1. Introduction and Overview

This Privacy Policy describes how Comic Relief, Inc., a nonprofit Delaware corporation, and its various programs and campaigns, including Red Nose Day and Kids Relief ("Comic Relief US," "we," "our," or "us"), collects, uses, and shares information about you and applies to your use of any online service location that posts a link to this Privacy Policy and all features, content, and other services that we own, control, and make available through such online service locations (collectively, the "Service"). This Privacy Policy does not apply to our information collection activities outside of the Service (unless otherwise stated below or at the time of collection). By using the Service, you agree to our Terms of Use and to our collection, use, and disclosure practices, and other activities as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree and consent, discontinue use of the Service.

2. Information Collection.

A. Information You Provide.

"Personal Information" is information that identifies you personally (whether alone or in combination), such as your first and last name, email address, phone number, postal address, and payment card and shipping information. You may choose to voluntarily submit certain other information to us through the Service, including Personal Information, but you are solely responsible for your own Personal Information in instances where we have not requested that you submit such information to us.

We collect information you provide directly via the Service. When you make a donation, create a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, purchase event tickets, or interact with us through the Service, we collect the following Personal Information about you:

• Contact Data: including your first and last name, email address, postal address, and phone number.
• Donation and Transaction Data: including your donation amount, date and frequency of donation (one-time or recurring), campaign name, tribute/dedication details, and employer information for matching gifts.
• Payment Card Data: To process your donations securely, our third-party payment processors collect payment card details (such as Primary Account Number [PAN], card expiration date, and security code [CVV/CVC]). In accordance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS SAQ A), all online payment card transactions are handled exclusively by certified, Level 1 PCI-compliant Third-Party Service Providers (TPSPs), including Fundraise Up, Funraise, Stripe, and PayPal. Payment details are entered into secure, encrypted elements and transmitted directly to the processors. Comic Relief US does not electronically store, process, or transmit raw payment card numbers or security codes on its servers.
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Fundraising & Event Data: including fundraiser profile details, campaign stories, uploaded photos, team affiliations, and event ticketing selections.
• Demographic Data: including your age, date of birth, gender, and country when voluntarily provided in surveys or forms.
• Other Information: including other information you provide when you fill out a form, participate in surveys, post content to our Service, attend events, or communicate with our customer care and donor support teams.

B. Information Collected Automatically.

We and our Service Providers automatically collect certain information about you when you access or use the Service. The categories of information automatically collected include:

• Usage Data: including data about features of the Service you use, pages you visit, advertisements you view, time of day you browse, and referring and exiting pages.
• Device Data: including your IP address, device identifier, browser type, operating system, network-connected hardware data, and information about your use of the Service. To the extent that we combine Usage Information with your Personal Information, we will treat the combined information as Personal Information under this Privacy Policy.
• Location Data: including imprecise location data (such as location derived from an IP address indicating city or postal code level).

The methods that may be used on the Service to automatically collect such information include:

• Log Information: Data about your use of the Service, such as IP address, browser type, internet service provider, referring/exit pages, operating system, date/time stamps, and related data stored in log files.
• Tracking Technologies: Cookies, web beacons (tracking pixels), embedded scripts, location-identifying technologies, device fingerprinting, and other tracking technologies may be used to automatically collect information about interactions with our Service or emails, including browsing and activity behavior.
• Cookies: Small text files stored on your device (session ID cookies or tracking cookies) that help you navigate our Service, personalize your experience, and support security features.
• Web Beacons ("Tracking Pixels"): Small graphic images embedded in web pages and email messages used to monitor navigation, verify email delivery, and count content views.
• Embedded Scripts: Programming code designed to collect information about interactions with the Service, temporarily loaded onto your device while connected to the Service.
• Security and Integrity Gateways: We route web traffic through Cloudflare and first-party delivery endpoints (Google Tag Gateway) to protect website infrastructure, enforce script integrity, and block unauthorized code execution.

C. Information Collected from Other Sources.

We may obtain information about you from other sources, including Service Providers and Third Party Services, and combine such information with information we have collected about you. The categories of sources from which we collect information include:

• Social media platforms with which you interact.
• Vendors and partners in connection with processing donations and matching gifts (e.g., Double the Donation).
• Publicly available sources, including data about you in the public domain.

To the extent we combine third-party sourced information with Personal Information collected about you on the Service, we treat the combined information as Personal Information under this Privacy Policy.

3. Use of Information.

We may use information about you, including your Personal Information, with your consent or as permitted by applicable law for the following purposes:

• Manage our Service and provide the Service to you;
• Facilitate the processing of your donations and issue IRS-compliant tax receipts;
• Respond to your comments, questions, and requests, and provide customer service;
• Send technical notices, updates, security alerts, policy change notices, and administrative messages;
• Prevent and address fraud, unauthorized script activity, breach of terms, or harm to our infrastructure or users;
• Monitor and analyze trends, usage, and fundraising activities;
• Improve the Service and our fundraising, marketing, and awareness efforts;
• Send information about Comic Relief US, its charitable partners, and solicit donations;
• Communicate direct marketing, promotional updates, and campaign alerts ;
• Deliver personalized advertising on our Service and Third Party Services based on your interests (subject to your opt-out preferences and Global Privacy Control signals); and
• Fulfill any other purpose at your direction or required under applicable law.

4. Disclosure of Information.

Our agents, vendors, consultants, and other service providers (collectively, "Service Providers") may receive or be given access to your Personal Information in connection with their work on our behalf. For example, to enable donations and communications, we disclose Personal Information to credit card processors, banking institutions, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, and third-party managed service providers (MSPs) and IT infrastructure partners, and associated charitable organizations.

These Service Providers are bound by written Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) and are contractually prohibited from using your Personal Information for any purpose other than performing services for us, unless otherwise permitted by law.

We may also disclose information about you with third parties as follows:

• To comply with legal process or lawful requests by public authorities, including national security or law enforcement;
• To protect the rights, property, life, health, security, and safety of Comic Relief US, our Service, donors, or any third party;
• In connection with, or during negotiations of, any merger, consolidation, restructuring, or transfer of nonprofit assets to another 501(c)(3) entity;
• With our affiliates and related entities for internal business and charitable purposes;
• With third parties for joint marketing or awareness initiatives, with notice and consent; and
• For purposes at your request or direction.

5. DATA RETENTION AND DISPOSAL SCHEDULE

We retain Personal Information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, satisfy legal and accounting obligations, and support charitable recordkeeping:

Upon expiration of the applicable retention period, records and personal information are securely deleted, de-identified, or destroyed in accordance with our internal data security policies.

6. CONSUMER PRIVACY RIGHTS & CHOICES

We respect your control over your personal data. Regardless of which U.S. state you reside in, Comic Relief US extends the following privacy rights and choices to all our supporters, donors, and website visitors: 

• Right to Know and Access: Confirm whether we process your Personal Information and access a copy of the specific information collected.
• Right to Data Portability: Obtain a portable, machine-readable copy of your data (e.g., CSV or PDF).
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or outdated Personal Information.
• Right to Deletion: Request the deletion of your Personal Information, subject to statutory exceptions such as IRS tax and donor record retention.
• Right to Opt-Out of Targeted Advertising / Profiling: Direct us not to process your personal data for cross-context behavioral advertising.
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not deny services, charge different prices, or provide a different quality of service for exercising your legal rights.

A. SUBMITTING A DATA SUBJECT REQUEST (DSR)

You may exercise your privacy rights through any of the following channels:

• Email: Send your request to our designated Privacy Lead at [email protected]
• Postal Mail: Write to:
  Comic Relief, Inc.
  Attn: Privacy Compliance Lead
  815 2nd Avenue, 10th Floor
  New York, NY 10017

B. IDENTITY VERIFICATION & RESPONSE TIMELINES

To protect your privacy, we verify your identity before fulfilling substantive requests:

• Verification Standards: We do not require identity verification to opt you out of targeted advertising. For email communication preferences, we verify requests via a confirmation link sent to your registered email address. For substantive access, correction, or deletion requests, we verify your identity by matching at least two data points provided with our records (such as your email address and the date/amount of a prior contribution or ZIP code). We will never request sensitive government identifiers or full payment card numbers.
• Response Window: We respond to verified consumer requests within forty-five (45) calendar days. If reasonably necessary, an extension of up to 45 additional days will be provided with written notice. Targeted advertising opt-out requests are processed within 15 business days.
• Right of Appeal: If we decline to take action on your request, we will state our operational and legal reasons. You may appeal our decision within thirty (30) days by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Privacy Appeal." An executive review will be conducted within 45 days. If unsatisfied, you may contact your state Attorney General.

C. GLOBAL PRIVACY CONTROL (GPC) & UNIVERSAL OPT-OUT SIGNALS

Comic Relief US recognizes and honors Global Privacy Control (GPC) and Universal Opt-Out Mechanisms (UOOM). When our website or Consent Management Platform (CMP) detects an enabled GPC signal from your browser, we automatically treat that signal as a valid opt-out request from targeted advertising and cross-context behavioral tracking across our Service.

D. CONSENT MANAGEMENT & TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

When you first visit our Service, you can manage your cookie preferences through our interactive Consent Management banner. You may adjust or revoke your preferences at any time by selecting the "Cookie Preferences" link in the website footer.

You may also opt out of interest-based advertising through industry programs:

• Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA): aboutads.info/choices
• Network Advertising Initiative (NAI): networkadvertising.org/choices
• Google Analytics Opt-Out: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

E. PROMOTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS OPT-OUT

You can opt out of promotional communications at any time by:

• Clicking the "Unsubscribe" link in any marketing email;
• Texting "STOP" in response to any promotional text message; or
• Emailing [email protected] with the word "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.

Opting out of promotional messages does not affect transactional or administrative communications, such as donation receipts, tax statements, or security notices.

F. CALIFORNIA SHINE THE LIGHT LAW

California Civil Code § 1798.83 permits California residents to request once per calendar year a list of categories of personal information disclosed to third parties for their direct marketing purposes and the identities of those third parties. Requests may be sent to [email protected] with "California Shine the Light Request" in the subject line.

7. PAYMENT SECURITY & PCI DSS COMPLIANCE

Comic Relief US maintains rigorous security measures to protect donor transactions in full alignment with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS v4.0.1 SAQ A):

• Outsourced Payment Infrastructure: All payment card processing is entirely outsourced to certified Level 1 PCI DSS compliant service providers (Fundraise Up, Funraise, Stripe, PayPal). Payment forms are embedded in isolated iframes, ensuring cardholder data never touches our servers.
• Script Monitoring: We keep an inventory of the scripts that run on our website, including pages where donations are made. We're alerted when an unapproved script appears, and we check our security headers daily for unauthorized changes.External Vulnerability Scanning: Our public web infrastructure undergoes regular vulnerability scanning conducted by PCI SSC Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs) pursuant to PCI DSS Requirement 11.3.2.
• Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (IRP): We maintain a formalized Incident Response Plan ready to be activated immediately in the event of a suspected security event, with established 24-hour notification SLAs for acquiring banks , payment processors, and affected parties.

8. DATA SECURITY

We implement and maintain reasonable administrative, physical, and technical security safeguards—including multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based CRM access controls, and network firewalls—to protect information about you from loss, theft, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. While we take comprehensive precautions, transmission across the internet cannot be guaranteed completely secure.

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

The Service is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under thirteen (13) years of age. Comic Relief US does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 in violation of the U.S. Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal data without verified parental consent, contact [email protected], and we will delete such data promptly.

10. INTERNATIONAL DATA PRIVACY & TRANSFERS

Comic Relief US is based in the United States and does not direct its Services outside of the United States. If you access our Service from outside the U.S., information collected will be transferred to, processed, and stored in the United States. Data protection laws in the U.S. may differ from those of your country of residence. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer and processing of your information in the United States.

Comic Relief, Inc. in the United States is legally independent from Comic Relief UK (Charity Projects Ltd). We do not market services to individuals located in the United Kingdom or European Economic Area.

11. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We review and update this Privacy Policy at least annually. We will post any changes on this page, and if changes are material, provide prominent notice on our website or via email. Changes take effect immediately upon posting.

12. CONTACT US

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our security practices, please contact us:

• Privacy Inquiries & DSRs: [email protected]
• Security Incident & Operations: [email protected]
• General Inquiries: [email protected]
• Postal Mail: Comic Relief, Inc., 815 2nd Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10017
• Phone: (929) 260-0416

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

TAX EXEMPT STATUS

Comic Relief, Inc. is an organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt entity described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to Comic Relief, Inc. are tax deductible to the extent provided by U.S. law. Comic Relief, Inc. retains full discretion and control over all donations received by it.

GIFT MATCHING PROGRAMS

If your workplace matches your contributions, the following may be useful for your company giving program:

• Name: Comic Relief, Inc.
• Business address: Comic Relief, Inc., 815 2nd Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10017
• Tax # (EIN): 01-0885377

CORPORATE INFORMATION & AUDITS

Comic Relief, Inc. ("Comic Relief US") is a Delaware non-profit non-stock corporation. On occasion, America Gives Back ('AGB', now known as Comic Relief, Inc. and formerly known as Charity Projects Entertainment Fund) acted as a fiscal sponsor for organizations whose activities are in line with its vision and mission, including the formerly active Flying Start Fund and Red Nose Day Fund. The key issues funded are health, education, and the protection of children and young people at risk in the U.S. and globally.

U.S. STATE INFORMATION

Under various state solicitation regulations, we are required to inform residents of the following U.S. states that they may contact their state's charities registration or licensing office for further information:

• Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, 303.894.2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us, regarding Registration Number 20073003091.
• Florida: FL REGISTRATION number CH 22640, a copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free, within the state 1-800-HELP-FLA. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
• Georgia: A copy of the current financial statement of Comic Relief, Inc. is available upon request.
• Kansas: The official registration and annual financial report of Comic Relief, Inc. is filed with the Kansas Secretary of State. Kansas Registration #21-022590.
• Maryland: A copy of the current financial statement of Comic Relief, Inc. is available upon request. For the cost of copies and postage, documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are available from the Maryland Secretary of State, 16 Francis Street, Annapolis MD 21061 (410) 974-5521.
• Michigan: MICS 37060.
• Minnesota: Comic Relief, Inc. is located in New York, NY. All contributions to Comic Relief, Inc. are tax deductible to the extent provided by US law.
• Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Comic Relief, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State's office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State.
• New Jersey: Information filed with the attorney general concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the attorney general of the state of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is available on the internet at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. Registration with the attorney general does not imply endorsement.
• New York: Upon request, a copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing to the Charities Bureau. Comic Relief, Inc. makes contributions to other organizations, and a list of all organizations that have received contributions during the past twelve months may be obtained from Comic Relief, Inc.
• North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
• Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Comic Relief, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
• Virginia: Financial statements for the last fiscal year are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.
• Washington: The registration required by the charitable solicitation act is on file with the Office of the Secretary of State. Financial and other additional information can be obtained from the Office of the Secretary of State by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities.
• West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Inquiries can be made to the administrator at Comic Relief, Inc.

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Last Updated and Reviewed: Nov 4, 2026

Effective Date: Nov 5, 2026