Our Privacy Policy

The Humane Society of West Michigan (HSWM) prioritizes the protection and safety of our donors' personal information. HSWM maintains the following policies to assure our donors that their personal information will be protected and will not be shared with any outside party. HSWM follows the "Donor Bill of Rights" established and updated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Read this document at: afpglobal.org/donor-bill-rights
 
HSWM collects, uses, and maintains the following information from donors:
  • Contact Information: information name, company name, job title, complete address(es), telephone number(s), email address(es), family and pet relationships (if applicable).
  • Donations Information: check numbers, credit card number and expiration date, amount donated, donor comments and suggestions, and giving history.
  • All credit card information is entered online through a secure page, sent to HSWM and processed by our staff. Once an online donation is submitted secure measures are in place to ensure that a donor’s credit card information is not compromised. Credit card numbers and information are not saved after the gift is processed. 

HSWM will never share or sell information to other organizations or third parties. HSWM will utilize donor information in the following ways:
  • Help donors complete transactions
  • Thank donors for their gifts
  • Update donors about organizational activity
  • Recognize donors
  • Distribute gift receipts or statements
  • Inform donors about upcoming events and fundraisers
  • Analyze internal productivity and effectiveness
  • Report to relevant federal and state agencies that require it
  • Contact donors about changes to this statement
 
As part of our donor recognition efforts, HSWM may publicize donor names through its annual report, newsletters, website, and promotional materials in the case of sponsorships with donor permission. Generally, the specific gift amount will not be identified, but the donor will be recognized under the level of giving category that is appropriate to their donation. Donors always have the option of remaining “anonymous” when making a donation and will not be publicly recognized.
 
All access to donor information is strictly limited to HSWM personnel who need to process data. No unnecessary person, group, or organization will be allowed to access such data. Some Board members may be given information on the names of donors, donor history, and the number of gifts if needed to fulfill their responsibilities as directors of the organization. All board members and staff are required to maintain the confidentiality of donor information.

HSWM contacts donors through various means, including direct mail, e-mail, and telephone. Any donor may request to be removed from the HSWM mailing list and/or specify the preferred contact method. HSWM may contact donors who have “Opted Out” to report mandated tax and other information we are required to report.