Privacy Policy

blendVET Foundation

Effective Date: July 22, 2026

Last Updated: July 22, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to the website of (“blendVET Foundation,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).

We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of students, families, educators, volunteers, donors, veterinary professionals, and all individuals who interact with our programs, websites, and services. 

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information when you:

  • Visit our website at blendvetfoundation.org

  • Participate in our Youth Pathways, VETtalks, mentorship, volunteer, donor, scholarship, or educational programs

  • Register for events or communications

  • Make donations

  • Interact with us through social media, email, SMS, or other communications

By using our website or services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

A. Personal Information You Provide

Depending on your interaction with us, we may collect:

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Mailing address

  • Phone number

  • Date of birth or age range

  • School affiliation

  • Parent or guardian information

  • Volunteer application information

  • Donation and payment information

  • Event registration information

  • Demographic information voluntarily provided

  • Communications you send to us

B. Information Automatically Collected

When you use our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Device information

  • Operating system

  • Pages visited

  • Website usage data

  • Referral URLs

  • Cookie and analytics data

We may use cookies, pixels, analytics tools, and similar technologies to improve user experience and website performance.

C. Information Related to Minors

Because our programs support K–12 students and youth career exploration, we may collect limited information about minors participating in our programs.

We only collect information reasonably necessary to provide educational programming, mentorship opportunities, event participation, volunteer coordination, and related nonprofit activities.

Where legally required, parental or guardian consent will be obtained before collecting personal information from children.

3. How We Use Information

We may use collected information to:

  • Operate and improve our programs and website

  • Register students, volunteers, donors, and participants

  • Coordinate mentorship and educational opportunities

  • Process donations and transactions

  • Respond to inquiries

  • Send newsletters, updates, and event communications

  • Conduct fundraising and donor engagement

  • Improve website functionality and analytics

  • Maintain security and prevent fraud

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Protect the safety of participants, staff, volunteers, and minors

4. SMS and Text Messaging

If you opt into SMS communications, you agree to receive recurring text messages from blendVET Foundation regarding events, reminders, updates, volunteer opportunities, and program communications through third-party vendors (e.g. Bugle).

Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary.

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.

We do not sell SMS consent or phone numbers to third parties.

5. Donations and Payment Information

Donations may be processed through secure third-party payment processors (e.g. Stripe).

blendVET Foundation does not store complete credit card information on our servers unless specifically disclosed.

Payment processors maintain their own privacy and security practices.

Charitable Contribution Information

blendVET Foundation (EIN: 39-2529851) is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

To the extent permitted by law, donations made to blendVET Foundation may be tax-deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding the deductibility of contributions.

No goods or services were provided in exchange for contributions unless explicitly stated at the time of donation.

Donors may receive electronic or written acknowledgments for tax reporting purposes.

6. How We Share Information

We do not sell personal information.

We may share information with:

  • Service providers and vendors assisting with website hosting, analytics, communications, payments, or event management

  • Educational and veterinary partners involved in programming

  • Volunteers, mentors, and facilitators as necessary for program participation

  • Legal authorities if required by law

  • Professional advisors such as attorneys, auditors, or insurers

  • Successor organizations in the event of merger, restructuring, or organizational transfer

All volunteers, mentors, and staff with access to sensitive participant information are expected to follow confidentiality and data protection practices consistent with blendVET Foundation policies.

All third parties are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security protections.

Volunteer Screening and Background Checks

blendVET Foundation may use third-party background screening providers to conduct volunteer, mentor, staff, or program participant screenings where permitted or required by law.

For these purposes, we may share limited personal information necessary to process screenings, including:

  • Full name

  • Date of birth

  • Contact information

  • Government-issued identification information where required

  • Screening authorization forms

Background checks are currently processed through Sterling Volunteers.

Screening providers maintain their own privacy and security practices and may retain information in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Individuals subject to screening may be required to provide separate authorization and consent forms prior to processing.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our programs are designed to support youth interested in veterinary medicine. We take children’s privacy seriously.

For users under 13 years old, we strive to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) and applicable state laws.

Parents or guardians may contact us to:

  • Review information collected about their child

  • Request deletion of information

  • Withdraw consent

  • Ask questions about youth privacy practices

If we learn that information was collected from a child without appropriate authorization where required, we will take reasonable steps to delete the information.

8. Health and Accessibility Information

blendVET Foundation may collect limited health-related or accessibility-related information from participants, volunteers, parents, guardians, or program attendees for safety, accommodation, and program accessibility purposes.

Examples may include:

  • Food allergies

  • Medication allergy information

  • Emergency medical considerations

  • Dietary restrictions

  • Accessibility accommodation requests

  • Mobility, sensory, or communication needs

  • Other self-disclosed information relevant to safe participation in programs or events

This information is collected solely for legitimate program administration, participant safety, emergency response, accessibility planning, and accommodation purposes.

Access to such information is limited to personnel, volunteers, contractors, or program partners with a legitimate need to know.

HIPAA Disclaimer

blendVET Foundation is generally not a “Covered Entity” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), and information submitted to the Foundation may not constitute Protected Health Information (“PHI”) under HIPAA regulations.

However, we recognize the sensitive nature of health-related and accessibility-related information and take reasonable steps to safeguard such information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.

Participants and parents/guardians are encouraged not to submit unnecessary medical information beyond what is reasonably required for safe participation and accommodation purposes.

In the event of a medical emergency, relevant information may be shared with emergency responders, medical personnel, event staff, or guardians when reasonably necessary to protect health or safety.

9. Student and Educational Information (FERPA Notice)

blendVET Foundation may partner with schools, educational institutions, educators, counselors, and academic programs in connection with youth outreach, mentorship, career exploration, educational programming, and veterinary pathway initiatives.

In certain circumstances, the Foundation may receive or process limited student-related information, including:

  • Student names

  • Grade levels

  • School affiliations

  • Program participation records

  • Educational interests or pathway information

Where applicable, blendVET Foundation seeks to handle educational information in a manner consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and other applicable student privacy laws.

Educational records received directly from schools or educational institutions will only be used for authorized educational or programmatic purposes.

blendVET Foundation does not knowingly request confidential educational records unless necessary for program administration or authorized educational partnerships.

Parents, guardians, and eligible students should direct formal FERPA record requests to the originating educational institution when appropriate.

10. Photos, Videos, and Media Releases

blendVET Foundation may photograph or record events, educational programs, volunteer activities, and mentorship experiences for educational, promotional, fundraising, and reporting purposes.

Where required, we will obtain signed media release authorization forms from participants or parents/guardians.

Participants may request removal of identifiable media by contacting us.

11. Cookies and Analytics

We may use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Improve website functionality

  • Understand website traffic and engagement

  • Personalize user experiences

  • Analyze program effectiveness

Users may disable cookies through browser settings, though some website functionality may be limited.

We may use analytics providers such as Google Analytics, Metricool, or similar services.

12. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information.

However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

13. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary to:

  • Operate programs

  • Fulfill legal obligations

  • Maintain nonprofit records

  • Resolve disputes

  • Enforce agreements

  • Protect participant safety

Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and applicable legal requirements.

14. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your state or country of residence, you may have rights to:

  • Access personal information

  • Correct inaccurate information

  • Request deletion

  • Opt out of marketing communications

  • Restrict certain processing activities

  • Request data portability

  • Withdraw consent

California residents may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA/CPRA”).

To exercise privacy rights, contact us using the information below.

15. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, sponsors, partners, educational resources, or social media platforms.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.

16. International Users

If you access our website outside the United States, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States.

17. Accessibility Statement

blendVET Foundation is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities.

We strive to improve the user experience for everyone and aim to follow applicable accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA where reasonably feasible.

If you experience difficulty accessing any part of our website, materials, programs, or services, please contact us so we can provide assistance or alternative accommodations.

Accessibility Contact:hello@blendvetfoundation.org

We welcome feedback regarding accessibility improvements and will make reasonable efforts to address accessibility concerns promptly

18. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

Updated versions will be posted on our website with a revised “Last Updated” date.

19. Contact Information

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or privacy practices, contact:

blendVET Foundation

9722 Gaston Rd

Suite 150-144

Katy, TX 77494

Email: hello@blendvetfoundation.org

Website: blendvetfoundation.org