Foster Avenue Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 16, 2026
Last Updated: January 16, 2026
Who We Are
Foster Avenue is a fundraising consulting firm specializing in integrated campaign counsel and creative communications. We serve universities, healthcare systems, and cultural institutions conducting comprehensive fundraising campaigns. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit our website, contact us for consulting services, or engage with our content.
Foster Avenue, Inc.
Post Office Box 1139
State College, PA 16804-1139
Email: contact@fosteravenue.com
Privacy Inquiries: contact@fosteravenue.com
Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
When you contact Foster Avenue through our website, request information about our services, or subscribe to our newsletter, we may collect:
-Name and professional title
-Email address and phone number
-Institution name and sector (education, healthcare, cultural)
-Campaign-related information you choose to share (goals, timeline, current challenges)
-Any other information you voluntarily provide in contact forms or email correspondence
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information through standard web analytics:
-Browser type and version
-Device type and operating system
-IP address (anonymized for analytics purposes)
-Pages visited and time spent on each page
-Referring website or search terms
-Geographic location (city/region level only, not precise location)
This information helps us understand how visitors use our website and improve user experience. We do not use this data to identify individual visitors.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
Client Development and Service Delivery:
-Responding to consultation requests and service inquiries
-Understanding your institution’s campaign needs to provide relevant information
-Scheduling discovery calls or meetings
-Providing customized service recommendations
Communications:
-Sending newsletters, thought leadership content, and campaign insights (only if you’ve subscribed)
-Following up on consultation requests
-Sharing relevant case studies or resources based on your expressed interests
Website Improvement:
-Analyzing website traffic patterns to improve user experience
-Understanding which content is most valuable to visitors
-Optimizing site performance and navigation
-Testing new features and content approaches
Legal Compliance:
-Meeting regulatory requirements
-Protecting our legal rights and preventing fraud
-Complying with lawful requests from authorities
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
Client Development and Service Delivery:
-Responding to consultation requests and service inquiries
-Understanding your institution’s campaign needs to provide relevant information
-Scheduling discovery calls or meetings
-Providing customized service recommendations
Communications:
-Sending newsletters, thought leadership content, and campaign insights (only if you’ve subscribed)
-Following up on consultation requests
-Sharing relevant case studies or resources based on your expressed interests
Website Improvement:
-Analyzing website traffic patterns to improve user experience
-Understanding which content is most valuable to visitors
-Optimizing site performance and navigation
-Testing new features and content approaches
Legal Compliance:
-Meeting regulatory requirements
-Protecting our legal rights and preventing fraud
-Complying with lawful requests from authorities
Third-Party Services We Use
These services may collect or process visitor data according to their own privacy policies:
Website Infrastructure:
-WordPress: Content management system and website hosting
-Elementor: Website design and page building platform
-Your hosting provider: Website hosting and server management
Analytics and Performance:
-Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis and user behavior insights Google Analytics Privacy Policy
Data collected includes page views, traffic sources, user demographics (aggregate level)
You can opt out using Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
Communications:
-Mailchimp: Newsletter delivery and email communications
-Gravity Forms (WordPress plugin): Processing website contact form submissions
Marketing and Advertising:
-Retention.com: Helps us deliver relevant content based on visitor interests
You may opt out at https://app.retention.com/optout
Each of these providers maintains its own privacy policy and data handling practices. We select partners that demonstrate strong data protection standards and limit data sharing to only what’s necessary for service delivery.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by websites you visit. They help websites remember your preferences and understand how you use the site.
How We Use Cookies
Our website uses cookies for the following purposes:
Essential Cookies (Required for Site Functionality):
-Session management and security
-Maintaining your preferences during your visit
-Remembering form inputs to prevent data loss
Analytics Cookies (Help Us Improve):
-Google Analytics tracking to understand website performance
-Measuring which content is most valuable to visitors
-Identifying technical issues or user experience problems
Marketing Cookies (Optional):
-Retention.com for personalized content recommendations
-Remembering your newsletter subscription preferences
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through settings. You can:
-Block all cookies: Settings → Privacy → Block all cookies
-Delete existing cookies: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
-Opt out of specific services: Use the links provided above for Google Analytics and Retention.com
Note: Blocking essential cookies may limit your ability to use certain website features (such as contact forms or saved preferences).
Data Security
We take reasonable precautions to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Our security measures include:
-Secure hosting infrastructure with encryption
-Regular security updates and monitoring
-Limited access to personal data (only authorized team members)
-Secure data transmission protocols (HTTPS)
However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy:
Contact Form Submissions and Consultation Requests:
Retained for 24 months to support business development and potential future engagements. After this period, information is securely deleted unless you’ve become an active client (in which case separate client confidentiality agreements govern data handling).
Newsletter Subscribers:
Information is retained until you unsubscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any newsletter email.
Website Analytics Data:
Retained according to Google Analytics’ default retention periods (typically 26 months). This data is anonymized and cannot be used to identify individual visitors.
Client Engagement Data:
Once you become a client, separate confidentiality agreements govern how we handle your information. These agreements meet or exceed industry standards for professional services and comply with any regulatory requirements applicable to your sector (HIPAA for healthcare, FERPA for education, etc.).
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location and applicable privacy laws, you may have specific rights regarding your personal information.
For European Union Visitors (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Union, you have the following rights:
-Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
-Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
-Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal retention requirements)
-Right to Restriction: Request limited processing of your data
-Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
-Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
-Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (does not affect prior lawful processing)
-Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority
For California Residents (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have the right to:
-Know: What personal information we collect, use, and disclose
-Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
-Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of your personal information (Note: Foster Avenue does not sell personal data)
-Non-Discrimination: Receive equal service and pricing regardless of privacy choices
For All Visitors
Regardless of location, you can:
-Unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time
-Request deletion of contact form submissions
-Opt out of analytics tracking using browser settings or Google Analytics opt-out tools
-Contact us with questions about how we use your information
To exercise any of these rights, email us at: contact@fosteravenue.com with “Privacy Request” in the subject line. We will respond within 30 days.
Working with Regulated Industries
Many Foster Avenue clients operate in sectors subject to strict privacy regulations:
Healthcare (HIPAA): When working with healthcare institutions, we maintain Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) and comply with HIPAA requirements for protected health information. Website visitor data is handled separately and is not subject to HIPAA unless you become a client and share protected information through our client engagement process.
Education (FERPA): For higher education clients, we understand and comply with FERPA requirements regarding student information. Website contact forms do not collect student data.
General Confidentiality: All client engagements operate under separate confidentiality agreements that govern how we handle strategic campaign information, donor data, and institutional details. Website privacy practices described here apply only to public website visitors and general inquiries.
Children's Privacy
Foster Avenue’s services are designed for institutional decision-makers and advancement professionals. Our website is not directed to individuals under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at contact@fosteravenue.com. We will promptly delete such information from our systems.
Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to external sites, including:
-Client campaign websites we’ve created
-Partner websites (such as Marts & Lundy)
-Resources and publications we reference in blog posts
-Social media platforms
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any website you visit through links on our site.
Note: Links to third-party sites do not imply endorsement of their privacy practices or business operations.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or service offerings. When we make changes:
-The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page will be revised
-Material changes will be highlighted at the top of the policy for 30 days
-For significant changes affecting how we use personal information, we will notify active newsletter subscribers by email
-We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Note: Links to third-party sites do not imply endorsement of their privacy practices or business operations.
International Data Transfers
Foster Avenue is based in the United States. If you are visiting our website from outside the U.S., please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers and service providers are located.
By using our website, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States. We ensure that any international transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and maintain appropriate safeguards.
Business Transitions
In the event Foster Avenue is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will provide notice before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
Any successor organization will be required to honor the commitments made in this privacy policy or obtain your consent before making material changes to how your information is used.
By using our website, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States. We ensure that any international transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and maintain appropriate safeguards.
Privacy Policy FAQ
What information does Foster Avenue collect from website visitors?
We collect only information you voluntarily provide through contact forms, newsletter subscriptions, or consultation requests. This typically includes your name, email address, institution name, professional role, and any details you share about your campaign needs or questions. We also collect standard website analytics data (browser type, pages visited, time on site) through Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site and improve user experience.
Does Foster Avenue share my information with third parties?
No, we do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes. We only share information with service providers who help us operate our website (such as hosting, analytics, and email delivery), and only to the extent necessary for those specific services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the purposes we specify. We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect our legal rights.
How long does Foster Avenue retain my information?
Contact form submissions and consultation requests are retained for 24 months to support our business development and client relationship processes. If you become a client during this period, separate confidentiality agreements govern data retention. Newsletter subscriber information is retained until you unsubscribe using the link in any email. Website analytics data is anonymized and retained according to Google Analytics’ standard 26-month retention period.
How can I update or delete my information?
You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information at any time by emailing contact@fosteravenue.com with “Privacy Request” in the subject line. Please include your full name and the specific information you’d like to access, correct, or delete. We will respond to your request within 30 days. For newsletter unsubscriptions, you can use the one-click unsubscribe link at the bottom of any newsletter email.
Does Foster Avenue work with clients subject to HIPAA, FERPA, or other privacy regulations?
Yes, many of our clients operate in regulated sectors including healthcare (subject to HIPAA) and higher education (subject to FERPA). While this website privacy policy covers public website visitors and general inquiries, our client engagements operate under separate, more stringent confidentiality agreements that meet or exceed regulatory requirements for each sector. We do not collect protected health information or student records through our website.
Does Foster Avenue use my information for marketing or advertising?
We use your contact information only to respond to your specific inquiries, provide information about our services that you’ve requested, and send newsletters if you’ve subscribed. We do not purchase third-party marketing lists, and we do not share your information with advertising networks. The only “advertising” you might see is occasional remarketing (if you’ve visited our website, you might see Foster Avenue content on other sites), which you can opt out of through browser settings or the Retention.com opt-out page.
How does Foster Avenue protect confidential client information?
This privacy policy covers website visitors and general prospects. Once you become a client, we operate under separate Client Confidentiality Agreements that provide significantly stronger protections. These agreements govern how we handle campaign strategy, donor information, financial data, and other sensitive institutional details. We maintain the same confidentiality standards used by major consulting firms and comply with all sector-specific regulations applicable to your institution. Client data is never used for marketing purposes or shared with other prospects.
What if I have questions not answered here?
Contact us at contact@fosteravenue.com with any privacy-related questions. For general business inquiries, see our Contact page. For information about how we work with clients and protect confidential campaign information, we’re happy to discuss our practices during a consultation call.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Foster Avenue, Inc.
Post Office Box 1139
State College, PA 16804-1139
Email: contact@fosteravenue.com
Privacy Requests: contact@fosteravenue.com (Subject: “Privacy Request”)