Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 12, 2026

FINNOVATION Institute collects information to operate our website, run programs for social entrepreneurs, communicate with our community, and administer donations. This policy explains what we collect, how we use and share it, and how to contact us about your information.

Information we collect and why

Fellowship applicants and participants. We collect contact information, application responses, information about your venture, résumés, recommendations, optional videos, and information from interviews. During the Fellowship, we may also collect attendance, assignments, presentations, evaluations, and information needed to administer stipends. We use this information to assess eligibility and select participants, deliver the program, support founders, and measure program results. We use tools such as Google Classroom to deliver coursework and collect assignments.

Alumni and event participants. We collect information you provide when you register for an event, participate in alumni programming, ask for an accommodation, or request an introduction to a partner. We use it to manage registration, communicate event details, coordinate the requested support, and improve our programs.

Donors. We use Givebutter to process online donations. We receive donor and gift information, such as contact details, gift amount, date, and whether the gift is recurring. We use it to send receipts, manage gifts, maintain financial records, and respond to donor questions. When you request an employer match, we may confirm the gift with your employer or its matching-gift provider. Choosing anonymity at checkout controls what appears publicly. We may still receive the details we need to administer your gift. Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) serves as fiscal sponsor. We do not share individual donor information with NDC through that arrangement.

Newsletters and inquiries. We use the contact details and messages you provide to reply to inquiries, share the updates you sign up for, and send information about programs or transactions you’re involved in. You can unsubscribe from promotional emails using the link in each email. We may still send messages about your application, participation, registration, or donation.

Fellowship confidentiality and AI tools

Access to application materials is limited to people authorized to support review and selection. Everyone involved in application review and selection is required to sign a nondisclosure agreement. We use AI tools to assist with application review. Access to application information in those tools is restricted to authorized users within FINNOVATION Institute’s domain. FINNOVATION Institute makes the final selection decisions.

Website analytics and cookies

We use Google Analytics to understand how people use our website, including which pages they visit and how they interact with them. Google Analytics may use cookies and collect information about your browser, device, and site activity. You can manage cookies through your browser settings or use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. Learn more about how Google uses information from sites that use its services.

How we share information

We share information as needed with service providers that help us host the website, send emails, administer programs and events, and process payments. If you request a referral, we may share the information needed to make the introduction. We may also disclose information when required by law or to respond to valid legal process. We do not sell personal information.

We use program information for evaluation and funder reporting and share results in summary or de-identified form where practical. We seek permission through a separate release before using identifiable founder stories, testimonials, or photos or recordings for public promotion. Other websites and services you visit through our links have their own privacy practices.

Retention and security

We retain information according to our records retention practices and for as long as needed to deliver programs, administer gifts, meet legal and grant obligations, and resolve disputes. We limit access to nonpublic records based on role and use safeguards appropriate to the information we handle.

Your choices and privacy requests

You can ask us to provide, correct, or delete personal information we hold about you by emailing info@finnovationinstitute.org. We may verify your identity before acting on a request. We may need to retain some records for legal, financial, or grant obligations. We honor privacy rights that apply under law.

Updates and contact

We’ll post updates to this policy on this page. You can reach us at info@finnovationinstitute.org or by mail at FINNOVATION Institute, 165 Western Ave N, Suite 8 PMB 0601, St. Paul, MN 55102.