GivingSphere Cookie Policy
Last updated: 10th October, 2025
1. Introduction
GivingSphere ("we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (https://givingsphere.org/ and related domains) to enhance your experience, collect analytics, and provide certain functionalities. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices regarding cookies.
By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy (subject to your rights below).
2. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) by your web browser when you visit a website. They store information that helps websites remember who you are and your preferences. Cookies can be:
- Session cookies — temporarily stored and deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies — remain on your device until they expire or are deleted.
- First-party cookies — set by the website you're visiting.
- Third-party cookies — set by a different domain (e.g, analytics, advertising services).
3. Types of cookies we use
We use cookies for the following purposes:
| Purpose | Type | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | First-party, session, or persistent | Required for core website functions (e.g. navigation, security). Without these, the site cannot operate properly. |
| Performance / Analytics | First-party or third-party | To collect anonymous data about how visitors use the site (pages visited, time spent, errors) to help us improve the site. |
| Functionality / Preferences | First-party | To remember your preferences (e.g. language, donation currency, display settings). |
| Advertising / Tracking | Third-party | To deliver relevant promotional content (if you've opted in) or measure ad campaign effectiveness. |
4. Specific cookies & third-party services
We may use third-party services (e.g. Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or ad networks) that set their own cookies. These partners may use cookies to collect data about your browsing across websites. We do not control how these third parties use their cookies; please refer to their privacy / cookie policies.
Examples include (but are not limited to):
- Google Analytics — to monitor site performance and usage trends.
- Social media plugins — to facilitate sharing and embed content.
5. Cookie duration & data collected
Each cookie has a name, purpose, origin, and expiry date. We do not collect personally identifying data just from cookies alone; they typically store anonymous identifiers. When combined with other data (e.g. logins, donation records), they may help us understand usage patterns, but we do not use them to profile you for discriminatory or invasive purposes.
6. Your choices & how to manage cookies
You can manage or delete cookies using your browser settings. You can:
- Block all cookies — though this may break some functions of the site.
- Delete cookies already set — via browser settings or tools.
- Opt out of analytics cookies — by using browser plugins (like Google Analytics opt-out) or settings.
- Use "Do Not Track" signals — though we may not fully honor them due to technical limitations.
7. Children under 13 (or relevant age)
Our site is not intended for children below 13 years old (or local age threshold). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without parental consent. Cookies are not used to intentionally engage or target children.
8. Changes to this Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time (for instance, when we introduce new features or change partners). We will post the updated version on this page and update the "Last updated" date above.
9. Contact us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests about our cookies or privacy practices, please contact:
info@givingsphere.org