PRIVACY POLICY
OUR COMMITMENT TO PRIVACY
The National Heirs of Excellence Foundation values the trust of its members, donors, volunteers, program participants, and website visitors. We are committed to protecting your personal information and maintaining transparency regarding how information is collected, used, and safeguarded. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding information collected through our website, programs, events, memberships, and other Foundation activities.
INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We may collect information voluntarily provided by visitors, members, donors, participants, parents or guardians, and supporters. This information may include:
• Name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Mailing address
• Membership information
• Donation information
• Event registration information
• Program application information
• Newsletter subscription information
We only collect information necessary to operate our programs, services, events, memberships, and communications.
We may also receive limited transaction-related information from payment processors necessary to confirm donations, memberships, registrations, or other payments.
HOW WE USE INFORMATION
Information collected may be used to:
• Process memberships and donations
• Register participants for programs and events
• Communicate organizational updates and announcements
• Respond to inquiries and requests
• Administer Foundation programs and services
• Improve the visitor experience on our website
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
The Foundation uses information solely for purposes related to its mission and operations.
Payment Processing
Online donations, memberships, registrations, and other payments may be processed through trusted third-party providers, including Zeffy and other approved payment processors.
The National Heirs of Excellence Foundation does not store complete credit card or banking information on its website servers.
By submitting payment through our website, users acknowledge that transaction processing is governed by the policies and security practices of the applicable payment provider. We encourage users to review the privacy and security policies of Zeffy and any other payment platform used by the Foundation.
Information Sharing
The Foundation does not sell, rent, trade, or otherwise distribute personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
Information may only be shared when required by law, necessary to administer Foundation programs and services, or with trusted service providers assisting in the operation of the Foundation.
Any information shared is limited to what is reasonably necessary to fulfill those purposes.
youth Privacy
The National Heirs of Excellence Foundation is a youth-serving organization whose programs, events, mentorship initiatives, leadership experiences, educational activities, and scholarship opportunities are designed primarily for children and teens under the age of 18.
The Foundation requires the consent and involvement of a parent or legal guardian for participation in programs, events, competitions, mentorship initiatives, conferences, and other activities involving minors. No youth participant under the age of 18 may enroll, register, or participate without the appropriate parent or guardian authorization required by the Foundation.
We are committed to protecting the privacy, safety, and well-being of all youth participants and their families. Information collected from or about minors is used solely for program administration, communication, participation management, safety, and other purposes directly related to the Foundation's mission and activities.
Parents and guardians who have questions regarding information associated with a minor participant may contact the Foundation using the contact information provided in this Privacy Policy.
Data Security
The National Heirs of Excellence Foundation takes reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to safeguard personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, misuse, or loss.
Information may be stored or processed through trusted third-party service providers used to support the Foundation's operations, including website, payment processing, communications, and event management platforms.
While no method of electronic transmission, storage, or processing can be guaranteed to be completely secure, the Foundation strives to maintain appropriate security practices consistent with the nature of the information collected and the services provided.
Cookies & Analytics
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, understand visitor usage, and enhance the user experience. Users may disable cookies through their browser settings, although some website features may not function properly.
Photography, Video, & Media Releases
Participation in Foundation programs, events, conferences, pageants, mentorship initiatives, educational activities, community service projects, and related activities may involve photography, videography, audio recording, livestreaming, or other forms of media documentation.
For participants under the age of 18, a signed Parent/Guardian Consent Form and Media Release Form are required prior to participation. No minor may participate in Foundation activities without the required permissions and authorizations established by the Foundation.
By signing the Foundation's Media Release Form, participants and/or their parent or legal guardian grant permission to the National Heirs of Excellence Foundation to photograph, record, reproduce, publish, distribute, and otherwise use approved images, video recordings, audio recordings, testimonials, names, likenesses, and related content for educational, promotional, historical, fundraising, marketing, archival, and organizational purposes.
All photographs, videos, recordings, and other media created, captured, or produced by or on behalf of the Foundation become the property of the National Heirs of Excellence Foundation and may be used in current and future Foundation publications, websites, social media platforms, promotional materials, reports, presentations, historical archives, and other official Foundation communications, unless otherwise prohibited by law or specifically restricted in writing by the Foundation.
Questions regarding media releases or the use of participant images may be directed to the Foundation using the contact information provided in this Privacy Policy.
Email Opt-Out
Individuals may unsubscribe from Foundation communications at any time using the unsubscribe instructions provided in email communications.
Contact Information
National Heirs of Excellence Foundation
P.O. Box 2202
Suffolk, Virginia 23432
Email: info@heirsofexcellence.org
Website: www.heirsofexcellence.org
Questions regarding this Privacy Policy may be directed to the Foundation using the contact information above.
Last Updated: June 2, 2026