Cookies Policy

The Tolen Foundation is committed to transparency, privacy, and the highest standards of data protection. We use cookies and similar technologies only as necessary to provide a safe, accessible, and effective experience—never to collect or infer sensitive information about your circumstances. You have full control over your cookie preferences at all times.

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Cookies Policy of The Tolen Foundation (“we,” “us,” or “our”). As an unincorporated non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those financially impacted by a loved one’s addiction, we prioritize your privacy and dignity. This policy explains how we use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website, how you can manage your preferences, and how these practices align with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They help websites remember your actions and preferences (such as login, language, and accessibility settings) over a period of time.
We also use similar technologies, including:

Web Beacons/Pixels: Tiny images or scripts that monitor website usage or email engagement.
Local Storage: Browser-based storage for preferences or accessibility settings.
Embedded Scripts: Code that enables interactive features or analytics.
UTM Codes: URL parameters used to track the effectiveness of outreach campaigns.

These technologies help us improve your experience, ensure site security, and understand how our resources are used.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following categories of cookies:

Category	Description	Consent Required?
Strictly Necessary	Essential for website operation (e.g., session management, security, accessibility).	No
Functional/Preference	Remember your choices (e.g., language, accessibility, form preferences).	Yes
Analytics/Performance	Help us understand how visitors use our site (e.g., Google Analytics).	Yes (opt-in for EU/UK, opt-out for US)
Marketing/Targeting	Track engagement for donation drives or advocacy campaigns (rarely used; see below).	Yes (explicit)

4. Cookie Inventory Table

Cookie Name	Provider	Purpose	Type/Category	First/Third Party	Expiry/Duration
PHPSESSID	Tolen Foundation	Maintains user session	Strictly Necessary	First	Session
pll_language	Tolen Foundation	Remembers language preference	Functional	First	1 year
_ga	Google Analytics	Distinguishes users for analytics	Analytics	Third	2 years
_gid	Google Analytics	Tracks user session for analytics	Analytics	Third	24 hours
_fbp*	Meta (Facebook)	Tracks visits for donation campaigns	Marketing	Third	3 months
localStorage	Tolen Foundation	Stores accessibility settings	Functional	First	Persistent
*Marketing/Targeting cookies are only used if we run specific donation or advocacy campaigns.
Note: Actual cookies in use may vary; this table is updated regularly.

5. Similar Tracking Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use:

Web Beacons/Pixels: For aggregate analytics or campaign measurement.
Local Storage: To remember accessibility or display preferences.
UTM Codes: To track the effectiveness of outreach links (no personal data stored).
Embedded Scripts: For site functionality and analytics.

These technologies do not collect sensitive personal information and are governed by this policy.

6. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party providers (e.g., Google Analytics, Meta/Facebook) to help us understand website usage or measure campaign effectiveness. These providers have their own privacy and cookie policies:

We do not control third-party cookies and encourage you to review their policies for more information.

7. Cookie Lifespan and Data Retention

Session Cookies: Expire when you close your browser (e.g., PHPSESSID).
Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period (e.g., _ga for 2 years, pll_language for 1 year).
Local Storage: Remains until you clear your browser data.

All data collected via cookies is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is retained only as long as necessary for the stated purposes.

8. How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences

You have full control over your cookie settings:

a. Cookie Consent Banner/Preference Center

On your first visit, you’ll see a banner allowing you to:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customize your preferences by category

You can update your preferences at any time via the “Cookie Settings” link in our website footer.

b. Browser Controls

You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. Here are guides for major browsers:

c. Third-Party Opt-Outs

d. Withdrawing Consent

You can withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time using our preference center. Withdrawing consent will not affect the operation of essential cookies.

e. Global Privacy Control (GPC)

We honor browser-based opt-out signals such as Global Privacy Control (GPC) where required by law.

9. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

We comply with all applicable cookie and privacy laws, including:

US Standard: Opt-out model for non-essential cookies; cookies may load by default, but you can opt out at any time.
GDPR/ePrivacy (EU/UK): If you are located in the EU/UK, we require your opt-in consent before setting non-essential cookies.
Oregon OCPA & Colorado CPA: As a non-profit, we honor opt-out requests and require opt-in for any sensitive data (which we do not collect via cookies).
Sensitive Data: We do not use cookies or tracking technologies to collect or infer sensitive personal information (e.g., addiction, financial victimization). Any sensitive data you provide is handled per our Privacy Policy and never via cookies.
Children: Our website is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect cookie-based data from minors.

10. Special Sensitivity Notice

Key Finding:
Consistent with our trauma-informed, person-centered mission, The Tolen Foundation does not use cookies or tracking technologies to collect, infer, or profile sensitive information about your addiction-related circumstances or financial victimization. Your privacy, dignity, and trust are our highest priorities.

11. Changes to This Cookies Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date. We recommend reviewing this policy periodically.Effective Date: 01/01/2024
Last Updated: 07/25/2026

12. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your cookie preferences, please contact:
The Tolen Foundation
[Insert Mailing Address]
[Insert Email Address]
[Insert Phone Number]

📋 Summary Table: Your Cookie Choices at a Glance

What We Do	Your Rights & Controls
Use only necessary cookies by default	Accept, reject, or customize cookies
Never use cookies for sensitive data	Withdraw consent at any time
Provide clear cookie inventory	Manage cookies via browser or preference center
Honor legal opt-in/opt-out standards	Access third-party opt-out tools
Update policy regularly	Contact us with questions or requests

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