1. Introduction

The Muslim Community Center of Western New York (MCC of WNY) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information when you visit our website https://mcc-wny.org, interact with our online forms, sign up for communications, or participate in our programs through the Site.

By using our Site, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this Policy, please do not use the Site.

2. Who We Are

MCC of WNY is a non-profit religious organization serving the Muslim community of Western New York.

• Organization: Muslim Community Center of Western New York (MCC of WNY)
• Address: 94 Meridian St, Depew, NY 14043, United States
• Website: https://mcc-wny.org
• Email: info@mcc-wny.org

3. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website and any online forms, registrations, or contact channels provided through the Site. It does not govern information collected offline at the masjid or through other non-digital means, though we strive to handle all personal information with similar care and respect.

4. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information when you use our Site:

4.1. Information You Voluntarily Provide

• Contact Forms: Name, email address, phone number, and any message you submit.
• Event or Class Registrations: Name, contact details, age/child’s age (if applicable), and program preferences.
• Newsletter Sign-Ups: Name and email address to send community updates.
• Donation-Related Information: Amount donated and basic contact details (payment card information is usually handled by third-party processors, not stored on our servers).

4.2. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Site, certain technical information may be collected automatically, such as:

• IP address and approximate location (city/region)
• Browser type and version
• Device type and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referral URLs

This information is typically collected through cookies, log files, or similar technologies and is used in aggregate form to understand how visitors use our Site and to help us improve it.

4.3. Cookies & Similar Technologies

Our Site may use “cookies” or similar technologies to enhance your experience, remember preferences, and analyze website usage. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are sent. However, some parts of the Site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

5. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries, questions, or requests submitted via contact forms.
• To process event or class registrations and communicate related details.
• To send you community announcements, newsletters, and updates (if you have subscribed).
• To process and acknowledge donations and provide receipts where appropriate.
• To operate, maintain, and improve the functionality and security of the Site.
• To understand how the Site is used and make improvements based on usage trends.
• To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal obligations.

6. Legal Basis for Processing (Where Applicable)

Depending on your location and applicable law, we may rely on one or more of the following legal bases to process your personal information:

• Consent: When you voluntarily provide information or subscribe to communications.
• Legitimate Interests: To run and improve our religious and community services, maintain the Site, and communicate with our community.
• Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws or respond to lawful requests.

7. How We Share Your Information

MCC of WNY does not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following limited situations:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who help us operate the Site (e.g., website hosting, email services, payment processors), strictly for the purpose of providing those services.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of MCC of WNY, our community, or others.
• Donations & Payments: When you make a donation online, your payment is typically processed by a third-party payment processor. We receive confirmation of your donation but do not store full payment card details.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as is reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law (for example, for financial record-keeping related to donations).

When information is no longer needed, we aim to delete it safely or anonymize it so it can no longer be linked back to you.

9. Security of Your Information

We take reasonable measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures may include secure hosting, limited access to personal data, and the use of secure connections where appropriate.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Your Choices & Rights

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, such as:

• Requesting access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Requesting corrections or updates to inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Requesting deletion of your personal information, where appropriate.
• Opting out of receiving non-essential emails or newsletters.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@mcc-wny.org. We may need to verify your identity before processing certain requests.

11. Email Communications & Newsletter

If you subscribe to our newsletter or email updates, we will use your email address to send you information about community events, prayer schedule updates, programs, and announcements.

You can unsubscribe at any time by using the “unsubscribe” link, if provided, or by contacting us directly to request removal from our mailing list.

12. Children’s Privacy

Our Site may contain information about children’s programs (such as weekend school or youth activities), but it is primarily directed to parents, guardians, and adult community members.

We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 through the Site without parental consent. If you believe that a child has provided us personal information without your consent, please contact us and we will take steps to remove such information where appropriate.

13. Third-Party Websites & Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites, such as mapping services (Google Maps), donation platforms, or external educational resources. This Privacy Policy applies only to https://mcc-wny.org.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or policies of third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external websites you visit.

14. International Visitors

Our Site is operated from the United States and is intended primarily for individuals located in Western New York and surrounding areas. If you access the Site from outside the United States, you understand that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country of residence.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or community needs. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page.

Your continued use of the Site after any updates are posted will signify your acceptance of the revised Policy.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us:

• Muslim Community Center of WNY
• 94 Meridian St, Depew, NY 14043, United States
• Email: info@mcc-wny.org
• Website: https://mcc-wny.org

This Privacy Policy is intended as a general informational notice. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult with a qualified attorney.