Privacy Policy

Friends of the Westwood Recreation Center, operating as Friends of West L.A., RespondersFirst, and FOWLA ("FOWLA"), values the privacy of its donors, recipients, and stakeholders. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, FOWLA is committed to protecting personal information and ensuring transparency in how we handle data.

Information We Collect

Donor Information

We collect and maintain the following information from our donors: name, contact information, donation details, and preferences regarding anonymity and recognition.

Facility Request Information

We collect the following from schools, parks, libraries, police stations, fire stations, and other entities submitting funding or material requests: contact information for the person in charge of the facility, and details of the request including specific items or funding needs.

Grant Information

For grants submitted by Los Angeles first responders, we collect names and roles of applicants and details of the grant request for review purposes.

Website and Portal Usage

When accessing our online portal, we may collect login credentials (including passwords and authentication methods), submitted requests, and updates to those requests.

Event Media

Photographs or videos taken at events featuring donated items or funds may include identifiable individuals.

Social Media Interactions

Content shared with or posted on FOWLA's social media accounts is considered unrestricted unless anonymity is specifically requested.

How We Use Information

• Request Fulfillment. Submitted information is used to validate, process, and fulfill requests from eligible entities. Requests must be validated with the person in charge of the facility if submitted by a third party.
• Grant Reviews. Grant applications are reviewed by FOWLA board members or directed donor representatives, as applicable.
• Publicity and Transparency. Photographs, videos, and donor acknowledgments may be used on our website and social media channels. Anonymity is honored when requested, and contributions are not published without consent.
• Compliance. We provide necessary disclosures to state and federal authorities, including reporting on IRS Form 990, as required by law.
• Portal Management. Our portal provides a secure platform for submitting and tracking requests. Access is safeguarded by passwords, two-factor authentication, and passkeys.
• Community Engagement. Social media is used for announcements, updates, and engagement with stakeholders. Requests for anonymity are respected.

How We Protect Information

• Data Security. We employ secure technologies, including encryption, authentication protocols, and physical safeguards, to protect personal data.
• Limited Access. Access to donor and recipient information is restricted to authorized FOWLA members and directed donor representatives.
• Anonymity. Donors may request anonymity, which is honored except where disclosure is required by law.

Sharing of Information

• Directed Donor Entities. Directed donor agreements are not shared publicly unless required by law.
• Third Parties. Third parties may view funding requests when specified, but personal information is shared only as legally mandated.
• Legal and Ethical Obligations. FOWLA does not fulfill requests that would violate its 501(c)(3) status or involve illegal or unethical activities. Any illegal activity may be reported to law enforcement.

Your Choices

• Anonymity Requests. Donors and contributors may request anonymity, which is respected in all public acknowledgments.
• Opt-Out of Media. Individuals may request not to appear in photographs or videos used by FOWLA.
• Information Updates. Requests for updates or corrections to personal information can be submitted to info@fowla.org.

Social Media Policy

Content posted by FOWLA respects anonymity requests. Content shared by others on social media platforms is considered unrestricted, and FOWLA does not assume responsibility for third-party postings.

Updates to This Policy

FOWLA reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy as necessary to reflect changes in our operations or legal obligations. Updates will be posted on our website with the revised effective date.