Cookie Policy
Last updated: September 26, 2025
Effective date: September 26, 2025
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences and enabling certain website features.
How Cookies Work
- Cookies contain information about your visit to our website
- They are stored locally on your device by your web browser
- Some cookies are deleted when you close your browser (session cookies)
- Others remain on your device for a set period (persistent cookies)
- We use both first-party cookies (set by us) and third-party cookies (set by other services)
2. Types of Cookies We Use
✅ Essential Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled without breaking core functionality.
📊 Analytics Cookies (Consent Required)
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website. They are only activated with your explicit consent.
🚫 Cookies We Don't Use
For transparency, here are types of cookies we do NOT use:
- Advertising cookies: We don't use targeted advertising or ad networks
- Social media tracking: Our social media links don't set tracking cookies
- Third-party marketing: We don't share data with marketing platforms
- Behavioral profiling: We don't create detailed user profiles for commercial use
3. Detailed Cookie List
Essential Cookies
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| session_id | Maintains user session | Session (deleted when browser closes) |
| csrf_token | Security protection | Session |
| sidebar_state | Remember sidebar preferences | 7 days |
| load_balancer | Server routing optimization | Session |
Analytics Cookies (Consent Required)
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years | Google Analytics |
| _ga_* | Session and campaign tracking | 2 years | Google Analytics |
| _gid | Distinguishes users (short-term) | 24 hours | Google Analytics |
4. Cookie Consent and Your Choices
Managing Your Consent
You have full control over non-essential cookies. Here's how you can manage your preferences:
- Initial Consent: When you first visit our site, we'll ask for your consent to use analytics cookies
- Granular Control: You can accept or decline analytics cookies while keeping essential cookies
- Change Your Mind: You can modify your cookie preferences at any time through your browser settings
- Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw consent and we'll stop using analytics cookies immediately
Browser Cookie Settings
All modern browsers allow you to manage cookies. Here's how to access cookie settings:
Chrome
Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
Firefox
Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Google Analytics Opt-Out
You can also opt out of Google Analytics specifically by installing Google's officialAnalytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
5. Impact of Disabling Cookies
⚠️ Disabling Essential Cookies
Not recommended. Disabling essential cookies will break website functionality:
- You won't be able to submit donation interest forms
- Contact forms may not work properly
- Your session may be lost when navigating between pages
- Security features may be compromised
- User preferences won't be remembered
⚡ Disabling Analytics Cookies
Perfectly fine. The website will work normally, but we'll lose some insights:
- All website features remain fully functional
- We can't track your browsing patterns (which protects your privacy)
- We lose insight into popular content and user preferences
- We can't optimize the experience based on usage data
6. Data Protection and International Transfers
Privacy Law Compliance
As a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, we comply with applicable privacy requirements for cookie usage:
- We obtain explicit consent before placing non-essential cookies
- We provide clear information about each cookie's purpose
- You can withdraw consent at any time
- We minimize data collection to what's necessary for stated purposes
International Data Transfers
Some of our cookie data may be processed outside the European Economic Area (EEA):
- Google Analytics: Data processed globally under Google's privacy commitments and applicable data protection standards
- Essential cookies: Processed on our servers within the United States
- All data processing includes appropriate safeguards as required by applicable privacy laws
7. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our cookie usage or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will:
- Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
- Notify newsletter subscribers of material changes
- Request new consent if we introduce new types of cookies
- Provide clear information about what has changed
8. Contact Us About Cookies
If you have questions about our cookie usage, want to exercise your rights, or need help managing your cookie preferences, please contact us:
Email: info@primary-facts.org
Phone: +1 202-455-0575
Response Time: We aim to respond within 30 days
This Cookie Policy is effective as of September 26, 2025, and was last updated on September 26, 2025.