Privacy Policy
Effective Date: July 31, 2026
The Realize Foundation ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and treating your personal information with care and respect. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit realizefoundation.org, participate in our programs, submit your story, donate, subscribe to updates, or otherwise interact with us.
Our Commitment
The Realize Foundation exists to reduce isolation and inspire hope through authentic stories and human connection.
We value the trust you place in us and are committed to using your information responsibly.
Information We Collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:
Personal Information
Name
Email address
Phone number
Donation Information
When you make a donation, we may collect:
Donation amount
Billing information
Transaction details
We do not store credit card information. Payment processing is handled securely by our third-party payment processors.
Author Applications
If you apply to become a Scars to Stars™ author, we may collect:
Contact information
Personal story submissions
Biographical information
Photos and/or Videos (podcast)
Documents you voluntarily provide
Story submissions are treated respectfully and confidentially throughout the application and publishing process.
Your story belongs to you. You always on the rights.
We recognize that many of the stories shared with the Realize Foundation involve deeply personal experiences.
We are committed to treating every submission with dignity, respect, and confidentiality throughout the application process,
and we will never publish or publicly share your story without your explicit permission.
Newsletters & Communications
If you subscribe to our email list, newsletter, download resources, or request information, we collect:
Name
Email address
Communication preferences
You may unsubscribe at any time using the link included in our emails.
Volunteer & Partnership Information
If you volunteer, sponsor a Hope Shelf, become a community partner, or inquire about partnership opportunities, we may collect information necessary to communicate and coordinate those activities.
How We Use Your Information
We use information to:
Respond to inquiries
Process donations
Manage author applications
Coordinate volunteers
Deliver newsletters, emails, and updates
Improve our website
Evaluate and improve programs
Share organizational impact
Comply with legal obligations
We only collect information that helps us fulfill our mission.
Story Permissions
If you choose to submit your story for publication, podcast participation, speaking opportunities, or promotional purposes, we will obtain the appropriate permissions before publicly sharing your content.
Submission of an application does not automatically grant the Realize Foundation permission to publish your story.
Separate publishing agreements and media releases will be provided when appropriate.
Cookies & Analytics
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
Improve website functionality
Understand visitor behavior
Measure website performance
Enhance user experience
You may disable cookies through your browser settings.
Third-Party Services
We may use trusted third-party services to help operate our organization, including services for:
Payment processing
Email communications
Online forms
Website hosting
Analytics
Video hosting
Event registration
These providers maintain their own privacy policies..
Information Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
We may share information only when necessary to:
Process donations, although these go through a third party secure site
Deliver requested services
Comply with legal requirements
Protect the rights and safety of individuals
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your personal information.
While no online system can guarantee absolute security, we continually work to protect the information entrusted to us.
Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed toward children under the age of 18.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate parental or legal guardian consent.
Your Choices
You may request to:
Access your personal information
Correct inaccurate information
Update your information
Remove yourself from our mailing list
Request deletion of information where legally permitted
To make a request, please contact us using the information below.
Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.
We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of those sites.
Contact Us
Realize Foundation
🌐 Website: https://realizefoundation.org
📧 Email: [email protected]
If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us.
