Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Chicago Lights

Effective Date: 11-19-25

1. Introduction

Chicago Lights (“we,” “us,” “our”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information obtained through our website, https://chicagolights.org/ (the “Website”). By using our Website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Website.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal information in several ways, including directly from you, automatically through the Website, and from third parties.

a) Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

  • Fill out forms (e.g., volunteering, donation, contact, or newsletter forms)
  • Make a donation
  • Apply for employment or volunteer opportunities
  • Communicate with us via email or other channels

This may include:

  • Name, address, email, phone number
  • Payment information (processed securely by our third-party payment processor)
  • Employment or volunteer history (for applications)
  • Any other details you choose to provide

b) Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Website, we may collect:

  • IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and device identifiers
  • Pages visited, time spent on pages, and other website usage analytics
  • Information through cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies

c) Third-Party Information

We may receive information from service providers (e.g., payment processors, analytics tools, or email marketing platforms) in accordance with their privacy policies and your consent.

3. How We Use Your Information

We may use your information to:

  • Process donations and send donation receipts
  • Manage volunteer or employment applications
  • Communicate about our programs, events, and updates
  • Respond to inquiries and provide support
  • Improve our Website, services, and outreach efforts
  • Comply with legal or regulatory requirements
  • Prevent fraud or misuse of our Website

We will not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information only as necessary and consistent with this policy:

  • Service Providers: With trusted third parties (e.g., payment processors, email
    services, analytics providers) that help us operate our Website and programs.
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
  • Affiliated Organizations: Chicago Lights is affiliated with Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago; limited data may be shared for coordinated outreach and administrative purposes.
  • With Your Consent: For any other purpose you explicitly authorize.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and analyze traffic. You can manage cookies through your browser settings. If you disable cookies, certain Website features may not function properly.

6. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information against loss, theft, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

However, no method of data transmission or storage is 100% secure. You use the Website at your own risk.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes stated in this policy, to comply with legal obligations, or to resolve disputes.

8. Your Privacy Rights (Illinois Residents)

Under the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), Illinois residents have the right to:

  • Request information about personal data collected and how it is used
  • Request correction or deletion of inaccurate personal information
  • Be notified if certain personal information is breached in a manner that risks harm

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below. We may verify your identity before fulfilling a request.

If you believe your privacy rights under Illinois law have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

9. Biometric Information (BIPA Compliance)

Chicago Lights does not collect or store biometric information (such as fingerprints, facial recognition data, or voiceprints). If this ever changes, we will provide notice and obtain written consent as required by the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).

10. Children’s Privacy

Our Website is not directed to children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child under 16 has provided us with personal information without parental consent, we will delete it.

11. Email and Communication Preferences

You may unsubscribe from our emails or newsletters at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in the message or contacting us directly.

12. Links to Other Websites

Our Website may contain links to third-party sites not operated by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites.

13. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Effective Date.” Continued use of our Website after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or need assistance, please contact us:

Chicago Lights
126 E Chestnut Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-4570
chicagolights@fourthchurch.org

Donor Privacy Commitment

Chicago Lights is committed to protecting the privacy of our donors. We do not sell, rent, or trade donor information. Donor data (including names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and giving history) is used solely for internal purposes and to comply with financial reporting obligations.