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Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 22, 2025

Who we are

International Dark Sky Discovery Center (“IDSDC,” “we,” “our,” “us”). Website: https://darkskycenter.org.
Contact: info@darkskycenter.org or “Privacy, IDSDC, 12845 N. La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268” (postal mail).

Scope

This policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information when you visit our website, make a donation or purchase, sign up for programs or events, subscribe to email or SMS/text updates, or interact with us in person or online.

What we collect

Information you provide

  • Contact details (name, email, phone number, address).

  • Account/profile info (if you create an account).

  • Donation, membership, or purchase details (amounts, items, designations; payment is processed by our payment providers—IDSDC does not store full card numbers).

  • Program/event registrations, volunteer applications, job applications.

  • Communications and preferences (email/SMS opt-ins, form messages).

  • User-generated content (e.g., comments, survey responses).

Information collected automatically

  • Device and browsing data (IP address, browser, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, timestamps).

  • Cookies and similar technologies for essential site functions, analytics, and user preferences. See “Cookies & similar technologies.”

Information from third parties

  • Service providers (e.g., CRM, email/SMS platforms, payment processors, analytics).

  • Public sources and social platforms (when you interact with our pages or embeds).

How we use information

  • Provide and improve our website, programs, events, and visitor services.

  • Process donations, memberships, purchases, registrations, and tax acknowledgments/receipts.

  • Communicate about news, programs, fundraising, advocacy, volunteer opportunities, and operational updates (email/SMS—only if you’ve opted in where required).

  • Personalize content and measure engagement (analytics).

  • Ensure security, prevent fraud/abuse, comply with law, and maintain records.

SMS/text communications

If you opt in to receive texts from us, we will send informational and/or promotional messages about IDSDC programs, events, fundraising, and alerts. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out anytime by replying STOP; reply HELP for help. See “SMS/Texting Terms & Conditions” for details.

Legal bases for processing (EEA/UK visitors)

We rely on one or more of: consent, performance of a contract, legal obligations, and our legitimate interests (e.g., site security, program administration, fundraising communications where permitted).

Cookies & similar technologies

We use essential cookies (security, log-in, load balancing), functional cookies (preferences), and analytics cookies (to understand traffic and improve the site). You can control cookies via your browser settings; blocking some cookies may affect site functionality. If you operate a WordPress login/account, WordPress may set additional cookies as described below.

WordPress comments & media (if enabled)

  • Comments: we collect the data shown in the comment form, IP address, and browser user-agent to help spam detection. After approval, your profile image (Gravatar) may appear next to your comment.

  • Media: avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS); visitors can download and extract location data from images on the site.

Analytics

We use privacy-respecting analytics services and/or platform analytics to understand site usage in aggregate. These services may set cookies or process device/IP information. We do not sell personal information.

How we share information

We share personal information with vendors acting on our behalf (“processors/service providers”), including: website hosting, CRM/databases, email/SMS platforms, payment processors, fulfillment, security/anti-spam, analytics, and professional advisors. We require them to use your information only to perform services for us. We may also share information to comply with law, enforce our policies, protect rights/safety, or as part of an organizational transition.

Retention

We retain information as long as needed for the purposes described above, including legal, tax, and accounting requirements (e.g., donation records are generally kept for 7 years). If you request deletion, we will honor it unless we must retain certain data (see “Your rights”).

Your rights & choices

  • Email: unsubscribe using the link in our emails.

  • SMS: reply STOP to opt out; HELP for help.

  • Cookies: control via your browser.

  • Access/Deletion/Correction: contact us at info@darkskycenter.orgto request a copy, correction, or deletion of your personal information. We will respond as required by applicable law.

  • California residents (CPRA): you may have rights to know, delete, correct, and limit use of sensitive personal information. We do not “sell” personal information or engage in cross-context behavioral advertising in a way that constitutes a “sale” under CPRA. Submit requests at info@darkskycenter.org.

  • EEA/UK residents (GDPR): you may have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict, port, or object. You may lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

Children’s privacy

Our site and programs are intended for general audiences. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information, contact us and we will delete it.

Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

International transfers

If you access the site from outside the United States, your information may be processed in the U.S. We use appropriate safeguards where required.

Do Not Track

We do not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Third-party links/embeds

Our site may link to or embed content from third-party sites/services that operate under their own policies. Review their privacy policies.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy. Revisions will be posted with a new “Last updated” date.

Contact us

Questions or requests: info@darkskycenter.org

Website Terms of Use

Last updated: October 22, 2025

By using darkskycenter.org you agree to these Terms and all applicable laws.

  • Content: Site content is provided “as is” for information and educational purposes. We may change content at any time.

  • Intellectual property: Unless otherwise noted, content is owned by IDSDC or used with permission. Do not reproduce without consent.

  • User submissions: If you submit comments or content, you grant IDSDC a non-exclusive license to display and moderate that content. We may remove content at our discretion.

  • Prohibited uses: No unlawful, harmful, or disruptive activity (including attempts to breach security).

  • Links/third parties: We are not responsible for third-party sites or services.

  • Disclaimer & limitation of liability: Site provided “as is” without warranties; IDSDC is not liable for indirect or consequential damages to the extent permitted by law.

  • Governing law: Arizona and applicable U.S. law.

  • Changes: We may update these Terms; continued use constitutes acceptance.

  • Contact: info@darkskycenter.org

SMS/Texting Terms & Conditions

Last updated: October 22, 2025

Program description
By opting in, you agree to receive SMS/text messages from International Dark Sky Discovery Center (“IDSDC”) about programs, events, alerts, and fundraising. Message frequency varies.

Opt-in
You may opt in by checking the consent box on our forms and submitting your mobile number, or by texting a designated keyword where offered. Consent is not required to make a donation or purchase. You must be the account holder or have permission.

Opt-out & help
Text STOP to end messages. After you send STOP, we may send a confirmation text. Text HELP for help or email info@darkskycenter.org.

Fees
Message and data rates may apply. Check your carrier plan.

Eligibility & supported carriers
U.S. mobile carriers only. Service may not be available on all carriers or in all areas. Delivery is not guaranteed.

Privacy
We use your mobile number to send texts you’ve requested/consented to and to manage your preferences. We do not sell personal information. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Changes & termination
We may change or end the program at any time, with or without notice, in compliance with law and carrier requirements.

Contact

info@darkskycenter.org