COOKIES POLICY

Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Tribute to Valor Foundation (referred to as “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the website located at https://tributetovalor.org (the “Website”). This Cookie Policy provides detailed information about our use of cookies and similar tracking technologies. As a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to educational and support programs for veterans and first responders, we prioritize transparency and responsible data practices.

We use cookies sparingly to enhance Website functionality and user experience. This policy explains what cookies are, the types we use, their purposes, and how you can manage them. By continuing to use our Website, you acknowledge these practices.

What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

Cookies are small text files that a website places on your device (such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit it. These files allow the Website to remember your device and store information about your preferences or previous actions.

Similar technologies include web beacons (also known as pixel tags), local storage, and device fingerprinting. These perform functions comparable to cookies.

Cookies fall into two main categories: session cookies, which are temporary files deleted when you close your browser, and persistent cookies, which are files that remain on your device for a specified period or until you delete them.

First-party cookies come directly from our Website, while third-party cookies come from external services integrated into our site.

Why Do We Use Cookies?

We employ cookies for the following limited purposes:

  1. To ensure the Website operates correctly (for example, enabling navigation and secure features).
  2. To understand how visitors interact with the Website anonymously (for example, page views and visit duration) for improvement purposes.
  3. To remember user preferences, such as form submissions or newsletter sign-ups.

As a nonprofit, we do not use cookies for targeted advertising or behavioral tracking across other websites. We do not sell personal information or share it for cross-context behavioral advertising.

Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize cookies as follows:

  1. Strictly Necessary Cookies These are essential for the Website’s core functionality. They enable basic features like page loading, navigation, and access to secure areas. The Website cannot function properly without them. Examples include session identifiers for maintaining your browsing session.
  2. Performance/Analytics Cookies These collect anonymized information about how visitors use the Website, such as popular pages or error occurrences. This data helps us improve site performance and user experience. If implemented, tools like Google Analytics may set these cookies, with data aggregated and de-identified.
  3. Functional/Preference Cookies These allow the Website to remember choices you make, such as language settings or form pre-filling, to provide a more personalized experience.
  4. Targeting/Advertising Cookies We do not currently use these cookies. If introduced in the future (for example, via third-party integrations), they would track browsing to deliver relevant content, but only with clear disclosure.

Specific Cookies Used on Our Website

The cookies deployed may vary based on integrations. We recommend periodic audits using browser developer tools or scanning services for updates. Representative examples include:

  • PHPSESSID: A first-party session cookie that maintains user session state for navigation. It lasts until the end of the session and is strictly necessary.
  • cookieconsent_status: A first-party persistent cookie that records if you have acknowledged a cookie notice (if applicable). It lasts for 1 year and is functional.
  • _ga (example): A persistent cookie from Google that distinguishes unique users for analytics. It lasts for 2 years and is performance-related.
  • _gid (example): A persistent cookie from Google that tracks daily unique visitors. It lasts for 24 hours and is performance-related.

If no analytics tools are active, only necessary and functional cookies apply.

Third-Party Cookies and Integrations

Certain features, such as embedded videos, maps, social media sharing buttons, or donation processing, may involve third-party services that set their own cookies. Examples include YouTube (for videos) or payment processors.

We do not control these third-party cookies. Please review the respective providers’ privacy policies (for example, Google’s at https://policies.google.com/privacy) for details. We select integrations carefully to minimize data sharing.

Your Choices and How to Manage Cookies

You have full control over cookies:

  • Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to view, manage, delete, or block cookies. For instructions, refer to your browser’s help resources (for example, Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data; Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data; Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data; Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies).
  • Opt-Out Tools: For analytics providers, use options such as the Google Analytics opt-out at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
  • Global Privacy Controls: We honor browser signals like Global Privacy Control where applicable under state laws.

Note that disabling non-essential cookies may limit certain features, such as form functionality.

State Privacy Rights (e.g., California Residents)

Although we are a nonprofit exempt from most obligations under the CCPA/CPRA and similar laws in states like Colorado, Virginia, and Texas, we support transparency. We do not sell or share personal information for advertising purposes. If you have questions about data practices, contact us below.

Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in technology, integrations, or best practices. The “Last Updated” date will indicate revisions. Material changes will be highlighted on the Website.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookie Policy or our cookie practices, please contact:

Email: info@tributetovalor.org