Privacy Policy
LAST UPDATE OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY – September 1, 2026.
BEFORE USING OUR SITES, PLEASE READ THIS PRIVACY POLICY CAREFULLY.
PRIVACY COMMITMENT
First Century Foundations (FCF) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our employees, directors, officers, donors, volunteers, ministry partners, website visitors, and other contacts.
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal information in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
By using our website, participating in our programs, making a donation, applying for employment, or otherwise providing personal information to FCF, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
ACCOUNTABILITY
FCF is responsible for personal information in its custody or under its control. FCF has appointed a Privacy Director, Jodey Hutchings, to oversee compliance with this Privacy Policy, respond to inquiries and complaints, and ensure that appropriate privacy practices are maintained throughout the organization.
We regularly review and update our policies, procedures, and safeguards to ensure personal information is handled responsibly and securely.
PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT:
“Personal information” means information about an identifiable individual and may include:
- Name, Mailing address, Email address, Telephone number, Employment-related information, Donation history, Volunteer information, Event registration information, Communication preferences, Any other information voluntarily provided to us
We may collect personal information through:
- Website forms, Donations, Event registrations, Employment applications, Volunteer applications, Surveys and feedback forms, Email, telephone, and written communications, Other interactions with FCF
We may also collect limited technical information through our website, such as IP address, browser type, and website usage information.
WHY WE COLLECT PERSONAL INFORMATION
FCF collects personal information only for purposes that are reasonable and appropriate, including:
- Verifying identity when required
- Managing employment, volunteer, and ministry relationships
- Assessing suitability for employment, volunteer service, or licensing
- Providing programs, services, resources, and support
- Responding to inquiries and requests
- Understanding individual interests and preferences
- Communicating ministry updates, events, priorities, policies, and opportunities
- Processing and acknowledging donations
- Meeting legal, regulatory, accounting, and government requirements
- Maintaining historical, archival, and organizational records
- Protecting the security and integrity of our operations
We limit our collection of personal information to what is necessary to fulfill these purposes.
CONSENT
FCF obtains consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information except where permitted or required by law.
Consent may be:
- Expressed, such as when an individual completes a form or provides written consent.
- Implied, where the purpose is obvious and the individual voluntarily provides information for that purpose.
- Opt-out based, where individuals are given reasonable notice and an opportunity to decline certain uses of their information.
Individuals may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice. Withdrawal of consent may affect our ability to provide certain services, programs, or communications.
use and disclosure of information
FCF uses personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected or as otherwise permitted or required by law. We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. Personal information may be shared with employees, volunteers, contractors, service providers, or professional advisors who require access to perform authorized functions on behalf of FCF and who are required to protect its confidentiality.
FCF may disclose personal information without consent where permitted or required by law, including:
- To comply with legal obligations, court orders, warrants, or investigations
- During emergencies involving health, safety, or security
- To obtain legal advice
- To investigate fraud, misconduct, breaches of agreement, or unlawful activity
- To collect outstanding obligations
- For approved archival, statistical, or research purposes
- In other circumstances permitted by applicable privacy legislation
website usage, cookies & analytics
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, understand website usage, and enhance visitor experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help us understand how visitors interact with our website. Most browsers allow you to manage or disable cookies. However, some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
third party service providers
FCF may use reputable third-party providers to assist with website hosting, donation processing, email communications, cloud storage, and other operational services. These providers are required to maintain appropriate safeguards and use personal information only for authorized purposes.
Some service providers may process or store information outside of Canada. Personal information stored in another jurisdiction may be subject to the laws, regulations, and lawful access requirements of that jurisdiction.
safeguarding personal INFORMATION:
FCF takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, misuse, modification, or destruction.
Our safeguards may include:
Physical Safeguards
- Secured offices and facilities, Restricted access areas, Secure storage systems
Organizational Safeguards
- Privacy policies and procedures, Staff and volunteer training, Access controls based on business need, Confidentiality obligations
Technological Safeguards
- Password protections, Encryption where appropriate, Secure networks and systems, Regular security reviews
While no system can guarantee absolute security, FCF is committed to maintaining reasonable and appropriate safeguards for the sensitivity of the information we hold.
ACCURACY OF INFORMATION
FCF makes reasonable efforts to ensure that personal information is accurate, complete, and current for the purposes for which it is used. Individuals are encouraged to notify us of any changes or corrections to their information.
RETENTION & DESTRUCTION
FCF retains personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, to comply with legal obligations, or to meet legitimate organizational requirements.
When personal information is no longer required, it will be securely destroyed, deleted, or anonymized in accordance with our records management practices and applicable law.
ACCESS & CORRECTION REQUESTS
Individuals may request access to personal information held by FCF and may request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information. Access requests must be submitted in writing and include sufficient detail to identify the information requested.
In certain circumstances, access may be restricted or refused where permitted by law, including where disclosure would:
- Reveal another individual’s personal information
- Be subject to solicitor-client privilege
- Jeopardize health, safety, or security
- Involve information provided confidentially by another party
FCF will explain the reasons for any refusal where legally permitted.
CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
FCF recognizes the importance of protecting children’s privacy. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children without appropriate consent from a parent, guardian, or authorized representative where required by law.
QUESTIONS & COMPLAINTS:
FCF is committed to addressing privacy questions, concerns, and complaints in a timely and respectful manner. Complaints regarding privacy practices should be submitted to the Privacy Director, Jodey Hutchings, in writing. FCF will:
- Acknowledge receipt promptly
- Review the matter fairly and impartially
- Investigate the concern
- Communicate the outcome
- Take corrective action where appropriate
If a concern cannot be resolved internally, individuals may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
FCF may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, organizational practices, or services. The most current version will always be posted on our website with the revision date indicated at the top of the policy.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Privacy Director: Jodey Hutchings
Email: jodey@firstcenturyfoundations.com
Phone: 1 877- 628-2800, Ext. 104
Mailing Address: Box 52, Barrie, ON L4M 4S9
Questions, access requests, correction requests, and privacy complaints may be directed to the Privacy Director, Jodey Hutchings, using the contact information above.