At Excellence Directory, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining your trust. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your personal information when you interact with our website, services, and ministry programs.

Our Privacy Commitment

We pledge to:

• Collect only the information necessary to serve you effectively
• Use your information solely for legitimate ministry and service purposes
• Protect your data with appropriate security measures
• Respect your choices about how your information is used
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Christian principles
• Be transparent about our data practices

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all personal information collected through our website, mobile applications, email communications, in-person interactions, events, and any other touchpoints with Excellence Directory.

We collect information to provide you with personalized services, spiritual support, and meaningful community connections. The information we collect falls into several categories:

Personal Information You Provide

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Profile Information: Business details, church affiliation, ministry information
• Statement of Faith: Your submitted faith statement for Golden Cross verification
• Communication Preferences: Newsletter subscriptions, notification settings
• Service Information: Business services offered, professional credentials

Automatically Collected Information

• Website Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, screen resolution
• Location Information: General geographic location (city/state level)
• Communication Data: Email open rates, link clicks, response patterns

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from trusted partners such as:

• Social media platforms (when you interact with our content)
• Event registration services
• Payment processors for subscription processing
• Partner ministries (with your consent)

We use your information to serve you better, strengthen our community, and fulfill our ministry mission. Our uses include:

Primary Platform Purposes

• Directory Services: Connecting consumers with Christian professionals and businesses
• Verification: Processing Golden Cross verification for organizations
• Communication: Enabling messaging between users, sending newsletters and updates
• Event Management: Coordinating programs, registrations, and follow-up
• Account Management: Managing subscriptions and user accounts

Operational Purposes

• Platform Improvement: Analyzing usage to enhance user experience
• Security: Protecting against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory and legal requirements
• Research: Understanding community needs and platform effectiveness
• Support: Providing customer service and technical assistance

Communication Preferences

We respect your communication preferences and provide options to:

• Choose types of communications you wish to receive
• Set frequency preferences for different content types
• Update your contact information and preferences
• Unsubscribe from specific communications

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share information only when necessary for platform purposes, with your consent, or as required by law.

Permitted Sharing

We may share your information in these limited circumstances:

• Directory Listings: Public information in your business or ministry profile
• Platform Team: With staff and contractors who need access to serve you effectively
• Service Providers: With trusted vendors who help us operate (email services, payment processors)
• Partner Organizations: With affiliated organizations for joint programs (with your consent)
• Emergency Situations: When necessary to protect health, safety, or legal interests

Service Provider Requirements

All third-party service providers must:

• Sign confidentiality agreements protecting your information
• Use your information only for specified platform purposes
• Implement appropriate security measures
• Comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations

Confidential Communications

We maintain strict confidentiality for:

• Private messages between platform users
• Statement of Faith submissions during review
• Support communications and inquiries
• Personal information shared in confidence

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our platform, understand how our services are used, and provide personalized content.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality and security
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our platform
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant content and measure campaign effectiveness

Third-Party Analytics

We use analytics services to understand platform usage:

• Google Analytics: Website traffic and user behavior analysis
• Social Media Pixels: Measuring effectiveness of social media outreach
• Email Analytics: Tracking email open rates and engagement
• Conversion Tracking: Understanding how users find and use our services

Managing Cookie Preferences

You can control cookies through:

• Browser settings to block or delete cookies
• Opt-out tools provided by analytics services
• Our cookie preference center (if available)
• Do Not Track browser settings

Cookie Consent

By continuing to use our platform, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can withdraw consent at any time by adjusting your browser settings or contacting us.

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Technical Security Measures

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure Storage: Encrypted databases and secure file storage
• Access Controls: Multi-factor authentication and role-based access
• Network Security: Firewalls, intrusion detection, and monitoring
• Regular Updates: Security patches and software updates

Administrative Security

• Staff Training: Regular privacy and security training for all team members
• Background Checks: Screening for staff with access to sensitive information
• Confidentiality Agreements: Legal commitments to data protection
• Incident Response: Procedures for handling security breaches
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and improvements

Data Breach Response

In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will:

• Immediately contain and assess the breach
• Notify affected individuals promptly
• Report to authorities as required by law
• Take corrective action to prevent future breaches
• Provide support and resources to affected individuals

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal obligations, and maintain accurate records for platform operations.

Retention Periods

Different types of information are retained for different periods:

• Account Information: Retained while your account is active and for 3 years after closure
• Communication Records: Retained for 2 years for support and dispute resolution
• Financial Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
• Marketing Data: Retained until you opt out or for 3 years of inactivity
• Legal Records: Retained as long as legally required

Deletion Criteria

We may delete information when:

• The retention period has expired
• You request deletion of your information
• The information is no longer needed for platform purposes
• Legal requirements mandate deletion
• You withdraw consent for data processing

Secure Deletion

When we delete information, we use secure deletion methods to ensure the data cannot be recovered or reconstructed. This includes:

• Overwriting digital files multiple times
• Physical destruction of storage media when necessary
• Secure disposal of printed materials
• Removal from backup systems

Exceptions to Deletion

Some information may be retained longer when required for:

• Legal compliance and regulatory requirements
• Resolution of disputes or claims
• Detection and prevention of fraud
• Protection of platform security and integrity

You have important rights regarding your personal information. We respect these rights and provide easy ways for you to exercise them.

Your Rights Include

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we have about you
• Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (with some exceptions)
• Portability: Receive your information in a portable format
• Restriction: Limit how we process your information
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for data processing

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights:

1. Contact our Privacy Team using the information provided below
2. Provide sufficient detail to help us locate your information
3. Include verification of your identity for security
4. Specify which right you wish to exercise

Response Timeline

We will respond to your requests within 30 days, or sooner when possible. For complex requests, we may extend this period and will notify you of any delays.

Communication Preferences

You can manage your communication preferences by:

• Using unsubscribe links in emails
• Updating your account preferences online
• Contacting us directly to change preferences
• Opting out of specific types of communications

We are committed to protecting the privacy of children and complying with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and other applicable laws.

Children Under 13

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. Our platform and services are designed for audiences 13 and older.

Teen Users (13-17)

For users between 13 and 17 years old, we:

• Encourage parental involvement in account creation and management
• Limit collection to information necessary for platform participation
• Provide additional privacy protections for teen accounts
• Require parental consent for certain features or activities
• Implement enhanced security measures for youth data

Parental Rights

Parents and guardians have the right to:

• Review their child's personal information
• Request correction or deletion of their child's information
• Refuse further collection of their child's information
• Receive notification of our information practices
• Control their child's communication preferences

Discovery of Underage Users

If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 13 without proper consent, we will:

• Promptly delete that information
• Terminate the underage account
• Notify parents or guardians when possible
• Take steps to prevent future unauthorized collection

Educational Content

We may provide educational content about Christian values and faith-based living that is appropriate for all ages, but we do not target marketing or data collection specifically at children.

Excellence Directory welcomes believers from around the world. If you are accessing our services from outside the United States, please be aware of the following information about international data transfers.

Data Processing Location

Our primary data processing occurs in the United States, where our servers and main operations are located. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.

International Privacy Laws

We respect international privacy laws and regulations, including:

• GDPR: European General Data Protection Regulation
• CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act
• PIPEDA: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Canada)
• Local Laws: Applicable privacy laws in your jurisdiction

Additional Rights for EU Users

If you are in the European Union, you have additional rights including:

• Right to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities
• Enhanced consent requirements for data processing
• Stricter rules around automated decision-making
• Right to data portability between services
• Right to be forgotten under certain circumstances

Data Transfer Safeguards

We implement appropriate safeguards for international transfers:

• Standard contractual clauses with service providers
• Adequacy decisions where available
• Additional security measures for cross-border transfers
• Regular review of transfer mechanisms and legal requirements

Cross-Border Ministry

As a Christian platform serving a global community, we may share information with international partner ministries and organizations, always with appropriate safeguards and your consent.

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, services, legal requirements, or other operational needs.

When We Update This Policy

We may revise this policy due to:

• Changes in privacy laws or regulations
• New platform features or service offerings
• Technology updates affecting data processing
• Feedback from our community
• Enhanced privacy protection measures
• Changes in third-party services or partnerships

How We Notify You

For significant changes, we will provide notice through:

• Prominent notice on our website and platform
• Email notifications to registered users
• In-app notifications or alerts
• Announcements in our newsletters
• Direct communication for material changes

Types of Changes

We classify policy changes as:

• Minor Changes: Clarifications, formatting, or non-substantive updates
• Material Changes: Changes that significantly affect how we collect, use, or share data
• Major Changes: Fundamental changes to our privacy practices

Effective Date and Acceptance

Policy updates become effective on the date indicated at the top of this document. Your continued use of our platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Previous Versions

We maintain records of previous policy versions and can provide them upon request for reference or legal purposes. Significant changes will be archived and made available to users.

Consent to Changes

For material changes that require new consent, we will obtain your explicit agreement before the changes take effect. You can choose to accept the changes or discontinue using our services.

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about how we handle your information, please contact our Privacy Team.

Contact Methods

• Email: privacy@excellencedirectory.com
• Phone: (555) 123-4567
• Mail: Excellence Directory Privacy Team
  123 Ministry Lane
  City, State 12345
• Online Form: Available through our contact page

Response Commitment

We commit to:

• Acknowledge receipt of your inquiry within 48 hours
• Provide substantive responses within 30 days
• Escalate urgent privacy matters immediately
• Follow up to ensure your concerns are resolved
• Maintain confidentiality throughout the process
• Provide regular updates on complex inquiries

What to Include in Your Request

To help us respond effectively, please include:

• Your full name and contact information
• Your account username or email address
• Specific details about your privacy concern or request
• Any relevant dates or reference numbers
• Verification of your identity for security purposes

Prayer and Support

As a faith-based organization, we are committed to treating all privacy concerns with the utmost care and Christian compassion. Our team regularly prays for wisdom in handling sensitive matters and protection over user data.

Regulatory Contacts

You also have the right to file complaints with relevant privacy authorities in your jurisdiction if you believe we have not adequately addressed your concerns.

Last Updated: September 02, 2025