations are adopting transparent, user-first policies that give you genuine control over your data. It's a "New Standard of Digital Trust," and it's all about informed choice.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, enhance your browsing experience, and provide useful information to website operators .

Cookies do not typically contain personal information that directly identifies you. However, they may store information about your preferences, browsing behavior, and device to help us improve our website and tailor content to your interests .

How cookies work

When you visit our website, we may send cookies to your browser. Your browser stores these cookies on your device and sends them back to us on subsequent visits. This allows us to recognize your device, remember your preferences, and understand how you interact with our content .

Categories of cookies we use

1. Strictly necessary cookies

   These cookies are essential for our website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as:
   Page navigation and secure access to protected areas
   Processing donation transactions securely
   Maintaining your session and login status
   Load balancing and website performance optimization
   
   Because these cookies are strictly necessary, we do not require your consent to use them. You cannot opt out of these cookies through our cookie preference tool, though you can block them via your browser settings (which may affect website functionality)
   
   Examples: Session ID cookies, security cookies, shopping cart cookies, donation processing cookies.

   
   

2. Performance and analytics cookies

   These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They allow us to:
   Count page visits and traffic sources
   Measure website performance and loading times
   Identify which pages are most popular
   Improve the user experience based on usage patterns
   
   We use tools like Google Analytics to collect this data. Google Analytics uses IP anonymization to protect your privacy, and we do not use the data to identify individual users.
   
   Examples: Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _gat, _gid), usage statistics cookies
   Note: You can opt out of performance and analytics cookies through our cookie preference tool

   
   

3. Functional and preference cookies

   These cookies enhance your experience by remembering choices you make on our website, such as:
   Your language and region preferences
   Accessibility settings (such as font size)
   Donation amount presets you have used before
   Your communication preferences
   
   These cookies make our website more personalized and user-friendly.
   
   Examples: Language preference cookies, region selection cookies, saved donation presets
   Note: You can opt out of functional and preference cookies through our cookie preference tool

Third-Party Cookies

We may also allow third-party service providers to place cookies on your device when you use our website. These providers include:
Payment Processors: PayPal, Razorpay, Blackbaud, Stripe, and similar services use cookies to process your donations securely. Their cookies are governed by their own privacy policies .
Analytics Providers: Google Analytics uses cookies to track website usage. Google's privacy practices are governed by their privacy policy .
Social Media Platforms: If you share our content via social media buttons (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram), these platforms may place cookies on your device. Their practices are governed by their own privacy policies .
Fundraising Platforms: If you create a fundraiser through platforms like Classy, JustGiving, or GoFundMe, these services may place cookies related to your fundraising activity.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these third-party providers for more information on their cookie practices

Managing cookies through your browser

Most web browsers allow you to manage cookie settings through their preferences or settings menus. You can:
Block All Cookies: Prevent websites from placing cookies on your device (may affect functionality) .
Block Third-Party Cookies: Allow first-party cookies but block third-party cookies .
Clear Cookies: Delete existing cookies from your device.
Set Cookie Expiration: Control how long cookies remain on your device .

To manage cookie settings, follow the instructions for your specific browser:

Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
Mozilla Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site permissions

Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website, including donation processing and account access.

Updates to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, regulations, or our organizational practices. When we make changes, we will revise the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. For significant changes, we may provide additional notice, such as an email notification or a prominent website banner. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies and your associated rights.