Privacy Policy

1) Who we are

H M Tucker Inc is a New York nonprofit corporation that operates programs nationwide, including the Florida Education Grants program (the “Florida Chapter”). HM Tucker is the organization responsible for personal information collected through this website, our application and verification forms, and our donor services. Program operations for Florida are administered under HM Tucker’s policies and oversight.

How to contact us
Email: support@hmtuckerinc.org
Phone: 727-687-2768 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM ET)
Mailing: Florida statewide operations (request mailing address by email/phone)

Accessibility: If you need this policy in an alternate format, contact us using the info above. We aim to meet WCAG 2.1 AA.

1) Scope of this policy

This policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you:

  • visit our website and pages we host (the “Site”);

  • submit a grant application or upload verification documents;

  • sign up for updates or contact us by email, phone, text/SMS, or web forms.

No online donations or payments. We do not accept donations or payments through this Site and we do not request, collect, or store payment card data here. If we ever add online donations, we will update this policy and clearly identify the third-party processor.

2) Information we collect

2.1 Information you provide directly

  • Application data: name, contact details, date of birth, address, county, language preference, household size and income bracket, institution/program details, expected dates, personal statement, and (if applicable) parent/guardian information and consent.

  • Verification documents (Stage 2): government ID, proof of Florida residency, proof of enrollment/acceptance, and proof of income/need (e.g., FAFSA SAR, Pell letter, pay stubs, benefits letter, or self-attestation).

  • Communications: emails, texts, call notes, event sign-ups, and newsletter subscriptions.

  • Consent & signatures: typed name/date as e-signature; explicit consent to verify enrollment with institutions/National Student Clearinghouse.

2.2 Information collected automatically

When you use the Site, we (and service providers) may automatically collect device and browser type, IP address, pages visited, referring pages, approximate location (from IP), and cookie/analytics data. See Cookies & Analytics below.

2.3 Sensitive categories

We do not require immigration status and we do not sell personal data. We only request the minimum needed to evaluate eligibility and administer grants.

3) How we use information

We use personal information to:

  • Evaluate eligibility, verify enrollment/need, and administer grants;

  • Communicate about applications, requests for information, and decisions;

  • Produce de-identified, aggregated reports for donors/partners (we suppress small-n categories to protect privacy);

  • Operate, secure, and improve the Site (including troubleshooting and analytics);

  • Comply with legal, regulatory, audit, and recordkeeping obligations;

  • Prevent, detect, and investigate fraud or misuse.

Legal bases/authority (informational): your consent, our legitimate charitable interests in operating the program, and compliance with applicable laws.

4) How we share information

We share personal information only as needed to run our programs, comply with law, or with your consent:

  • Vendors/Processors: Reputable service providers (e.g., Squarespace for hosting; Formstack or Jotform for forms; Google Workspace for email/storage; secure file storage systems). These vendors process data under confidentiality and security obligations.

  • Schools/NSC (with consent): With your written consent, we may confirm enrollment/program/credential status with your institution(s) or the National Student Clearinghouse.

  • Reporting (de-identified): We may share aggregated, de-identified metrics with donors/partners and the public.

  • Legal/Compliance: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, subpoena, or to protect rights, safety, and integrity.

We do not accept payments on this Site and we do not share or store payment card information from this Site.

5) Donor privacy (offline giving only)

If you choose to support us offline (e.g., check, pledge form, or bank transfer coordinated by email/phone), we use donor details solely to acknowledge gifts, issue receipts, comply with audits, and provide impact updates if you opt in. We do not sell or trade donor lists. This Site does not collect or process payment card data.

6) SMS/Text, email, and phone communications

By providing contact details, you may receive messages about your application, verification, or updates. Text/SMS may be sent using automated technology; message/data rates may apply. Opt out of texts by replying STOP; opt out of non-essential emails via the unsubscribe link. We will still send essential messages (e.g., application status).

7) Cookies & analytics

We may use cookies or similar technologies for:

  • Essential operations (security, form submissions, load balancing);

  • Performance/analytics (to understand usage and improve the Site).

You can adjust browser settings to block cookies or use our Cookie Preferences link (if enabled). Blocking some cookies may affect site functionality.

8) Children’s privacy

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without verifiable parent/guardian consent. If you believe a child under 13 provided information without consent, contact us and we will take appropriate action. Applicants under 18 must include parent/guardian consent per the application form.

9) Data security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the data and consistent with applicable law, including New York’s SHIELD Act, to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of personal information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

10) Data retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to operate programs, comply with audits/legal obligations, and maintain accurate records. Verification materials are retained for the minimum period required for compliance/reporting and then securely deleted or archived.

11) Your choices & requests

Subject to applicable laws, you may request to:

  • Access or correct your information;

  • Delete your information (where legally permissible);

  • Withdraw consent (e.g., verification authorization, e-records/signature);

  • Change communication preferences (email/text/phone).

To make a request, email support@hmtuckerinc.org or call 727-687-2768. We may need to verify your identity and may be unable to delete data we must keep by law (e.g., audit/financial records).

12) International users

Our programs and data systems are operated in the United States. If you access the Site from outside the U.S., you understand your data will be processed in the U.S., where laws may differ from your country.

13) Third-party links & embedded services

The Site may link to or embed third-party services (e.g., video, maps). Your use of those features is governed by the third party’s terms and privacy policy. This Site does not embed payment processors and does not request payment card information.

14) Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted here with a new Effective date. If changes meaningfully affect how we use your data, we will provide additional notice where appropriate.

15) Questions or concerns

If you have questions about this policy or how we handle your information, contact:
support@hmtuckerinc.org • 727-687-2768 (Mon–Fri, 9–5 ET)