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Privacy Policy of The Blue Ribbon Project

The Blue Ribbon Project ("we," "us," or "our") respects the privacy of our users and is committed to protecting their personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of information we collect from our users, how we use that information, and the steps we take to ensure it remains secure.

By using our website or participating in our programs, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any terms, please discontinue your use of our website and services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information in order to provide and improve our services:

1.1. Personal Information

Personal information refers to any data that can identify an individual, such as:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Payment details (if making a donation)
  • Emergency contact details (for event participation)

1.2. Non-Personal Information

We may also collect non-personal information automatically as you interact with our website, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Operating system
  • Pages visited on our website
  • Date and time of visit
  • Referring website

1.3. Sensitive Personal Information

If you participate in certain programs, volunteer opportunities, or events, we may collect additional information relevant to these activities, such as:

  • Background check information (where applicable)
  • Demographic data, where necessary for reporting or program improvements

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • Providing and Improving Services: To administer and enhance our programs, services, and website functionality.
  • Communication: To send you updates, newsletters, and relevant information about our events and programs.
  • Processing Donations: To process and acknowledge your donations securely.
  • Program Participation: To register you for events and programs and ensure a safe experience.
  • Compliance: To fulfill legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Research and Analytics: To understand how users engage with our website and improve our outreach efforts.

We will only use your personal information for the purposes for which we collected it unless we reasonably consider that we need to use it for another compatible purpose.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We do not share mobile information with third parties for marketing purposes. However, we may share your data with:

  • Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist us with website hosting, donation processing, email delivery, or other services.
  • Law Enforcement or Governmental Authorities: If required by law or if we believe it is necessary to protect our rights, property, or safety.

Any third-party service providers or partners are obligated to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

4. Security of Your Information

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, please be aware that no data transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.

If you believe your personal information has been compromised, please contact us immediately.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, analyze website traffic, and customize content. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, but some website functionalities may be limited as a result.

6. Links to Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any websites you visit.

7. Children's Privacy

Protecting the privacy of children is paramount. Our website and services are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental or guardian consent. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information without parental or guardian consent, we will delete that information promptly.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. These rights may include:

  • Access: The right to request access to your personal information.
  • Correction: The right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Deletion: The right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal obligations.
  • Restriction of Processing: The right to request restriction of the processing of your personal information.
  • Data Portability: The right to receive a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
  • Opting Out: You have the right to opt out of receiving SMS messages from us at any time. To opt out, please reply 'STOP' to any message you receive from us or contact us at https://blueribbonproject.org/about-us/contact-us.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the contact information provided below.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact us at:

The Blue Ribbon Project


Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 1-800-757-8120
Address: 45 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032

By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. Thank you for trusting The Blue Ribbon Project with your personal information as we work together to support children, youth, and families.

11. SMS/Text Messaging Data Sharing

Customer data is not shared with 3rd parties for promotional or marketing purposes. Mobile opt-in and consent are never shared with anyone for any purpose. Any information sharing that may be mentioned elsewhere in this policy excludes mobile opt-in data. Consumer and mobile data will not be transferred or shared with any external organization, except when strictly necessary to deliver the service. Any allowed sharing never includes mobile opt-in data or SMS consent. Personal data, including mobile numbers and SMS opt-in data, will not be sold, transferred, or shared with any external organization for any purpose. Appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized access to or sharing of user data.

12. Messaging Terms and Conditions

  1. The messaging program consists of delivery dispatch alerts for volunteers on The Blue Ribbon Project's Backpacks of Love Delivery Team. These are informational/operational dispatch alert messages.
  2. You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text "STOP" to the phone number from which you received messages. After you send the SMS message "STOP" to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time and we will start sending SMS messages to you again.
  3. If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also contact us at https://blueribbonproject.org/about-us/contact-us.
  4. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
  5. As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency will vary based on communication needs. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider.
  6. If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy contained in the rest of this document/page.

If You Are Concerned About a Child

If you are concerned that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, please do not wait. You do not need proof - you only need reasonable concern. Reports made in good faith are protected by law.

  • If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
  • Maryland Child Protective Services Hotline: To report suspected abuse within Maryland, contact the Department of Social Services statewide hotline at 1-800-91Prevent (1-800-917-7383), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Outside of Maryland - Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Call or text 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support.

AI chatbots are not a substitute for trained crisis professionals. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please use the resources above. Reporting abuse can protect a child. Remember, you do not need to be certain that abuse is occurring - if you have concerns, reach out. Trained professionals will assess the situation and take appropriate steps.  If you are a survivor of childhood abuse and are struggling with its effects, support is available. Healing is possible, and you deserve to access it.