Privacy Policy
-
Overview
This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) explains how The Rescue Crew collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your personal information across our various communications channels.
By accessing or using any of our Properties or engaging with The Rescue Crew through mail, email, text, or phone, you acknowledge and accept the practices described in this Policy, including any future updates. If you do not agree with any part of this Policy, please refrain from using our Properties or engaging with our communications.
Please note that this Policy applies only to information collected through The Rescue Crew’s own websites, social media platforms, mobile applications, and direct communications (collectively, our "Communications"). It does not extend to third-party websites, platforms, or services that may be linked from our Properties. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites or providers. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you choose to access.
The Rescue Crew may use and disclose the personal information you provide through our Communications solely for purposes permitted or required by law, outlined in this Policy, or otherwise authorized by you.
We have also established Terms of Use that outline your responsibilities when engaging with our online Properties and communication platforms. We encourage you to review both this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use carefully.
-
Scope of Our Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to all areas in which The Rescue Crew communicates with the public and collects or processes personal information (collectively, our “Communications”). These include:
Websites: The Rescue Crew family of website domains, including but not limited to www.rescuecrew.org, www.rescuecrew.com, and www.therescuepack.com (collectively, “Websites”).
Social Media Sites: The Rescue Crew’s presence on social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok (collectively, “Social Media Sites”).
Applications: The Rescue Crew’s mobile applications (collectively, “Applications”).
Direct Communications: The Rescue Crew’s direct mail, email, text messaging, and telephone communications, including but not limited to marketing, event announcements, advocacy efforts, and fundraising appeals.
For purposes of this Privacy Policy, our Websites, Social Media Sites, and Applications may be collectively referred to as our “Properties.”
-
What Types of Information Does The Rescue Collect?
The Rescue Crew collects both personally identifiable information (PII) and non-personal information through our websites and other communication channels. This information is either voluntarily provided by you or collected automatically through your interaction with our Properties.
1. Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
In certain areas of our website, mobile applications, or other communications, you may choose to provide personal information such as:
- Name
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Payment or billing information
You may be asked to provide this information in order to:
- Subscribe to updates or newsletters
- Submit an adoption or foster application
- Make a donation
- Register for an event or volunteer opportunity
- Access certain features or services
Providing this information is entirely voluntary; however, some features may not be accessible without it.
2. Non-Personal & Aggregate Information
We also collect data that does not identify you as an individual. This may include:
- Website usage patterns (e.g., pages visited, time spent on site)
- Page view counts
- Browser type, device type, and operating system
- General demographic details (e.g., ZIP code, gender, or interests)
This data helps us analyze trends, improve user experience, and tailor our content and services. It may be aggregated and shared for analytical or reporting purposes, but cannot be used to identify you personally.
3. Enhanced Data from Public Sources
We may supplement the data you voluntarily provide with information from publicly available sources. This helps us better understand and personalize your experience with The Rescue Crew.
4. Website and Platform Interactions
We may use analytics tools and tracking technologies (such as cookies, web beacons, or pixel tags) to collect data about how you interact with our Properties. This includes:
- Referring websites or search keywords
- Pages viewed and links clicked
- Time spent on each page
- Devices and browsers used
This information helps us improve our website functionality, deliver requested services, and tailor content to your interests.
5. Donation and Gift Information
When you make a financial or in-kind contribution to The Rescue Crew, we may collect related details, including:
- Date and amount of the gift
- Donation/payment method
- Donor name and contact information
- Mailing or billing address
This information is used to process your donation, issue receipts, and provide donor recognition when applicable.
-
How Does The Rescue Crew Use the Information Collected?
The Rescue Crew values your privacy and is committed to safeguarding the personal information you share with us. We do not rent, sell, or exchange our contact or donor lists with any third parties.
Your personal information may be used in the following ways:
1. To Fulfill Requests and Deliver Services
We collect and use personal information to fulfill specific requests you make—such as submitting an adoption application, processing a donation, registering for an event, or signing up for updates. Your information may be shared internally among staff or volunteers on a confidential, need-to-know basis to ensure accurate and efficient service delivery
2. For Internal Analysis and Operational Improvement
Non-identifying and aggregate data may be used for statistical and analytical purposes, including evaluating website usage patterns, service effectiveness, and supporter engagement. This helps us improve our operations and better serve our mission.
3. Donor Information and Recordkeeping
We maintain donor records for compliance with IRS requirements and to analyze giving patterns for budget forecasting and strategic planning. This information is also used to understand donor interests, recognize contributions, and keep supporters informed about our work. Access to donor data is restricted to authorized staff, board members, volunteers, and consultants—always on a confidential and need-to-know basis.
4. Communications and Engagement
We may use your contact information to share updates about The Rescue Crew’s programs, events, and impact, as well as to communicate opportunities to support our mission through volunteering, advocacy, or giving. These communications may be delivered by email, mail, text, or phone in accordance with your preferences and applicable laws.
-
How Does The Rescue Crew Secure My Information?
The Rescue Crew is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. While we cannot guarantee against every potential security breach, we take reasonable and appropriate physical, technical, and procedural safeguards to help prevent the loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration of the information under our control.
Online Transactions and Third-Party Vendors
When you make a donation or purchase merchandise through our website, you may be redirected to a trusted third-party service provider. We require these partners to be Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant, and to implement robust security protocols. However, we encourage users to take appropriate precautions—especially when using public computers or unsecured wireless networks—when submitting personal or financial information online.
User-Generated Content and Public Forums
The Rescue Crew may offer opportunities for users to post comments or share content on our websites, social media platforms, or other applications. Please be aware that any information you voluntarily disclose in these public areas—including your name, screen name, or other identifiable details—may become publicly accessible and can be collected or used by others. The Rescue Crew is not responsible for any personal information you choose to share in these spaces, nor for any third-party content that may be considered inappropriate or offensive.
General Security Acknowledgment
While we strive to use commercially reasonable means to protect your personal information, it’s important to understand that no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we are continually working to strengthen our systems and practices to safeguard your data.
-
Social Media
Our website may include features that allow you to interact with third-party social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or others. Please note that any information you choose to post or share on these platforms is governed by the privacy policies of those third-party services, not by this Privacy Policy.
Your participation on social media platforms is entirely voluntary and any personal information you choose to share—whether through posts, comments, or other interactions—is done at your own discretion and risk. The Rescue Crew does not control, and is not responsible for, the actions, policies, or privacy practices of any social media site.
We encourage you to review the privacy settings and policies of any social media platform you use to understand how your information may be collected, used, or shared.
-
How Does The Rescue Crew Use Cookies and Pixel-Based Tracking?
The Rescue Crew’s Websites and Applications use cookies, pixel tags, and other similar technologies to enhance your experience and improve our communications. These technologies help us:
- Understand how visitors interact with our Properties
- Measure the effectiveness of marketing and advertising campaigns
- Support secure registration and transactional processes
- Display relevant and personalized content across our Websites and third-party media platforms
Any personally identifiable information collected through these technologies is treated as confidential. Please note that we do not use cookies or tracking tools to store payment or credit card information.
Most web and mobile browsers are set to accept cookies by default, but you can adjust your browser settings to decline or block them if you prefer. However, disabling cookies or pixel tracking may limit your ability to fully use certain features of The Rescue Crew’s Properties and could affect the functionality of some services.
We encourage you to review your browser or device settings to manage cookie preferences according to your comfort level.
-
Links to Other Websites and Third-Party Providers
The Rescue Crew’s website may contain links to external websites and services operated by third parties. These third-party sites are not governed by this Privacy Policy and may have privacy practices that differ from ours.
As these sites and services are outside of our control, The Rescue Crew is not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or service providers. We strongly encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites before providing them with your personal information.
-
Children's Privacy
The Rescue Crew’s online platforms are intended for a general audience and are not directed toward children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from individuals under 18 years of age.
Some features of our website—such as personal fundraising tools or donation sponsorships—are designed for use by adults and should only be accessed under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian if used by a minor.
The Rescue Crew is not liable for any unauthorized use of our websites, applications, or communication platforms by minors. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take reasonable steps to delete such information from our records.
-
Changes to This Policy
The Rescue Crew may update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted to this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically to stay informed about how we collect, use, and protect your information.
Your continued use of our Websites, Social Media Sites, Applications, or other communication channels constitutes your acceptance of any changes to this Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of the revised Policy, you should discontinue use of our Properties and services.
-
Discontinuing Contact Upon Request
The Rescue Crew is committed to honoring your communication preferences. We will discontinue or modify the method of contact—whether by mail, email, phone, or text—upon receiving your oral or written request.
To update your preferences or request removal from our contact lists, please reach out to us at:
Email: info@rescuecrew.org
Mailing Address: The Rescue Crew, 14033 Round Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304We maintain a record of all opt-out requests and take reasonable measures to ensure they are respected in future communications.
Please note: This policy applies only to direct communications from The Rescue Crew. It does not apply to third-party individuals or groups who may voluntarily solicit on our behalf without formal authorization. If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent The Rescue Crew and have concerns, please notify us directly.
-
Donor Bill of Rights
The Rescue Crew proudly upholds the Donor Bill of Rights, developed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits.
Philanthropy is rooted in voluntary action for the common good. To ensure donor confidence and public trust, we affirm that all donors have the right:
- To be informed of The Rescue Crew’s mission, how donations will be used, and our capacity to use gifts effectively for their intended purposes.
- To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
- To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
- To be assured that their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
- To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
- To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and confidentiality, to the extent provided by law.
- To expect that all relationships with individuals representing the organization will be professional in nature.
- To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization, or hired solicitors.
- To have the opportunity to have their name removed from mailing lists that may be shared with other organizations.
- To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.
-
Commitment to Privacy and Contact Information
While nonprofit organizations are often exempt from certain privacy regulations, The Rescue Crew is committed to honoring the core principles of data privacy and transparency. We make a good faith effort to uphold the most important aspects of applicable privacy laws, including:
- We do not sell, rent, or exchange our contact, supporter, or donor lists.
- You may request the deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting us at info@rescuecrew.org.
- We do not discriminate in services or fees against individuals who exercise their rights under this Privacy Policy.
- We will disclose your personal information only when required by law or subpoena.
-
Contacting The Rescue Crew
We welcome your questions, feedback, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or our online practices. If you believe that we have not adhered to the terms outlined in this Policy, or if you would like to exercise your privacy rights, please reach out to us at:
Email: info@rescuecrew.org
Phone: 612-299-2001
Mailing Address: The Rescue Crew, 14033 Round Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304 -
Last Revised: August 1, 2025

