Privacy Policy -

SparkUp Initiative(“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect the personal data you provide through our website https://sparkupinitiative.org/ (“Website”) in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable laws in Germany and the European Union.

By using the Website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Website. We encourage you to check this page periodically for any updates.

1. WHAT INFORMATION WE COLLECT

A. Personal Data You Provide Voluntarily

We collect the following personal data when you interact with our Website:

1. Newsletter Subscription (via Foldesk)

If you subscribe to our email newsletter via Foldesk, we collect your name and email address. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of our emails. Foldesk processes and stores this data on our behalf and is committed to GDPR compliance.

2. Fellowship Registration Forms

If you apply for the Sparkup Initiative Fellowship, we will collect information via an online form. This may include your name, email address, phone number, country of residence, education or employment background, and any additional materials or responses you voluntarily submit. The information collected will only be used to process and evaluate your application, communicate with you regarding the fellowship, and manage participation.

Please do not submit any sensitive personal information (e.g. health data, biometric data, or financial identifiers) unless specifically requested for a lawful and limited purpose.

3. Contact Form

If you contact us through our website, we collect your name, email address, and any other information you choose to include in your message so that we can respond to your inquiry.

B. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the Website, we may automatically collect:

IP address
Browser type
Pages visited
Date/time of visit
Referring URL

This information is collected via tools such as cookies, web beacons, and Google Analytics, and is used only in aggregate to help us understand website performance and user behavior.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that some site features may not function properly without cookies.

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use your information only for the purposes it was collected:

To deliver newsletters or updates, you subscribed to
To process and review fellowship applications
To respond to contact messages or inquiries
To improve the user experience and functionality of our Website
To comply with legal or regulatory obligations

We will never sell your personal data or use it for purposes not stated in this policy.

3. SHARING YOUR INFORMATION

We only share your information in limited circumstances:

With trusted third-party service providers (e.g., Foldesk, web hosting, analytics, or payment platforms) who are GDPR-compliant and help us operate the Website and communicate with users.
If required by law, regulation, or legal process.
In case of a merger, reorganization, or acquisition, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

We ensure all third-party service providers follow strict data protection agreements.

4. DATA SECURITY AND GDPR COMPLIANCE

We take the protection of your data seriously and follow GDPR requirements:

We store personal data securely using technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.
Access to personal data is limited to authorized personnel and third parties under strict confidentiality agreements.
We ensure that all third-party services used for storing or processing personal data comply with EU data protection laws.

Despite our efforts, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. By using our Website, you accept the inherent risks involved in online data sharing.

5. YOUR RIGHTS UNDER GDPR

If you are located in the EU or EEA, you have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you
Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”)
Restrict or object to the processing of your data
Withdraw consent at any time
Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority

To exercise your rights, contact us at info@sparkupinitiative.org. We will respond within the time limits required by law.

6. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Our Website and services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child under 13 has submitted personal data, we will take steps to delete it.

7. THIRD-PARTY LINKS AND TOOLS

The Website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and recommend reviewing their policies before sharing any data.

8. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Although SparkUp Initiative is based in Germany, some of our service providers may process data in other countries. We ensure all data transfers outside the EU comply with GDPR using appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

9. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the revised “Effective Date.” Continued use of the Website after updates means you accept the revised terms.

10. CONTACT US

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact:

SparkUp Initiative
Email: info@sparkupinitiative.org
Website: https://sparkupinitiative.org

Effective Date: August 1, 2025SparkUp Initiative(“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect the personal data you provide through our website https://sparkupinitiative.org/ (“Website”) in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable laws in Germany and the European Union.