Privacy Policy & POPIA
Privacy Policy
The Thinking Fund acknowledges that it is fully compliant and adheres to the Protection of Personal Information Act no. 4 of 2013 (POPIA), as amended.
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At The Thinking Fund, we are deeply committed to protecting the privacy of our donors, partners, participants, and anyone who engages with our programs or services.
The Thinking Fund is the sole owner of all information collected through our website and related platforms. We do not share, sell, or distribute any personal or financial information provided to us whether through donations, event participation, or program registration except as outlined in our official Disclosure of Information.
If you would like more information about The Thinking Fund’s POPIA-compliant Privacy Policy, our Code of Conduct, or Internal Complaint Resolution Procedures, please contact us via email.
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At The Thinking Fund, we treat every individual with the same care and respect we would expect for ourselves. We value your privacy and your trust and we are committed to making your experience with us secure, transparent, and positive.
Disclosure of Information
Privacy Statement
This privacy statement outlines the privacy practices of thethinkingfund.org.za. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this statement, please contact us via email at hello@thethinkingfund.co.za.
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Protection of Children’s Information
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In accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), The Thinking Fund will never knowingly collect information from, or market its services to, children under the age of 13.
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Collection and Use of Personal Information
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All personal information submitted via email, registration form, contact form, online application, or newsletter subscription remains the property of The Thinking Fund. This information is used solely for communication purposes and to assist with service delivery, event coordination, donations, reporting, and related operational activities such as invoicing and correspondence.
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In some cases, we may use trusted software platforms or third-party tools to process your information for application, registration, claims, or general management purposes. This will always be done in strict accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
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Third-Party Submissions and Consent
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Any personally identifiable information submitted on your behalf (for example, by a donor, partner, or representative), is handled with the same level of care and confidentiality as directly submitted information. If The Thinking Fund ever intends to use your information in a way different from the original purpose of collection, we will notify you in writing and request your explicit consent.
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You have full discretion to approve or decline any such use.
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Policy Changes and Notifications
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Should we make material changes to our privacy practices, we will post a prominent notice on our website. If you’ve opted in to receive communications, we will also notify you via email about the changes.
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Cookies and Website Tracking
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To improve your experience, The Thinking Fund may use "cookies" to track general website usage. These cookies do not collect personal information and expire when you leave the site. Cookies help us understand traffic patterns, such as the referring page, time and date of visit, and IP address. This anonymous data assists us in refining our website to enhance your user experience.
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Online Communication
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When using chat features or messaging tools to communicate with us, your interaction remains private and one-on-one. No screen names or chat content are recorded or shared.
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External Website Links
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Our website may occasionally include links to third-party websites. Please note that The Thinking Fund is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any third-party platforms before engaging with their services.
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Internal Access Control
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To further protect your privacy, access to your personal information is strictly limited within our organisation. Only authorised individuals who require the data to support you or carry out essential functions have access.
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Surveys and Feedback
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Occasionally, we may request additional feedback or information via voluntary surveys. These help us understand our community better and improve our programs and services. Participation is optional, and responses are treated confidentially.
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Communication and Opt-Out
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From time to time, we may contact you regarding news, updates, or initiatives related to The Thinking Fund. If you no longer wish to receive these communications, you may opt out at any time by contacting us directly or unsubscribing via provided links.
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Contacting the Information Regulator
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If you believe your personal information has been handled improperly, or you would like to lodge a complaint, you may contact the Information Regulator of South Africa:
Website: https://inforegulator.org.za
Email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za​​
Please feel free to contact us first to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.