PRIVACY POLICY.
Effective date: June 12, 2026 | Last updated: June 12, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how UGLY Start Outreach ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects information submitted through our website, uglystart.org, including our program interest and volunteer intake forms.
By using our website or submitting any form on it, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.
1. Who we are
UGLY Start Outreach is a nonprofit organization based in Gastonia, North Carolina, operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are not a commercial entity and do not sell goods or services.
2. What information we collect
We collect personal information only when you voluntarily provide it through our website forms. This includes:
Name (first and last)
Email address
Phone number
Responses to open-ended questions (e.g., why you want to join or get involved)
Availability preferences
Age range (minor or 18+), collected on the Join the Program form
We do not collect payment information directly. Donations are processed securely through Stripe, a third-party payment processor. We do not store your credit card number or billing details.
We may also collect non-personal information automatically when you visit our website, including:
Browser type and version
Pages visited and time spent on site
Referring URL
IP address (anonymized where possible)
3. How we use your information
We use the information you provide to:
Review your interest in volunteering, mentoring, or speaking for our programs
Review a young person's interest in joining the UGLY Start program
Follow up with you about your submission
Coordinate scheduling and availability
Communicate updates about our organization when relevant
We do not use your information for advertising, data analysis for sale, or any commercial purpose.
4. How we share your information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party.
We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
With volunteers or staff who need it to follow up on your submission
With Stripe, solely for the purpose of processing your donation securely (governed by Stripe's own Privacy Policy at stripe.com/privacy)
With law enforcement or government agencies if required by law
To protect the safety of any person, including program participants
5. Children's privacy
UGLY Start Outreach serves teen boys, some of whom may be under the age of 18. Our website is not directed to children under 13 for the purpose of collecting their personal information directly. We do not knowingly solicit or collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent.
As a nonprofit organization exempt from the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) under Section 5 of the FTC Act, we are not legally required to comply with COPPA. However, we voluntarily adopt the following protections:
Our "Join the Program" form requires applicants under 18 to have a parent or legal guardian complete the form on their behalf
The form includes a mandatory disclosure checkbox confirming the submitter is 18 or older, or is a parent/legal guardian of a minor
We do not use the personal information of minors for any purpose other than program enrollment and follow-up
If we discover we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13 without proper guardian consent, we will delete it promptly upon notice
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child's information was submitted without your consent, please contact us at info@uglystart.org and we will address the matter immediately.
6. Data retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected — typically for the duration of your involvement with our programs or until you request deletion.
To request deletion of your information, contact us at info@uglystart.org. We will respond within 30 days.
7. Data security
We take reasonable steps to protect the personal information you submit. Our website uses HTTPS encryption for data in transit. Form submissions are stored in access-controlled systems.
No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we are committed to protecting your information to the best of our ability.
8. Third-party links
Our website may link to third-party websites (including Stripe for donations). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any site you visit.
9. Your rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
Access the personal information we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate information
Request deletion of your information
Withdraw consent to future communications
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@uglystart.org. We will respond within 30 days.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:
UGLY Start Outreach
Gastonia, North Carolina