MILEVA PROJECT - PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: April 1, 2026
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy (this "Policy") describes how Mileva Project, an Illinois non-profit organization (the "Organization," "we," "our," or "us"), collects, uses, stores, discloses, and protects information submitted through our website (the "Site") in connection with the Organization's programs (the "Programs"). By accessing or using the Site or submitting any information to the Organization, you ("you" or "User") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Policy. This Policy is designed to comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") and other applicable privacy laws. The Organization is committed to protecting the privacy and security of all Users, and in particular the personal information of children under the age of 13.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information Submitted by Parents and Legal Guardians
The Organization collects personal information that is submitted by parents or legal guardians through the Site on behalf of themselves and their minor children. This information may include, but is not limited to: (a) Parent or guardian information: name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and other contact information; (b) Minor child (Applicant) information: name, date of birth, age, and any other information required for the application process; and, (c) Any additional information voluntarily provided in connection with an application or participation in a Program.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit the Site, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, device information, pages viewed, and the dates and times of your visits. This information is collected through standard web technologies such as cookies, server logs, and similar technologies, and is used solely to improve the functionality and performance of the Site.
3. Use of Information
All information collected through the Site will be used solely for the intended purposes of the Organization, including but not limited to:
(a) processing and evaluating applications submitted for the Organization's Programs;
(b) conducting the annual selection process and administering the Programs;
(c) communicating with parents, legal guardians, and Participants regarding the Programs;
(d) complying with applicable legal obligations;
(e) improving and maintaining the Site and the Programs; and
(f) any other purpose directly related to the Organization's mission and operations.
The Organization will not sell, rent, lease, or otherwise commercially distribute any personal information collected through the Site to any third party.
4. Accuracy of Information Submitted
By submitting any information through the Site, whether on behalf of yourself or any minor Applicant, you represent and warrant that all information provided is true, accurate, complete, and current. You agree to promptly update any information that becomes inaccurate or incomplete. The Organization reserves the right to reject, disqualify, or remove any application or Participant based on inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information.
5. Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Compliance
5.1 General Compliance
The Organization is committed to complying with COPPA and protecting the privacy of children under the age of 13. The Organization does not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13. All personal information pertaining to minor children is collected from and submitted by the child's parent or legal guardian.
5.2 Parental/Guardian Consent
Before collecting, using, or disclosing any personal information about a child under the age of 13, the Organization requires verifiable parental or legal guardian consent. By submitting an application on behalf of a minor child, the parent or legal guardian provides consent for the Organization to collect, use, and store the child's personal information as described in this Policy and for the purposes described herein.
5.3 Verification of Parent or Legal Guardian
The Organization may, in its discretion, require verification of the identity and authority of any person claiming to be a parent or legal guardian of a minor Applicant. Such verification may include, but is not limited to, requiring a copy of a government-issued identification, a signed consent form, or other documentation as the Organization deems appropriate. The Organization reserves the right to decline to process any application until satisfactory verification is received.
5.4 Limitations on Collection
The Organization collects only the minimum amount of personal information from or about children that is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Organization's Programs. The Organization does not condition a child's participation in any activity on the disclosure of more personal information than is reasonably necessary.
6. Disclosure of Information
The Organization may disclose personal information to third parties only in the following limited circumstances:
(a) to third-party service providers who assist in the operation of the Site or the administration of the Programs, provided such providers are contractually obligated to protect the confidentiality of the information and to use it solely for the purposes for which it was disclosed;
(b) as required by applicable law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request;
(c) to enforce these Terms, this Policy, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Organization, its Users, or others; and
(d) with the express written consent of the parent or legal guardian.
7. Data Security
The Organization implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure. While the Organization strives to protect your personal information, the Organization cannot guarantee the absolute security of any information transmitted to or stored by the Organization.
8. Data Retention
The Organization retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, to comply with applicable legal obligations, or as otherwise required or permitted by law. When personal information is no longer needed, the Organization will take reasonable steps to securely delete or de-identify such information.
9. Parental and Guardian Rights
A parent or legal guardian has the following rights with respect to the personal information of their minor child that has been submitted to the Organization:
(a) Right to Review: A parent or legal guardian may request to review the personal information the Organization has collected about their minor child.
(b) Right to Deletion: A parent or legal guardian may request that the Organization delete any and all personal information that has been submitted to the Organization regarding their minor child and/or the parent or guardian. Upon receipt of a verified request for deletion, the Organization will delete the requested information from its systems within a reasonable period of time, except to the extent that retention is required by law or necessary to fulfill a legitimate organizational purpose.
(c) Right to Refuse Further Collection: A parent or legal guardian may refuse to permit further collection or use of their minor child's personal information. Such refusal may result in the Organization's inability to process or continue to process the application or to allow the child's participation in any Program.
(d) Right to Withdraw Consent: A parent or legal guardian may withdraw consent previously provided for the collection and use of their minor child's personal information at any time by contacting the Organization at the contact information provided below.
To exercise any of the above rights, the parent or legal guardian must submit a written request to the Organization. The Organization may require verification of the requestor's identity and authority before processing any such request.
10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
The Site may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance User experience and to collect usage data as described in Section 2.2. You may manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features of the Site. The Organization does not use cookies or tracking technologies to collect personal information from children for advertising or marketing purposes.
11. Do Not Track Signals
The Site does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals transmitted by web browsers. However, the Organization does not engage in online behavioral tracking of Users across third-party websites.
12. Third-Party Links and Services
The Site may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by the Organization. This Policy does not apply to the practices of any third party. The Organization is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of any third-party websites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites or services you visit.
13. Modifications to This Privacy Policy
The Organization reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, amend, or update this Policy at any time. Any modifications will be effective upon posting the revised Policy on the Site or upon such other form of notice as the Organization may provide. Your continued use of the Site, continued participation in any Program, or continued engagement with the Organization following the posting of any modifications constitutes your acceptance of and agreement to the modified Policy. It is your responsibility to review this Policy periodically. In the event of any material changes to this Policy that affect the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information of children under the age of 13, the Organization will use reasonable efforts to provide direct notice to the applicable parent or legal guardian and obtain new verifiable parental consent where required by COPPA.
14. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the Organization's data practices, including requests to review, delete, or limit the use of your or your child's personal information, please contact us at:
Mileva Project
info@milevaproject.org
+1(630) 339-4755