Best examples of non-profit organization children's privacy policy examples

Real-world examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples

When lawyers talk about privacy, they often drift into jargon. Parents, on the other hand, just want straight answers: What are you collecting about my kid, and why? The best examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples do exactly that—plain language, clear structure, and honest limits.

Here are several real examples (summarized and paraphrased for clarity) that illustrate how different nonprofits approach children’s data.

A national mentoring nonprofit that matches adult mentors with youth uses a two-layer approach:

Age gate on digital forms. Online interest forms ask for age range first. If the user indicates they are under 13, the form stops and explains that a parent or guardian must complete the application.
Separate parent/guardian consent. The privacy policy explains that the organization collects a child’s name, age, school, and basic background only after receiving signed consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Limited sharing. The policy states that children’s data is shared only with vetted staff and volunteers involved in the mentoring program and is not sold or used for unrelated marketing.

This is one of the best examples of a non-profit organization children’s privacy policy example for small to mid-sized youth programs: it combines simple age screening with a direct explanation of who sees the data and for what purpose.

2. Children’s hospital foundation: fundraising with strict data boundaries

A children’s hospital foundation that raises money for pediatric care has a detailed policy separating patient data from donor data:

The policy explains that medical information about children is protected under HIPAA and is handled by the hospital, not the foundation.
The foundation’s children’s privacy section focuses on website visitors under 18, stating that it does not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.
Any stories or photos of child patients used in campaigns require documented consent from a parent or guardian, and the policy spells that out.

This is a strong example of a non-profit organization children’s privacy policy example for organizations that sit next to, but are separate from, healthcare providers. It shows how to draw a line between clinical records and fundraising data while still being transparent about children’s privacy.

3. Educational nonprofit with online learning portals

An education-focused nonprofit offering free online courses to K–12 students has a detailed children’s privacy section that:

Names COPPA directly, stating that the organization does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, in line with the Federal Trade Commission’s COPPA rules (FTC COPPA guidance).
Splits policies by role: students, parents, and teachers each get their own explanation of what data is collected and why.
Explains that student accounts may store progress data, grades, and messages with instructors, and that this information is used only for educational purposes and program evaluation.

Among the best examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples in the education space, this kind of structure works well for organizations that run learning platforms or apps.

A regional youth sports nonprofit focuses its children’s privacy section on media and publicity:

The policy explains that the organization may capture photos and videos at games and events.
Parents can opt out of having their child’s image used in marketing or social media, and the policy explains how to submit that request.
The policy clarifies that tagging children by full name will be avoided on public channels, and that team rosters with contact information are kept in password-protected systems.

If your nonprofit runs camps, leagues, or after-school programs, this is a useful example of a non-profit organization children’s privacy policy example that centers the very real issue parents worry about: their kid’s face and name online.

5. Library and literacy nonprofit: minimal data, maximum transparency

A literacy nonprofit partnering with public libraries takes a data minimization approach:

The children’s privacy section states that the organization collects only what is needed to run reading programs: first name, age range or grade level, and attendance.
No precise home addresses are required for children to participate; contact is handled through parents or guardians.
Program evaluation uses aggregated, de-identified data such as total number of participants by age group, never individual children’s records.

This is one of the cleanest examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples for organizations that do not need deep personal profiles of kids. It shows how to say, “We simply don’t collect more than we need.”

6. Global child-rights NGO: international compliance and cross-border data

Large child-rights organizations that operate across regions have to juggle multiple privacy regimes:

Policies reference COPPA (United States), the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and sometimes the UK GDPR and local child-protection laws.
They explain that children’s data may be processed in different countries but only under safeguards like standard contractual clauses or equivalent protections.
They include a section written in more accessible language for older children and teens, explaining their rights to access, correct, or delete their information.

For international nonprofits, this is a standout example of a non-profit organization children’s privacy policy example that acknowledges different legal systems while still giving parents and young people understandable information.

A nonprofit focused on adolescent health and mental health education handles sensitive categories of information, such as:

Self-reported mental health concerns
Questions about sexual health
Substance use questions in anonymous surveys

Its children’s privacy section:

Distinguishes anonymous survey data from identifiable program enrollment data.
Explains that any identifiable health-related data for minors is handled under stricter access controls and is never shared with third parties for marketing.
Provides links to trusted health resources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and CDC (CDC mental health resources) so families can get more information.

For nonprofits that touch health or mental health, this is a particularly thoughtful example of a non-profit organization children’s privacy policy example because it treats sensitive topics with respect and clarity.

Key patterns from the best examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples

Looking across these examples, several patterns repeat. If you are building or revising your own policy, these are the building blocks you’ll want to mirror.

Clear age ranges and who the policy covers

Strong examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples start by defining:

Whether the organization knowingly collects information from children under 13.
Whether the services are designed for teens, families, or general audiences.
How the organization responds if it learns it has collected data from a child without consent—for instance, by deleting the data and notifying the parent.

Many U.S.-based nonprofits explicitly reference COPPA here, pointing users to the Federal Trade Commission’s guidance on children’s online privacy. For a deeper legal overview, the FTC’s COPPA page is a credible reference point: https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa.

Specific data types, not vague categories

Parents today are far more privacy-aware than they were a decade ago. Policies that say only “we collect personal information” feel evasive. The best examples include concrete lists in plain English, such as:

Basic identifiers: name, age, grade level, school
Contact details for parents or guardians: email, phone, mailing address
Program data: attendance, progress, participation notes
Online data: IP address, device type, cookies used to operate the site

When nonprofits talk about children’s data for research and evaluation, the better policies explain that the organization prefers aggregated or de-identified data whenever possible.

Honest explanations of why data is collected

Another shared trait in the top examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples: they don’t just list data—they explain why they need it.

Common reasons include:

Running programs safely (e.g., knowing who to contact in an emergency)
Matching children with appropriate mentors, tutors, or services
Tracking program outcomes for grants and reporting
Complying with legal and child-safeguarding requirements

Policies that connect each category of data to a clear purpose are easier for parents to accept and easier for staff to apply consistently.

In 2024–2025, regulators and advocacy groups are paying closer attention to how organizations obtain and document consent for minors. Good policies explain:

How consent is collected: online forms, signed paper, or verified digital signatures
What parents are agreeing to: data collection, communication, media use, and sometimes research participation
How parents and, in some regions, older children can withdraw consent or request deletion of data

In jurisdictions influenced by GDPR, older children may have their own data rights, such as the right to access and correct their information. The better examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples acknowledge this and provide contact details for privacy requests.

Data retention, security, and deletion

A recurring feature in well-written policies is a short, direct retention statement, such as:

We keep children’s records only as long as needed for program participation, legal requirements, or reporting to funders, and then we securely delete or anonymize them.

Policies also typically:

Mention encryption, access controls, and staff training without overpromising.
Explain that no system is perfectly secure but that the organization takes reasonable steps to protect children’s data.
Provide a clear email address or contact point for reporting security concerns.

For nonprofits that handle sensitive or health-related data, pointing to external standards—like guidance from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services on protecting health information (https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html)—can reinforce credibility.

2024–2025 trends shaping children’s privacy policies for nonprofits

Children’s privacy is not a static topic. Laws, expectations, and technology keep moving. The best examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples are starting to reflect several newer trends.

AI tools, learning analytics, and third-party platforms

More nonprofits now use third-party tools for:

Virtual classrooms and video conferencing
Learning analytics and adaptive content
Online surveys and behavior tracking

Updated policies:

Name key third-party providers (for example, major video platforms or learning management systems) and link to their privacy notices.
Explain that data may be processed by these vendors to deliver services but not sold for unrelated advertising.
Clarify whether any automated decision-making or profiling is used for children, and if so, how it is reviewed by humans.

Nonprofits increasingly involve teens in advocacy campaigns, storytelling, and social media content. Updated children’s privacy policies:

Explain how minors’ names, images, and stories may appear on public platforms.
Offer opt-out or limited-use options, especially for younger children.
Emphasize informed, documented consent for any long-term or high-visibility content.

State privacy laws and youth protections

In the U.S., new state privacy laws and youth-focused regulations are emerging. While many nonprofits are not directly targeted, they are influenced by:

State consumer privacy laws that cover minors’ data
Proposed or enacted youth online safety laws

As a result, newer examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples often:

Reference compliance with “applicable state and federal privacy laws” instead of listing only one statute.
Commit to updating the policy when relevant laws affecting children’s privacy change.

For ongoing legal context, resources like the Harvard Law School Cyberlaw Clinic and academic centers on internet & society (for example, https://cyber.harvard.edu/) can provide useful background.

Practical drafting tips inspired by real examples

You don’t need to copy any single example of a non-profit organization children’s privacy policy word-for-word. Instead, use these real-world patterns as a checklist while you draft or revise your own policy.

Make a dedicated “Children’s Privacy” section

Even if your main privacy policy covers all users, a separate, clearly labeled “Children’s Privacy” or “Information About Children and Teens” section helps parents find what they care about fast. Many of the best examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples do this, even when they serve mixed-age audiences.

Write for parents, but don’t ignore older kids

Try to strike a balance:

Use clear, non-technical language for parents and guardians.
Consider adding a brief sub-section addressed directly to teens, explaining in simple terms what data is collected and how they can ask questions.

Align policy language with actual practice

A privacy policy is not a wish list. It has to match what your staff and systems really do. Before publishing, check that:

Your forms and apps ask only for the data categories you describe.
Your staff know how to handle access and deletion requests for minors.
Your contracts with vendors cover children’s data appropriately.

Keep a change log and review schedule

Some of the most trustworthy examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples include a “Last updated” date and a short note about how users will be notified of changes—email, website notice, or both. Set a recurring review (annually is common) so your policy stays aligned with your programs and the law.

FAQ: examples and practical questions about children’s privacy policies

Q1. Where can I see more examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples?
You can review policies from youth-serving nonprofits such as mentoring organizations, children’s museums, educational charities, and child-rights NGOs. Look specifically for a “Children’s Privacy” section on their privacy page. Compare how they describe data collection, parental consent, and data sharing, then adapt the structure—not the exact wording—to your own situation.

Q2. What’s a good example of language about collecting data from children under 13?
A common pattern is something like: “We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian. If we learn that we have collected such information without consent, we will delete it and take steps to notify the parent or guardian.” You’ll see variations of this in many of the best examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples.

Q3. Do all nonprofits need a separate children’s privacy policy?
Not every nonprofit needs a standalone children’s policy, but any organization that targets or regularly serves minors should have a clearly labeled children’s privacy section. If your work is exclusively with adults and you do not intentionally collect children’s data, your main privacy policy can say so directly.

Q4. How often should we update our children’s privacy policy?
Most nonprofits revisit their policies at least once a year or when they launch a new program, app, or data-sharing arrangement that affects children. Because laws and technology change, regular review keeps you closer to the standard reflected in the best current examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples.

Q5. Can we use templates, or do we need a lawyer to write everything from scratch?
Templates and real examples of non-profit organization children’s privacy policy examples are useful starting points, especially for structure and wording ideas. However, you should adapt them to your specific programs, data practices, and jurisdictions. For organizations that handle sensitive health, education, or international data, it is wise to have a qualified attorney review your final draft.

Best examples of non-profit organization children's privacy policy examples in 2024–2025