Ketogenic Foundation Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 30, 2026

1. Introduction
The Ketogenic Foundation (“Foundation,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to advancing education, research dissemination, and public understanding of metabolic health and ketogenic therapies.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information when you visit our websites, make a donation, register for events, subscribe to communications, or otherwise interact with our services (collectively, the “Services”).

By using the Services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

This Privacy Policy is incorporated into and is subject to the Foundation’s Terms of Service, available at ketogenicfoundation.org/terms. Capitalized terms not defined in this Privacy Policy have the meanings set forth in the Terms of Service.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you voluntarily provide, and information collected automatically when you use the Services.

a. Information You Provide

This may include:

  • Contact information (name, email address, mailing address, phone number)
  • Donation information (donation amount, date, payment method; payment card data is processed by third-party payment processors and is not stored by us)
  • Event or program registration information
  • Newsletter or mailing list signups
  • Communications you send to us (emails, form submissions, inquiries)
  • Affiliation or professional information (if you register for educational or research-related activities)

We do not intentionally collect sensitive medical records or clinical data. If you choose to share health-related information with us, you do so voluntarily.

b. Information Collected Automatically
When you access the Services, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and device information
  • Pages viewed and referring URLs
  • Date and time of access

This information is used in aggregated form to understand site usage and improve our Services.

3. How We Use Information

We use personal information to:

  • Operate and improve the Services
  • Process donations and provide acknowledgments
  • Register you for events, programs, or communications
  • Respond to inquiries and provide requested information
  • Share educational updates, research news, and Foundation communications
  • Comply with legal, accounting, or reporting obligations
  • Protect the security and integrity of our Services

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

4. Health and Research-Related Information

The Foundation provides educational content and disseminates research but does not provide medical care.

If information you provide is used for educational, reporting, or research communication purposes, we will use it in aggregated and/or de-identified form where appropriate and feasible, so it cannot reasonably be used to identify you.

5. Cookies and Tracking  Technologies

The Services use cookies, web beacons, analytics tools, and similar tracking technologies to enable basic website functionality, understand how visitors use our site, improve user experience and content relevance, and analyze usage patterns.

a. Types of Technologies We Use

  • Cookies: Small text files stored on your device that help us recognize your browser and remember your preferences
  • Web beacons (pixel tags): Small graphic images embedded in web pages or emails that allow us to track page views and email opens
  • Analytics tools: Third-party services such as Google Analytics that collect information about site usage and traffic patterns b. Categories of Cookies
  • Essential cookies: Necessary for basic site functionality
  • Performance cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the site
  • Functional cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
  • Analytics cookies: Collect aggregated usage data

c. Third-Party Analytics

We use third-party analytics providers, including Google Analytics, to help us understand site usage. These providers may collect information about your use of the Services and other websites. For more information about Google Analytics and how to opt out, visit https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

d. Your Cookie Choices

You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete cookies already stored. Please note that disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of the Services. Disabling cookies will not prevent you from accessing educational content or making donations, though some interactive features may be affected.

For more information about cookies and how to manage them, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.

6. Sharing of Information
We may share personal information only in the following circumstances:

  • With trusted service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as website hosting, email distribution, donation processing, analytics, and IT support, and who are contractually obligated to protect your information.
  • With event planners, conference organizers, venue operators, continuing education administrators, and other third-party event support partners (“Event Partners”) to the extent reasonably necessary to plan, manage, and administer events, programs, or educational offerings for which you register (for example, registration lists, attendance verification, name badges, continuing education documentation, or event communications). Event Partners are permitted to use such information only for event-related purposes and in accordance with applicable confidentiality and data protection obligations.
  • To comply with legal obligations, court orders, subpoenas, or lawful governmental requests.
  • To protect the rights, safety, or property of the Foundation, its participants, or others.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information, and we do not permit third parties to use your personal information for their own marketing purposes.

7. Donations and Payment Processing

Donations made through the Services are processed by reputable third-party payment processors. These processors handle payment card information directly and are responsible for their own privacy and security practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

8. Email Communications
By providing your email address through the Services, you consent to receive emails from the Foundation. We send two types of emails:

a. Transactional and Administrative Emails

These include:

  • Donation receipts and acknowledgments
  • Event registration confirmations and updates
  • Account-related notifications (if applicable)
  • Responses to your inquiries
  • Legally required notices

You cannot opt out of transactional emails as they are necessary to provide services you have requested or to fulfill our legal obligations.

b. Marketing and Educational Emails

These include:

  • Newsletters and educational updates
  • Research news and scientific summaries
  • Foundation news and impact reports
  • Donation appeals and fundraising communications
  • Event announcements and invitations

c. How to Opt Out (Unsubscribe)

You may opt out of marketing and educational emails at any time by:

  • Clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any marketing email
  • Updating your communication preferences in your account
  • Emailing us at support@ketogenicfoundation.org with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line

We will process opt-out requests within 10 business days. Even after opting out of marketing emails, you may still receive transactional or administrative messages.

d. Email Preferences

If available, you may manage your email preferences to receive only certain types of communications (e.g., event announcements only, monthly newsletter only). Contact us to adjust your preferences.

9. Data Security
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, maintain accurate records, and comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

a. Retention Periods by Category

  • Donation records: Retained indefinitely for tax compliance, financial auditing, and IRS requirements (nonprofits must retain contribution records)
  • Event registration information: Retained for 7 years after the event for continuing education verification, attendance records, and program evaluation
  • Email communications and newsletter subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe, plus 60 days to process opt-outs and ensure compliance
  • Website analytics and usage data: Retained in aggregated form for up to 26 months, in accordance with standard analytics practices
  • Correspondence and inquiries: Retained for 3 years to maintain records of our interactions and provide continuity of service
  • Account information (if applicable): Retained until account deletion is requested, then deleted within 90 days except where retention is legally required

b. Extended Retention for Legal Compliance

We may retain information longer when required by law, regulation, legal hold, litigation, investigation, or dispute resolution, or when necessary to protect the Foundation’s legal rights.

c. De-identified and Aggregated Data

Information may be retained indefinitely in de-identified or aggregated form that cannot reasonably be used to identify you. Such data may be used for research, reporting, trend analysis, and program evaluation.

d. Deletion Requests

If you request deletion of your personal information under applicable law (such as CCPA), we will delete or de-identify your information within 90 days, except where retention is required by law or necessary for legitimate purposes (such as maintaining donation records for tax compliance).

11. Children’s Privacy

The Services are not directed to children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we learn that such information has been collected, we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

12. Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information, depending on your location and applicable law.

a. General Rights (All Users)

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
  • Correction: Request that we update or correct inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations and exceptions)
  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails (see Section 8)
  • Cookie Control: Manage cookies through your browser settings (see Section 5)

b. How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us at:

Email: support@ketogenicfoundation.org (Subject: “Privacy Rights Request”)
Mail: The Ketogenic Foundation, 952 School Street, #212, Napa, CA 94559-2826, Attn: Privacy Officer

Please include:

  • Your full name and email address
  • A description of your request
  • Any account information or reference numbers (if applicable)

c. Verification To protect your privacy, we may need to verify your identity before processing your request. We may ask for additional information to confirm your identity.

d. Response Time We will respond to requests within 30-45 days, depending on the complexity and applicable law. If we need additional time, we will notify you.

e. Limitations Certain rights may not apply in all circumstances. For example:

  • We cannot delete donation records required for tax compliance
  • We may retain information necessary to complete transactions or comply with legal obligations
  • We may retain de-identified or aggregated data that cannot identify you
  • Some deletion requests may not be technically feasible

f. No Fee

We do not charge a fee to process privacy requests unless the request is manifestly unfounded, excessive, or repetitive, in which case we may charge a reasonable administrative fee or decline the request. g. California Residents If you are a California resident, see Section 13 for additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

13. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides you with specific rights regarding your personal information.

a. Your CCPA Rights

You have the right to:

  • Right to Know: Request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, the categories of sources, the business purposes for collection, and the categories of third parties with whom we share personal information.
  • Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (such as completing transactions, complying with legal obligations, maintaining donation records for tax purposes, or detecting security incidents).
  • Right to Opt-Out of Sale: Opt out of the “sale” of personal information. However, the Foundation does not sell personal information and has not sold personal information in the preceding 12 months.
  •  Right to Non-Discrimination: You have the right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your CCPA rights.

b. Categories of Personal Information

We Collect We collect the following categories of personal information, as described in Section 2 of this Privacy Policy:

  • Identifiers (name, email address, mailing address, phone number, IP address)
  • Financial information (donation amount, payment method – processed by third parties)
  • Internet or network activity (pages viewed, browsing behavior)
  • Professional or employment-related information (if voluntarily provided for event registration)
  • Inferences (preferences, interests based on site usage)

We do not collect sensitive personal information as defined by the CCPA, except to the extent you voluntarily provide health-related information, which you may do when engaging with our educational content.

c. Sources of Personal Information

We collect personal information from:

  • Directly from you (forms, donations, event registrations, email signups)
  • Automatically through your use of the Services (cookies, analytics)
  • Third-party payment processors (donation transaction information)

d. Business Purposes for Collection

We use personal information for the following business purposes:

  • Operating and improving the Services
  • Processing donations and providing tax receipts
  • Event and program registration and management
  • Sending educational updates and Foundation communications
  • Responding to inquiries and requests
  • Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
  • Protecting security and preventing fraud

e. How We Share Personal Information

We share personal information as described in Section 6 of this Privacy Policy. We do not sell personal information.

f. How to Exercise Your Rights To exercise your CCPA rights, you may:

  • Email us at: support@ketogenicfoundation.org with “CCPA Request” in the subject line
  • Mail us at: The Ketogenic Foundation, 952 School Street, #212, Napa, CA 94559-2826, Attn: Privacy Officer

Please include your name, email address, mailing address, and a description of your request. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

g. Response Timeframe We will respond to verified requests within 45 days of receipt. If we need additional time (up to 90 days total), we will notify you of the reason and extension period. h. Authorized Agents You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf. The authorized agent must provide written authorization signed by you, and we may require you to verify your identity directly with us.

i. Minors Under 16 We do not knowingly sell the personal information of minors under 16 years of age.

14. International Users

If you access the Services from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date indicates when changes take effect. Continued use of the Services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

16. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at:The Ketogenic Foundation
952 School Street, #212
Napa, CA 94559-2826
Email: support@ketogenicfoundation.org