We use your personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

The Hormel Foundation is committed to safeguarding the privacy of our users. We want to assure you that we do not share your personal information with third parties. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect the information you provide to us.

INFORMATION COLLECTION:

We collect only the information necessary to provide and improve our services. This may include your name, email address and phone number. We do not sell, rent, or share this information with any third parties.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION:

The information collected is used solely for communicating with you as the intended party. We do not share your information with external parties for marketing or any other purposes.

 We may use personal data for the following purposes:

 • To provide and maintain our service, including to monitor the usage of our service.

 • To manage your Account: to manage your registration as a user of the Service. The Personal Data you provide can give you access to different functionalities of the Service that are available to you as a registered user.

 • To contact You: To contact you by email, telephone calls, SMS, or other equivalent forms of electronic communication, such as a mobile application's push notifications regarding updates or informative communications related to the functionalities, products or contracted services, including the security updates, when necessary or reasonable for their implementation.

 • To manage your requests: To attend and manage your requests to us.

All messages you send through the Service, whether to us or other users, are stored on our servers.  The Hormel Foundation employs servers and services owned by third parties to retain these messages.

SMS DISCLOSURE

By reaching us by SMS or providing your cell phone number through our grant application process, you agree to receive recurring messages from The Hormel Foundation. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency depends on your interactions and preferences. You can reply STOP to opt-out of future messages or HELP for more information.

DISCLOSURE OF YOUR INFORMATION

The Hormel Foundation does not share any client data with third parties for marketing, promotional purposes, or any other purposes. Your personal information is kept confidential and is not disclosed to any outside organization, except as required by law or with your explicit consent. We may disclose your personal Information under the following limited circumstances: 

• We have obtained your consent.

• We need to enforce our Terms of Service.

• We share information with partners or affiliates that have signed non-disclosure agreements with us only to provide you with a specific service.

• We may provide such information to a company controlled by or under common control with The Hormel Foundation for any purpose allowed by this Policy.

• We respond to subpoenas, court orders, or legal processes, or to establish or exercise our legal rights, or the legal rights of others, or defend against legal claims.

• When we believe it is necessary to disclose Personal Information to investigate, prevent, or take action regarding illegal activities, suspected fraud, potential threats to anyone’s physical safety, violations of The Hormel Foundation’s Terms of Service, or as otherwise required by law.

• We transfer Personal Information about you if The Hormel Foundation or its assets are acquired by or merged with another company.

We may share aggregated, non-identifiable information with others without further notice to you, such as the total number of people who used the Service in a specific month or the total number of messages sent during a particular period.

INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Your Personal Information may be transferred to and processed in locations outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction. We take steps to ensure that your data is handled securely and in line with this Policy, regardless of where it is processed.

DATA RETENTION

We retain your Personal Information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. We will also retain and use your Personal Information as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

Our Service may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small text files placed on your device to collect information about your activity on the Service. You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of the page or Service.

YOUR CHOICES:

You have the right to access, correct, or delete your information. If you have any concerns or questions about your data, please contact us at The Hormel Foundation, 507-437-9800, 329 N Main Street, Suite 102L, Austin, MN 55912.

Policy Changes:

We may update our privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be communicated to you, and your continued use of our services implies your acceptance of the updated policy. By using our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this privacy policy.

Last updated: May 23, 2025