This document describes Heroes United’s (“HU”) use of information regarding the veterans and families we serve, financial supporters of our mission, supporters under the age of 18, and general visitors to our website.
General User Privacy Policy
This privacy policy applies to general users of the HU website and describes how HU protects the information you provide when you use this website.
Although elements of this policy may apply to the veterans we serve and our donors who visit our website, we do collect additional data from these groups of people. Please see those specific privacy policies below.
HU is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. It is our goal that you fully understand how we collect information, how we use that information, and the steps we take to protect that information. We will update this policy from time to time, so make sure to check this page periodically.
If you have any questions about this policy, please email us at EMAIL HOLD./
What type of information does HU collect?
There are two basic types of information that HU might collect: personal and non-personal information.
Personal Information:
As you browse the HU website, you may opt to provide HU with personal information such as your name, address, phone number, or email address. HU may also collect information you communicate with us, including when you contact HU through our various online, phone, chat, or application channels for information or assistance. We may record your call or maintain a transcript of the communication for training and quality assurance purposes.
Non-Personal Information:
HU may collect non-personal information from you such as an internet protocol address (typically referred to as an “IP address,” and defined below) and browsing variables (like your web browser, referral links, or how much time you spent at our website). Although this information may be used to identify you, HU typically uses this information to improve your experience and the experience of other visitors to our website. HU may use cookies to collect this type of information.
What’s a cookie?
A cookie is a small data file that individual websites store on your computer’s hard drive – if your web browser permits. The website can later retrieve that cookie to let us know you’ve been to our site before, among other things. Cookies typically make your use of the site easier, make the site run more smoothly, and help us to maintain a secure site. Many websites use cookies. You are free to decline our cookies if your browser permits, but some parts of our site may not work properly if you do that.
What’s an IP address?
An IP address is a unique number, assigned to each and every computer and other device on the Internet. Your computer, your phone, your e-reader, and other electronic devices, are all assigned IP addresses.
When does HU collect this information?
We collect non-personal information from you as you use any of the pages on our website. We collect personal information from you only when you specifically provide it to us or connect with us through one of our various online, phone, chat, or application channels for information or assistance.
How does HU use the information we collect?
HU uses information from different site visitors in different ways. We use information provided to us through the donation process in accordance with the Donor Privacy Policy; we use information provided to us by the veterans we serve in accordance with the Alumni Privacy Policy. Both policies may be found below.
We use personal information provided by general users of our website who are not veterans and are not engaging in the donation process. We might, for example, ask for your information if you contact a local HU representative or if you upload a personal video message to our veterans. Providing your contract information will help HU in providing services to you, such as providing you with information, resources, and support services that you may request.
We may also use your personal and non-personal information in the following ways:
- Entering your information into our databases for internal recordkeeping, reporting, and data analysis.
- Communicating with you to obtain your input, provide information about our programs and events, or request contributions (provided you have opted to receive such communications).
- Improving our programs and services.
- Customizing our website according to your interests.
- Sharing information with third parties (as listed below) who help us manage our website and databases, and who assist us with our marketing efforts.
- Sharing information with third parties as required by law, or as part of a legal process.
Third Parties:
HU uses third parties such as Google, Microsoft/Bing, Meta, and the Trade Desk to monitor certain pages of our website for the purpose of reporting web traffic, statistics, advertisement “click-throughs,” and other activities on our website. No personally identifiable data is transferred to these third parties by us. Where authorized by us, these third parties may use cookies and/or other monitoring technologies to compile anonymous statistics about our website visitors.
Non-personal Information:
We also reserve the right to use non-personal information, such as an IP address, to identify a user when we believe it is necessary to protect the compelling interests of our websites, the veterans we serve, our donors, our employees, or others, or to comply with laws, court orders, or law enforcement requests.
Does HU share my information?
HU may share your personal and non-personal information as discussed herein. We do not sell or rent the personal information of our general website users for profit. Additionally, we do not share mobile phone numbers unless you specifically authorize us to do so (or unless we are required to do so by applicable law or regulation).
Does HU track my online activity while I’m not on the HU site?
Cookies and other technology may be used to track non-personal information about your web-browsing habits. For example, if a significant portion of our visitors all browse to the same website immediately after visiting us, we may use this information to improve your experience at our site.
HU respects web browser “do not track” signals and other mechanisms that provide you the ability to opt out of having your personal information or online activities collected. But remember, unless you have selected the “do not track” function in your web browser, third parties (not just HU) may collect personal information about your online activities over time and across different websites.
How does HU secure my personal information?
HU is committed to ensuring that your personal information is secure. Your trust in us is important, so we have put in place physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect. Records containing personal information are stored at secure facilities; our websites use SSL (a tool used to verify the legitimacy of a website); and our employees are provided training on how to treat your data securely.
Will HU contact me?
If you provide us with your contact information, we may provide you with information about how you can help this generation of injured veterans. However, if you would not like to receive these messages, you have the right to opt out of having your personal information used for certain purposes when we ask for your contact information. Information on how to opt out of having your personal information used for certain purposes is stated below.
Links to other websites and third-party services
Sometimes, we’ll provide you with a link to another website or service. We typically do this in order to provide you additional information about one of our sponsors or others who support the mission of HU.
HU may also include other electronic services on our website. For example, this could include a tool that allows you to contact your local politicians, or to create a custom message to send to veterans. These services are typically provided by third parties and may require you to agree to that service provider’s own privacy statement and terms of use. This policy – the one you’re reading right now – does not cover third-party services or how those third parties may use the information you provide them. We encourage you to review those privacy policies and terms of use.
Your Privacy Rights
Under some U.S. state laws, residents may have a right to the following:
- Right of Portability: You may request that we disclose the categories and/or specific pieces of personal information that we collect, use, disclose, and may rent, and, in some circumstances, have that data provided to you so that you can provide or “port” that data to another provider.
- Right to Opt Out: You have the right to opt out of having your personal information collected by HU.
- Right to Correction: You have the right to request that we correct any personal information that we have collected from you.
- Right to Deletion: You have the right to ask HU to delete any personal information from you.
In order to exercise these rights, please see below.
How long does HU store my information?
The period during which HU stores your personal information varies, depending on the purpose for the processing of the information, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, regulatory, tax, accounting, or reporting requirements. In all other cases, we store your personal information until you request that your information be partially or completely deleted, as stated below.
How do I opt out of receiving messages from HU, or request that my personal information be corrected or deleted from HU?
Opt out:
You can stop receiving messages by following the instructions included in the message.
Corrections/ updates:
You can request corrections to your personal information by calling our Donor Care team or by sending a detailed email to EMAIL HOLD.
Deletion:
You can request that personal information be deleted from HU by calling our Donor Care team or by sending a detailed email to EMAIL HOLD.
Please note that we are required to verify your identity to process your request, and we reserve the right to confirm your state residency. We may require you to provide additional information in order to verify your identity. We reserve the right to deny your request if we cannot verify your identity. You may designate an authorized agent to submit your verified request by providing written permission and verifying your identity, or through proof of power of attorney.
We will provide a response to your request within 45 calendar days of receiving your request or provide you with a reason for any potential need for an extension period in writing.
What if I have questions about this policy?
Please email us at EMAIL HOLD with any questions about this policy.
Alumni Privacy Policy
This Alumni Privacy Policy applies to veterans who register with HU to receive benefits of HU’s programs and services. If you register for our programs and services, rest assured that we use industry-standard safeguards to protect your data, including firewalls, physical safeguards, and encryption.
This policy describes how HU protects information that veterans provide in conjunction with their registration with HU, and applies regardless of whether the registration occurred online, over the phone, or in person. Throughout this privacy policy, or the “policy,” veterans who register for HU’s programs and services may be referred to as “Alumni,” or simply “you.”
This policy may supplement the General User Privacy Policy (above), which covers all users of the HU website. Although this policy is intended to complement that General User Privacy Policy, this policy applies specifically to information you provide us in conjunction with your registration or your status as an Alumni. This policy also supplements the Donor Privacy Policy (below), which applies to any information you provide in conjunction with a donation to HU. For example, if you navigate to a donation page on our website and make a contribution to HU, the information you provide during your donation will be stored in accordance with the Donor Privacy Policy. If you navigate to the registration page and register as an Alumni, that data will be used in accordance with this policy. If you provide us additional information relating to your participation in our programs and services, that information will also be governed by this policy.
It is our goal that you fully understand how we collect information, how we use that information, and the steps we take to protect that information. We will update this policy from time to time, so make sure to check this page periodically. If you have any questions about this policy, please email us at EMAIL HOLD.
What type of information does HU collect?
Prior to HU collecting information from you as an Alumni or Family support member, some U.S. state laws require that you opt in to providing HU with certain “sensitive” information. Although not always collected by HU, sensitive information may include racial or ethnic origin, a mental or physical health condition or diagnosis, citizenship or citizenship status.
Depending on whether you are an Alumni, HU may collect or request different information from you.
Alumni:
Prior to HU collecting information from you as an Alumni or Family support member, some U.S. state laws require that you opt in to providing HU with certain “sensitive” information. Although not always collected by HU, sensitive information may include racial or ethnic origin, a mental or physical health condition or diagnosis, citizenship or citizenship status.
Depending on whether you are an Alumni, HU may collect or request different information from you.
Family Support:
Pursuant to applicable state law, and upon obtaining proper opt-ins (if applicable), when you register as a Family Support member, you will be asked for your relationship status with an eligible veteran (e.g., whether you are related to or supporting a veteran who served in the military on or after September 11, 2001). We’ll ask for information about the veteran you support, including name and service details, such as branch, rank, and service dates.
We will also ask you for your contact information, such as name, email address, telephone number, and mailing address, as well as other identifying information like date of birth and gender.
Lastly, we will ask you for eligibility documentation of the veteran you support. This may include a DD214, VA ratings decision, enlisted record brief or officer record brief, medical evaluation board or physical evaluation board, current unit orders to a veteran transition unit or battalion, line-of-duty documentation, or Purple Heart orders or citation.
Once you are registered as a Family Support member, depending on your level of involvement with our services, we may ask you for additional information. This may include questions about your individual hobbies and interests, benefits claims details, basic financial information, basic physical and mental fitness details, and other information that may be relevant to the particular program or service you are interested in.
Whether you attempt to register as an Alumni or Family Support member, in certain circumstances, HU may gather information about you from publicly available resources like public records and social media.
When does HU collect this information?
We collect your contact information and service details when you register for HU’s programs and services. This can be done online through our website, in person with a HU employee, or over the phone. We may collect the additional information mentioned above through conversations with you. Though you are not required to provide this information, your ability to participate in a particular program or service may be impacted if we don’t have relevant information. For example, if you are interested in participating in one of our Physical Health and Wellness initiatives, we may ask you for your current fitness levels and fitness goals. If you participate in our Benefits Service program, we may ask for your prior benefits claims documents and other related information.
We may also be provided information about you from other groups who refer you to us to take advantage of our programs and services. They will typically notify you and seek your consent before providing us with such information. No matter how we receive your information, rest assured that we will use it in accordance with this policy.
How does HU use the information we collect?
Generally, HU uses this information to tailor our programs and services to fit your needs. We will use your eligibility documentation to ensure whether you are eligible to receive HU’s program services.
We will use your contact information and other information that we collect for the following reasons:
- For internal recordkeeping, reporting, and data analysis.
We will use your contact information and other information that we collect for the following reasons: - To communicate with you to obtain your input and provide information about our programs and services.
- To improve our programs and services.
- To customize our website according to your interests.
- To share information with third parties who help us deliver our programs and services.
- To share information with third parties who deliver their own programs and services to veterans.
Please note that, although HU may share information with third parties, HU does not share personally identifiable information with third parties without your prior consent.
How does HU share my information?
HU shares your personal and non-personal information only as discussed above. We will not share your information with a third party that does not provide services (or help us provide services) to our Alumni and Family Support members, nor for the purpose of adding you to a mailing list.
We will never sell or rent your personal information for profit.
HU will not share your mobile phone number with a third party unless you specifically permit us to (or if we have to share it in order to comply with law or regulation).
This policy does not apply to any information that you provide to these third parties, and we encourage you to ask those third parties any questions you may have about their use of your data.
How does HU secure my personal information?
We have put in place physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect. Records containing personal information are stored at secure facilities; our websites use SSL (a tool used to verify the legitimacy of a website); and we train our employees on how to treat your data securely. Additionally, when HU shares your information with third parties (as mentioned above), HU takes reasonable steps to ensure that the third party has sufficient safeguards in place to protect your information.
Will you use my information to contact me?
Yes. From time to time, a HU employee will reach out to you to confirm your contact information and ensure that you are taking advantage of our programs and services. We will also send you regular information regarding programs and services available in your area.
How long does HU store my information?
The period during which HU stores your personal information varies, depending on the purpose for the processing of the information, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, regulatory, tax, accounting, or reporting requirements. In all other cases, we store your personal information until you request that your information be partially or completely deleted, as stated below.
How do I correct my information or have my information deleted?
Opt out:
If you receive communications from HU and would like to stop receiving communications from us, please let us know by following the instructions included in the message. This may include following the link contained in an email address (for example, an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of the email), or texting “STOP” after receiving an automated text message from us.
Corrections/ updates:
You can request corrections to your personal information by sending a detailed email to EMAIL HOLD.
Deletion
You can request personal information be deleted from HU by sending a detailed email to EMAIL HOLD.
Please note that we are required to verify your identity to process your request, and we reserve the right to confirm your state residency. We may require you to provide additional information in order to verify your identity. We reserve the right to deny your request if we cannot verify your identity. You may designate an authorized agent to submit your verified request by providing written permission and verifying your identity, or through proof of power of attorney.
We will provide a response to your request within 45 calendar days of receiving your request, or provide you a reason for any potential need for an extension period in writing.
What if I have questions about this FAQ?
We would be happy to hear from you. Please email us at EMAIL HOLD with any questions about this policy.
Donor Privacy Policy
This privacy policy applies to HU supporters and describes how HU uses information you provide when you make a donation to us or sign up to receive emails (the “Donation Process”). When you provide us your information, rest assured that HU uses industry-standard security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and physical security to protect your data.
Please remember that this policy applies to information provided by supporters during the Donation Process. Veterans who register for our programs and services can find more information at the Alumni Privacy Policy, while users of the website should review the General Privacy Policy. (Both policies can be found above.) For example, if you register for HU’s programs and services, and also make a donation to HU, the information you provide during your registration will be used in accordance with the Alumni Privacy Policy, while the information you provide while making your donation will be used in accordance with this policy. Other information may be gathered in accordance with our General User Privacy Policy.
It is our goal that you fully understand how we collect information, how we use that information, and the steps we take to protect that information. We will update this policy from time to time, so make sure to check this page periodically. If you have any questions about this policy, please email us at EMAIL HOLD.
What type of information does HU collect?
During the Donation Process, HU will likely ask for information that could be used to identify you. This includes your contact information, such as your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. If you donate via credit or debit card, we will also ask for your card number, expiration date, and other information necessary to process the transaction. If you donate via check, we may ask for limited bank information.
When does HU collect this information?
We collect this information from you during the Donation Process. If you donate online, your donation will not be processed without certain required information. We may also collect information as we communicate with you after your donation is made. Third parties may also share your information with HU, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and standards. Rest assured that, no matter how we access your information, we’ll use it only in accordance with this policy.
How does HU use the information we collect?
We generally use your information to process donations, send you periodic messages, and share with other parties for the purpose of furthering our mission, as required by law, or as part of a legal process.
HU uses donor information in multiple ways, including:
- Entering your information into our databases for internal recordkeeping, reporting, and data analysis.
- Communicating with you to obtain your input, provide you with information, or request contributions (provided you have not opted out of receiving such communications).
- Providing you with necessary tax information regarding your donation.
- Customizing our website according to your interests.
- Sharing information with third parties who provide goods and services to HU (e.g., parties who process donations or help us manage our website and databases, such as CharityEngine and Digital Management Inc. (“DMI”).
- Sharing information with third parties to help inform you of other groups you may wish to support.
- Sharing information with third parties as required by law, or as part of a legal process.
Does HU share my information?
HU may share your personal information as discussed herein. When HU shares information with outside organizations, it does so subject to appropriate confidentiality rules or other state regulations designed to protect your information from unintentional disclosure.
Please note, however, that HU will not share your mobile phone number with a third party unless you specifically permit us to do so (or if we have to share it in order to comply with law or regulation).
Will you contact me if I give HU my information?
Yes. HU will send you messages about how we are serving injured veterans and service members, and how you can help. You can opt out of receiving these messages as discussed below in the section titled “Can I opt out of receiving messages and sharing of my information?”
Can I opt out of receiving messages and sharing of my information?
Yes. We provide you with the opportunity to opt out of having your personal information used for certain purposes when we ask for this information.
If you would like to stop receiving communications from HU, you may opt out of receiving such messages by following the instructions included in the message itself. This may include following the link contained in an email address (for example, an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of the email), or texting “STOP” after receiving an automated text message from us.
If you would like to opt out of all communications, please contact us immediately.
If you would like to opt out of sharing personal information with other organizations, please contact us immediately.
How does HU secure my personal information?
HU strives to ensure the security of your personal information. Your trust in us is important, so we have put in place physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect. Records containing personal information are stored at secure facilities; our websites use SSL (a tool used to verify the legitimacy of a website); and we train our employees about how to treat your data securely.
If you make a donation over the phone or on our website, HU utilizes industry-standard safeguards to protect your information, including encryption, network firewalls, and physical security.
How long does HU store my information?
The period during which HU stores your personal information varies, depending on the purpose for the processing of the information, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, regulatory, tax, accounting, or reporting requirements. In all other cases, we store your personal information until you request that your information be partially or completely deleted as stated below.
How do I update or delete my information?
You can request corrections to your personal information, or request that your information be deleted from our systems by contacting our Donor Care team or sending a detailed email to EMAIL HOLD.
Please note that we are required to verify your identity to process your request, and we reserve the right to confirm your state residency. We may require you to provide additional information in order to verify your identity. We reserve the right to deny your request if we cannot verify your identity. You may designate an authorized agent to submit your verified request by providing written permission and verifying your identity, or through proof of power of attorney.
We will provide a response to your request within 45 calendar days of receiving your request or provide you a reason for any potential need for an extension period in writing.
What if I have questions about this FAQ?
Please email us at EMAIL HOLD with any questions about this policy.
