Introduction
The Weight of Grace ("we," "our," or "us") operates the website theweightofgrace.com and the Compassion App mobile application (collectively, the "Services"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our Services.
By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide Voluntarily
- Contact Form: Name, email address, subject, and message content when you use our contact form.
- Nonprofit Selection: First name, last name, email address, receipt number (optional), and nonprofit preference when you participate in our Buy + Choose Your Cause program.
- Compassion Stories: Your name (or chosen display name), email address (optional), story text, and recipient type when you submit a compassion story through our website or the Compassion App.
- Newsletter: Email address when you subscribe to our newsletter.
Information Collected Automatically
- Website Analytics: We use Google Analytics to collect standard usage data such as pages visited, time spent on pages, referring URLs, browser type, and device information. This data is anonymized and aggregated.
- Compassion App: The app does not collect analytics or tracking data beyond what is necessary for basic functionality (submitting and retrieving stories).
How We Use Your Information
- To process your nonprofit donation selection and send confirmation emails
- To respond to your inquiries submitted through the contact form
- To display approved compassion stories on our website and in the Compassion App (only with your explicit permission)
- To maintain a running tally of acts of compassion shared
- To send newsletter updates if you have subscribed
- To improve our website and Services
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Approved Stories: If you submit a compassion story and grant permission for it to be shared publicly, your display name and story text will be visible on our website and in the Compassion App. Your email address is never displayed publicly.
- Service Providers: We use Amazon Web Services (AWS) for hosting and email delivery, EmailJS for contact form processing, and Google Analytics for website analytics. These providers may process your data on our behalf in accordance with their own privacy policies.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal process.
Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored securely using Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure in the United States. We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
The Compassion App
The Compassion App is designed with privacy in mind:
- No user account or login is required
- Email addresses are optional and used only for follow-up if you choose to provide one
- Stories require your explicit permission before being displayed publicly
- The app does not use tracking, advertising identifiers, or third-party analytics SDKs
- The app caches story data locally on your device for offline functionality; this data remains on your device
Cookies
Our website uses cookies through Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our site. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. The Compassion App does not use cookies.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of your personal information
- Withdraw permission for your compassion story to be displayed publicly
- Unsubscribe from newsletter communications at any time
- Opt out of Google Analytics tracking by using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
Children's Privacy
Our Services are not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us so we can promptly delete it.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last updated" date.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights regarding your personal data, please contact us: