Privacy Policy

No Shutdown Pay for Congress, Inc. (a Maryland 501(c)(4) nonprofit) (collectively, “we,” “us,” or “our”) are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information when you visit our website at noshutdownpayforcongress.org (the “Site”), submit forms (e.g., contact, petition, pledge nomination, or newsletter signup), make donations, or otherwise interact with us.

By using the Site or providing us with information, you agree to the practices described in this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site or submit information.

1. Information We Collect
     We collect the following types of information:
     Information You Provide Directly

  • Contact and identification details: name, email address, phone number, mailing address, ZIP code (when you sign petitions, contact representatives, nominate pledges, subscribe to updates, or submit inquiries).

  • Donation-related information: name, email, billing address, payment method details (processed securely by third-party payment providers like GoFundMe; we do not store full credit card numbers).

  • Other voluntary information: messages, comments, or feedback you submit through forms.

     Information Collected Automatically

  • Device and usage data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time/date of access, referring/exit pages, and clickstream data (collected via cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies).

  • Analytics data: Aggregated, non-personal information about Site usage (via tools like Google Analytics).

We do not collect sensitive personal information (e.g., Social Security numbers, financial account details beyond donation processing, or health data) unless voluntarily provided in a message (which we do not request or require).

2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for legitimate nonprofit purposes, including:

  • Responding to inquiries, processing petitions, sending messages to elected officials on your behalf (via tools like VoterVoice), or facilitating pledge nominations.

  • Processing and acknowledging donations.

  • Sending nonpartisan updates, alerts, newsletters, or progress reports (if you opt in).

  • Improving the Site, analyzing usage trends, and ensuring security.

  • Complying with legal obligations, preventing fraud, or enforcing our terms.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

3. Sharing Your Information
We may share your information in limited circumstances:

  • Service providers: With trusted vendors (e.g., GoFundMe for donations, VoterVoice for advocacy messages, email service providers like Mailchimp for newsletters) who help us operate the Site and mission. These providers are contractually required to protect your data and use it only for our purposes.

  • Legal requirements: If required by law, subpoena, court order, or government request; to protect our rights, safety, or property; or in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale.

  • Affiliated entities: Between our affiliated 501(c)(3) Foundation and this 501(c)(4) for mission-related purposes (e.g., restricted grants for advocacy), subject to written agreements limiting use.

  • With your consent: If you explicitly agree (e.g., opting in to share your name on a public supporters list).

We do not share your information with political candidates, parties, or for partisan purposes.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use essential cookies for Site functionality (e.g., form sessions) and analytics cookies (e.g., Google Analytics) for aggregated usage insights. You can manage cookies via your browser settings. We do not use targeted advertising cookies or sell data for cross-context behavioral advertising.

5. Your Choices and Rights

  • Opt-out: Unsubscribe from emails at any time (link in every message).

  • Access/correction: Contact us to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information (subject to legal exceptions).

  • Do Not Track: We do not respond to browser Do Not Track signals, as there is no uniform standard.

Under emerging laws like the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA, enforceable April 2026), Maryland residents may have additional rights (e.g., access, deletion, opt-out of certain processing). We will comply fully when applicable.

6. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Third-Party Links and Services
Our Site may link to third-party sites (e.g., GoFundMe, social media). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.

8. Children's Privacy
Our Site is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have such data, we will delete it.

9. International Users
Our Site is hosted in the United States and intended primarily for U.S. audiences. If you access from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ.

10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted here with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our practices, contact us at:
Email:  privacy@shutdownpay.org
Mail: No Shutdown Pay for Congress
12165 Darnestown Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

We appreciate your support and are committed to protecting your privacy while advancing our nonpartisan mission.

Effective Date: January 31, 2026

Last Updated: January 31, 2026