Empower Next Project ("Empower Next Project," "we," "us," or "our") is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization (EIN 39-3580172). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information across our website at empowernextproject.org, our donation process, our programs (including Empower Next Steps and Empower Next Breath), and the Sober Living Companion app, which we develop and operate.
1. Information we collect
Information you provide
- Contact & inquiry information — your name, email address, phone number, and the contents of messages you send through our contact form or by email.
- Donation information — donations are processed by our payment provider, Stripe. We receive confirmation of your gift and limited details (such as name and amount); your full card number is handled directly by Stripe and is not stored on our servers.
- Program applications — if you apply for an Empower Next Steps scholarship, you may provide treatment documentation, a recovery statement, and financial details. This information is sensitive and is handled with restricted access (see Section 5).
- Newsletter sign-ups — your email address if you opt in to event and fundraiser updates.
Information collected automatically
- Usage & device data — IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and similar analytics used to aggregate website traffic.
- Cookies — small files used to analyze traffic and improve the site. See Section 7.
2. How we use information
- To respond to inquiries and provide our programs and services.
- To process and acknowledge donations and issue tax-deduction receipts.
- To review and administer scholarship applications.
- To send updates about events and fundraisers (only if you opt in).
- To operate, secure, and improve our website and the Sober Living Companion app.
- To comply with legal, accounting, and regulatory obligations.
3. How we share information
We do not sell your personal information. We share it only:
- With service providers who help us operate (for example, Stripe for payments, and our website and email hosting providers), under contracts that limit their use of the information.
- With funded partner organizations (such as Roseville Recovery Center) only as needed to deliver a program you have applied for, and with your knowledge.
- When required by law, or to protect the safety, rights, or property of individuals and the public.
4. Donations & tax deductibility
Empower Next Project is a tax-exempt organization, and every donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You can verify our exemption status through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Payment card data is processed securely by Stripe under its own privacy policy.
5. How we protect information
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information, including encryption in transit, restricted role-based access, and limiting access to sensitive program and health-related information to authorized staff only. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, but we work to protect your information and review our practices regularly.
6. Your choices & rights
- Access & correction — you may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you, or ask us to correct it.
- Deletion — you may request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal and recordkeeping requirements.
- Marketing opt-out — you can unsubscribe from our emails at any time.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@empowernextproject.org.
7. Cookies
Our website uses cookies to analyze traffic and aggregate usage data so we can improve the site. Most browsers let you refuse or delete cookies; doing so may affect some site features.
8. Children's privacy
Our website and donation process are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without appropriate consent. Youth education programs are delivered through schools, families, or guardians. The Sober Living Companion app is intended for adult residents and operators of sober-living homes.
9. Third-party links
Our site links to partner organizations such as rosevillerecovery.com and soberlivingcompanion.com. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of websites we do not operate; please review their policies.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised version here with an updated "Last updated" date.
11. Contact us
Empower Next Project
Email: info@empowernextproject.org
Phone: 248.912.8523
EIN: 39-3580172
This Privacy Policy is provided for general informational purposes and should be reviewed by qualified legal counsel before publication to confirm it meets all applicable laws (including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and state privacy laws) for your specific operations.