Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 27, 2026

The Marcella Foundation ("Marcella Foundation," "we," "us," or "our") is a nonprofit organization based in South Lake Tahoe, California. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through our website and programs, how we use it, and the choices you have.

Information We Collect

Information you provide to us. When you make a donation, sign up for our newsletter, register for an event, volunteer, apply for a scholarship or fellowship, enroll in a program (such as ReadingPals or The Atrium), or contact us, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, organization, and any other information you choose to share.

Payment information. Donations and purchases are processed by secure third-party payment processors (such as Squarespace, Stripe, or PayPal). We do not store your full credit card or bank account numbers on our systems.

Information collected automatically. When you visit our website, we and our service providers may automatically collect information such as your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and referring website, using cookies and similar technologies.

How We Use Your Information

  • To process donations and send tax receipts and acknowledgments

  • To operate, manage, and communicate about our programs, events, and volunteer opportunities

  • To send newsletters, updates, and fundraising communications (you may opt out at any time)

  • To respond to your questions and requests

  • To review applications for scholarships, fellowships, and other programs

  • To understand how our website is used and improve it

  • To comply with legal, accounting, and reporting obligations

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

  • Service providers who help us operate our website, process payments, send email, and manage donor and volunteer records, and who are required to protect your information

  • Program partners, such as schools or community organizations, when necessary to deliver a program you or your family have enrolled in

  • Legal requirements, when required by law or to protect the rights, safety, and property of the Foundation or others

Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies to make the site work, remember your preferences, and understand site traffic. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent; some parts of the site may not function properly without them.

Children's Privacy

Some of our programs serve children. Our website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. Information about minors participating in our programs is collected from a parent or guardian and used only to operate those programs. If you believe a child has provided us personal information without consent, please contact us and we will delete it.

Data Security and Retention

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law.

Your Choices and Rights

  • You may unsubscribe from our emails at any time using the link in any message or by contacting us.

  • You may ask to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you.

  • California residents may have additional rights under California law, including the right to know what personal information we collect and how it is used.

Third-Party Links

Our website may link to other websites and social media platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:

The Marcella Foundation
South Lake Tahoe, California
Email: sean@marcellafoundation.org