PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Divine Guidance Institute and Wellness Center Inc. (“Divine Guidance Institute,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you interact with our websites, courses, coaching programs, community, books, donations, events, and digital content (the “Services”). We comply with applicable privacy laws, including the EU/UK General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR/UK GDPR”) and the California Consumer Privacy Act as amended by the CPRA (“CCPA/CPRA”), where they apply.

1. Who We Are (Controller) & Contact

For GDPR/UK GDPR purposes, the data controller is Divine Guidance Institute and Wellness Center Inc.
Contact: info@divineguidanceinstitute.org.

2. Information We Collect

  • Personal Information you provide: name, email, postal address, phone, account details, testimonials, community posts, and donation details.
  • Payment Information: processed by our payment processors; we do not store full credit-card numbers.
  • Sensitive Data: only if you explicitly provide it (e.g., health/spiritual background in surveys or sessions); used only for the purpose you provided it.
  • Usage/Device Data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, pages viewed, and interactions.
  • Cookies/Tracking: cookies, pixels, and similar tech for functionality, analytics, and (if used) advertising.

3. Sources

We collect information directly from you, automatically via your use of the Services, and from service providers (e.g., payment, email, analytics).

4. How We Use Your Information

  • To process registrations, donations, and purchases
  • To provide coaching, courses, books, community features, and customer support
  • To feature your testimonial/likeness with consent, consistent with our recording & release terms
  • To send updates, newsletters, and promotions (you can opt out anytime)
  • To improve our content and user experience (analytics)
  • To comply with legal and financial obligations (e.g., donation records, tax laws)

GDPR/UK GDPR Legal Bases

We process data on the basis of: performance of a contract, legitimate interests (e.g., running and improving the Services, preventing fraud), consent (e.g., marketing, certain cookies, sensitive data you choose to share), and legal obligations (e.g., tax/finance).

5. Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share limited data with:

  • Service providers (payment processors, email/CRM, hosting, analytics) under contract
  • Professional advisors and legal authorities when required by law
  • Business transfers (e.g., merger or reorganization)

6. Cookies & Targeted Advertising

We use cookies for essential site functions and analytics. If we use advertising/retargeting cookies, you can opt out via your browser settings and (where required) our cookie banner/preferences. EU/UK visitors receive a consent banner for non-essential cookies.

7. Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary for the purposes above, including to meet legal, accounting, and tax requirements. Donation and transaction records are retained per applicable tax laws.

8. Your Privacy Rights

California & Certain U.S. States (CCPA/CPRA and similar): You may have the right to know/access, delete, correct, and port your data; to opt out of “sale” or “sharing” of personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising; to limit use/disclosure of sensitive personal information; and to be free from non-discrimination for exercising your rights. You may use an authorized agent (we may require proof and identity verification).

Sale/Share: We do not sell personal information. If we “share” it for targeted advertising, you may opt out using a “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link (if enabled) or by contacting us.

EU/UK (GDPR/UK GDPR): You may have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict, object, and portability, and to withdraw consent at any time (without affecting prior lawful processing). You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

How to Exercise Rights: Email info@divineguidanceinstitute.org. We may request information to verify your identity and your request.

9. International Transfers (EU/UK)

If we transfer your data outside the EU/UK (e.g., to the U.S. or to service providers), we use appropriate transfer safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses or other lawful mechanisms).

10. Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards (encryption, secure servers, limited access). However, no online system is 100% secure.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under 13 (or under 16 in the EU/UK). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us to request deletion.

12. Third-Party Links

Our Services may link to third-party sites/apps. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. We’ll post the updated version with a new Effective Date. Material changes may be notified via email or on-site notice.

14. Contact

Questions or requests: info@divineguidanceinstitute.org.