Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 20, 2026

Changes / updates

Connections for Heroes reserves the right to make changes to the Privacy Policy at any time. This notice of privacy practices was last updated on September 20, 2026.

This Notice of Privacy Practices explains:

• The types of information we collect
• How the information is used
• Our information sharing practices
• Customer communication preferences and opt-out choices

Review this notice periodically so that you understand our current privacy practices.

Information we collect by source

Donations — We collect information that you provide: name, contact details, payment information.

Applicants — We collect information that you provide during the application process: name, contact details, service history & supporting documents, household details, property information.

Volunteers — We collect information that you provide during the sign-up process: name, contact details, relevant skills, availability, email newsletter preferences, background check if required for certain projects.

Website — If you donate, apply, volunteer or subscribe we collect the information on those forms. Our servers and analytical tools also record technical data such as IP address, cookies, browser type and pages viewed so we can operate and improve the website.

SMS communications — By texting with Connections for Heroes staff you agree to share your name & contact details.

How we use the information

We use the information provided by you for the following purposes:

• To process gifts, issue receipts, and meet IRS and state charitable-solicitation requirements
• To evaluate and deliver assistance, including verifying military or first-responder service
• To coordinate volunteers and events
• To improve this website and our programs
• To send updates you asked for, which you can stop at any time

How we share the information

Donor privacy

We do not sell, rent, trade or exchange donor names or contact information with other organizations for their fundraising purposes. We may share with vendors who process donations, send mail or email for us and host our systems only to accomplish those tasks. Payment cards stay with a PCI-compliant processor and never touch our servers. You can ask to be listed anonymously in any public publication. Donor records are maintained based on the document retention and destruction policy.

You can ask us to stop contacting you entirely at privacy@connectionsforheroes.org.

Applicant privacy

Applicant files are confidential and access is limited to staff/contractors on the case or project site. Sharing outside that circle requires written consent or a legal requirement. Staff are directed to never share or export information about the cases. The use of personal staff emails is prohibited. Public recognition and published photos of project sites & participants require written permission that can be withdrawn at any time.

Volunteer privacy

We do not share any personal contact information regarding volunteers with anyone outside the organization without written permission. Digital photos and video may be taken during build days by our volunteer photographers for use on our website and other promotional materials. If you do not want your photo or video used, please inform the photographer on site.

External web links

There may be links to other sites or services that are not operated by Connections for Heroes. These links do not fall under our domain. Connections for Heroes takes no responsibility for, and has no control over the organization, views or accuracy of the information contained on their servers. If visiting one of these linked sites, you should review their privacy policy because Connections for Heroes is not responsible for the privacy or data collection practices of other organizations.

Information security

We use administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect the information we collect. Staff access is limited to need-to-know per case. If a data breach were to occur, we will notify those affected and the required regulators.

Children

This site is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their information online. Where a child is part of an assisted household, information about them is provided by a parent or legal guardian and handled under the applicant confidentiality section above.

Mail and email communications

Connections for Heroes may send the following type of communications through mail or email:

• Announcements
• Invitations to upcoming events or service opportunities
• Fundraising opportunities
• Program updates

Supporters may choose to opt out at any time, which will cease all communications from Connections for Heroes.

Email — you may opt out in two ways

• Use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email
• Send an email to privacy@connectionsforheroes.org with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line

Regular mail — unsubscribe in writing using the address below

Connections for Heroes
Attn: Unsubscribe
West Chester, PA 19380

SMS (text) communications

Connections for Heroes will have opt-in opportunities at the core of our SMS/Text strategy. We will not text you prior to you opting in to our SMS/Text database. We will employ opt-in practices such as the following:

• Check boxes on donation and sign-up forms authorizing CFH to send SMS/Text messages
• Pop-up forms on our website to provide a sign-up method for SMS/Text messages
• Opt-in keywords for people to text into CFH to start receiving SMS/Text messages
• QR codes on flyers and at events to make it easier for supporters to opt in to SMS/Text messages
• As an added layer of security, we will implement a double opt-in strategy. Supporters will receive a SMS/Text message asking them to confirm their opt-in status

To stay compliant with opt-out requirements we will implement the following:

• Include opt-out language in our messages. Ex. “Text Stop to opt-out” or “Stop2End”
• Remove contacts from the SMS/Text message database that opt out
• Stop texting those numbers immediately unless they decide to opt in again

We will work with technology partners to assist in making SMS/Text communications as user friendly as possible. The types of messages you may receive are as follows:

• Announcements
• Invitations to upcoming events or service opportunities
• Fundraising opportunities
• Program updates

Additional options

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to request a copy of the information we hold about you, correct it, or ask us to delete it. Email us at privacy@connectionsforheroes.org with “information request” in the subject and we’ll respond within 30 days.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding the privacy policy, contact us at privacy@connectionsforheroes.org.