Privacy Policy

In this Privacy Policy, we provide information about the personal data we process in connection with our activities and tasks, including our www.stiftungschweiz.ch and www.thephilanthropist.com website. We specifically inform about the purposes, methods, and locations of the data processing we perform. Additionally, we inform about the rights of individuals whose data we process.

For individual or additional activities and tasks, additional privacy policies and other legal documents such as General Terms and Conditions (GTC), Terms of Use, or Participation Conditions may apply.

We are subject to Swiss data protection law as well as any applicable foreign data protection law, particularly that of the European Union (EU) through the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The European Commission recognizes that Swiss data protection law ensures adequate data protection.

1. Contact Addresses

Responsibility for the processing of personal data:

Philanthropy Services AG
Centralbahnstr. 10, 4051 Basel

Email: support@stiftungschweiz.ch

We will indicate if there are other responsible parties for the processing of personal data in specific cases.

2. Definitions and Legal Basis

2.1 Definitions

Personal data refers to any information relating to a specific or identifiable natural person. An affected person is a person about whom we process personal data.

Processing includes any handling of personal data, regardless of the means and procedures used, such as querying, comparing, adapting, archiving, retaining, retrieving, disclosing, obtaining, recording, collecting, deleting, disclosing, organizing, storing, modifying, distributing, linking, destroying, and using personal data.

The European Economic Area (EEA) includes the Member States of the European Union (EU) as well as the Principality of Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) refers to the processing of personal data as processing of personal data.

2.2 Legal Basis

We process personal data in accordance with Swiss data protection law, particularly the Federal Act on Data Protection Act (Datenschutzgesetz, DSG) and the Regulation on Data Protection (Datenschutzverordnung, DSV).

We process – to the extent that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is applicable – personal data in accordance with at least one of the following legal bases:

  • Article 6(1)(b) GDPR for the necessary processing of personal data for the fulfillment of a contract with the data subject and for the implementation of pre-contractual measures.
  • Article 6(1)(f) GDPR for the necessary processing of personal data to safeguard the legitimate interests of us or third parties, provided that the fundamental freedoms and rights as well as the interests of the data subject do not prevail. Legitimate interests include, in particular, our interest in exercising our activities and tasks in a permanent, user-friendly, secure, and reliable manner, as well as being able to communicate about them, ensuring information security, protecting against misuse, enforcing our own legal claims, and complying with Swiss law.
  • Article 6(1)(c) GDPR for the necessary processing of personal data to fulfill a legal obligation to which we are subject under any applicable law of Member States in the European Economic Area (EEA).
  • Article 6(1)(e) GDPR for the necessary processing of personal data for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority.
  • Article 6(1)(a) GDPR for the processing of personal data with the consent of the data subject.
  • Article 6(1)(d) GDPR for the necessary processing of personal data to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person.

3. Type, Scope, and Purpose

We process those personal data that are necessary to carry out our activities and tasks in a permanent, user-friendly, secure, and reliable manner. Such personal data may include categories of inventory and contact data, browser and device data, content data, metadata or context data, usage data, location data, sales data, as well as contract and payment data.

We process personal data for the duration that is required for the respective purpose(s) or as required by law. Personal data that is no longer necessary for processing will be anonymized or deleted.

We may have personal data processed by third parties. We may also process or transmit personal data jointly with third parties. These third parties are primarily specialized providers whose services we use. We also ensure data protection with such third parties.

We generally process personal data only with the consent of the data subjects. If and to the extent that processing is permissible for other legal reasons, we may waive obtaining consent. We may, for example, process personal data without consent to fulfill a contract, to fulfill legal obligations, or to protect overriding interests.

Within this framework, we process, in particular, information that a data subject voluntarily provides to us when contacting us – for example, by postal mail, email, instant messaging, contact form, social media, or telephone – or when registering for a user account. We may store such information in an address book, customer relationship management system (CRM system), or similar tools. If we receive data about other individuals, the transmitting individuals are obligated to ensure data protection for these individuals and ensure the accuracy of this personal data.

Furthermore, we process personal data that we receive from third parties, obtain from publicly accessible sources, or collect during the course of our activities and tasks, to the extent that such processing is permissible for legal reasons.

4. Applications

We process personal data about applicants to the extent necessary for assessing suitability for an employment relationship or for the subsequent execution of an employment contract. The necessary personal data arises in particular from the information requested, for example, in the context of a job advertisement. We also process personal data that applicants voluntarily provide or publish, particularly as part of cover letters, resumes, other application documents, and online profiles.

We process – if and to the extent that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is applicable – personal data about applicants in accordance with Article 9(2)(b) GDPR.

5. Personal Data Abroad

We generally process personal data in Switzerland and in the European Economic Area (EEA). However, we may also export or transmit personal data to other countries, especially to process or have them processed there.

We may export personal data to all countries and territories on Earth and elsewhere in the Universe, provided that local law guarantees adequate data protection in accordance with the decision of the Swiss Federal Council and – if and to the extent that the GDPR is applicable – in accordance with the decision of the European Commission on adequate data protection.

We may transfer personal data to countries whose laws do not provide adequate data protection, provided that data protection is ensured for other reasons, particularly based on standard data protection clauses or other suitable guarantees. In exceptional cases, we may export personal data to countries without adequate or suitable data protection, if the special data protection requirements are met, such as the explicit consent of the data subjects or a direct connection to the conclusion or performance of a contract. Upon request, we are happy to provide data subjects with information about any guarantees or provide copies of any guarantees.

6. Rights of Data Subjects

6.1 Data Protection Rights

We grant data subjects all rights under applicable data protection law. Data subjects have the following rights in particular:

  • Information: Data subjects can request information about whether we process personal data about them, and if so, what personal data it concerns. Data subjects also receive information necessary to assert their data protection rights and ensure transparency. This includes the processed personal data as such, but also information about the purpose of processing, the duration of storage, any disclosure or export of data to other countries, and the origin of the personal data.
  • Correction and Restriction: Data subjects can correct inaccurate personal data, complete incomplete data, and restrict the processing of their data.
  • Deletion and Objection: Data subjects can request the deletion of personal data (“right to be forgotten”) and object to the processing of their data for the future.
  • Data Disclosure and Data Portability: Data subjects can request the disclosure of personal data or the transfer of their data to another controller.

We may postpone, restrict, or refuse the exercise of data subjects’ rights within legally permissible limits. We may inform data subjects about any conditions that need to be fulfilled for the exercise of their data protection rights. For instance, we may refuse to provide information by referring to business secrets or the protection of other individuals. We may also refuse the deletion of personal data by referring to statutory retention obligations.

We may, on an exceptional basis, provide for costs in exercising these rights. We will inform data subjects in advance about any potential costs.

We are obliged to identify data subjects who request information or exercise other rights with appropriate measures within the legally permissible framework. Data subjects are obligated to cooperate.

6.2 Right to Lodge a Complaint

Data subjects have the right to enforce their data protection claims in court or to lodge a complaint with a competent data protection supervisory authority.

The data protection supervisory authority for private controllers and federal entities in Switzerland is the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC).

Data subjects have the right, if and to the extent that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is applicable, to lodge a complaint with a competent European data protection supervisory authority.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure data security appropriate to the respective risk. However, we cannot guarantee absolute data security.

Access to our website is via transport encryption (SSL / TLS, especially with Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, abbreviated as HTTPS). Most browsers indicate transport encryption with a padlock in the address bar.

Our digital communication is subject – as a general rule, all digital communication is – to mass surveillance without cause and suspicion, as well as other surveillance by security authorities in Switzerland, the rest of Europe, the United States of America (USA), and other countries. We cannot exert direct influence on the corresponding processing of personal data by intelligence agencies, police authorities, and other security authorities.

8. Use of the Website

8.1 Cookies

We may use cookies. With cookies – both our own cookies (first-party cookies) and cookies from third parties whose services we use (third-party cookies) – data is stored in the browser. Such stored data need not be limited to traditional text-form cookies.

Cookies can be stored in the browser temporarily as “session cookies” or for a specific period as so-called permanent cookies. “Session cookies” are automatically deleted when the browser is closed. Permanent cookies have a specific storage duration. Cookies allow, in particular, the browser to be recognized on the next visit to our website and thus, for example, to measure the reach of our website. However, permanent cookies can also be used for online marketing.

Cookies can be deactivated or deleted in the browser settings at any time, either entirely or partially. Without cookies, our website may not be fully available. We request – at least if and to the extent necessary – explicit consent to the use of cookies.

When cookies are used for success and reach measurement or for advertising, a general objection (“opt-out”) is possible for numerous services through AdChoices (Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada), the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI), YourAdChoices (Digital Advertising Alliance), or Your Online Choices (European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance, EDAA).

8.2 Server Log Files

For each access to our website, we can record the following information, if transmitted by your browser to our server infrastructure or if determined by our web server: date and time including time zone, Internet Protocol (IP) address, access status (HTTP status code), operating system including user interface and version, browser including language and version, accessed individual sub-page of our website including transferred data volume, last accessed website in the same browser window (referer or referrer).

We store such information, which may also constitute personal data, in server log files. The information is necessary to provide our website permanently, user-friendly, and reliably, as well as to ensure data security, especially the protection of personal data – also by third parties or with the help of third parties.

8.3 Tracking Pixels

We may use tracking pixels on our website. Tracking pixels are also referred to as web beacons. With tracking pixels – including those of third parties whose services we use – small, usually invisible images are automatically retrieved when visiting our website. The same information as in server log files can be collected with tracking pixels.

9. Notifications and Messages

We send notifications and messages by email and through other communication channels such as instant messaging or SMS.

9.1 Success and Reach Measurement

Notifications and messages may contain web links or tracking pixels that record whether an individual message has been opened and which web links were clicked. Such web links and tracking pixels can also record the use of notifications and messages on a personal level. We need this statistical recording of usage for success and reach measurement to send notifications and messages effectively, user-friendly, and permanently, securely, and reliably based on the recipients’ needs and reading habits.

9.2 Consent and Objection

You must, in principle, expressly consent to the use of your email address and other contact addresses, unless the use is permissible for other legal reasons. For any possible consent, we use the “double opt-in” procedure if possible, meaning you receive an email with a web link that you must click to confirm, in order to prevent misuse by unauthorized third parties. For evidence and security reasons, we may log such consents, including the Internet Protocol (IP) address, date, and time.

In principle, you can object to receiving notifications and messages such as newsletters at any time. With such an objection, you can simultaneously object to the statistical recording of usage for success and reach measurement. Notifications and messages required in connection with our activities and tasks remain reserved.

9.3 Service Providers for Notifications and Messages

We send notifications and messages with the help of specialized service providers.

We use in particular:

10. Social Media

We are present on social media platforms and other online platforms to communicate with interested individuals and provide information about our activities and operations. In connection with such platforms, personal data may be processed outside of Switzerland and the European Economic Area (EEA).

The general terms and conditions (GTC) and terms of use, as well as privacy policies and other provisions of the individual operators of such platforms, also apply. These provisions particularly inform affected individuals directly about their rights vis-à-vis the respective platform, including the right to access information.

For our presence on Facebook, including the so-called Page Insights, we are – if and to the extent that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies – jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (Ireland). Meta Platforms Ireland Limited is part of the Meta Companies (including in the USA). Page Insights provide information about how visitors interact with our Facebook presence. We use Page Insights to effectively and user-friendly provide our social media presence on Facebook.

Further information about the type, scope, and purpose of data processing, information about the rights of affected individuals, as well as Facebook’s contact details and the Data Protection Officer of Facebook, can be found in the Facebook Privacy Policy. We have concluded the so-called “Controller Addendum” with Facebook, thereby agreeing that Facebook is responsible for ensuring the rights of affected individuals. For Page Insights, the corresponding information can be found on the page “Information about Page Insights” including “Information about Page Insights Data”.

Users of social media platforms have the option to log in or register with their respective user accounts on our online offerings ( “Social Login“). The respective terms and conditions of the relevant social media platforms apply.

11. Third-Party Services

We use services from specialized third parties to carry out our activities and operations in a permanent, user-friendly, secure, and reliable manner. With such services, we can embed functions and content into our website. In the context of such embedding, the services used capture the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of users for technically compelling reasons, at least temporarily.

For necessary security-related, statistical, and technical purposes, third parties whose services we use can process data in connection with our activities and operations in an aggregated, anonymized, or pseudonymized manner. These can include performance or usage data to offer the respective service.

In particular, we use:

11.1 Digital Infrastructure

We use services from specialized third parties to be able to use the required digital infrastructure in connection with our activities and operations. This includes, for example, hosting and storage services from selected providers.

We use the following services in particular:

11.2 Automation and Integration of Apps and Services

We use specialized platforms to integrate and connect existing third-party apps and services. With such “no-code” platforms, we can also automate workflows and activities with third-party apps and services.

We use the following in particular:

11.3 Contact Options

We use services from selected providers to communicate better with third parties, such as potential and existing customers.

We use the following in particular:

11.4 Appointment Scheduling

We use services from specialized third parties to schedule appointments online, for example, for meetings. In addition to this privacy policy, the terms and conditions of the services used, such as terms of use or privacy policies, also apply, if directly apparent.

We use the following in particular:

11.5 Audio and Video Conferences

We use specialized services for audio and video conferencing to communicate online. With these services, we can hold virtual meetings, conduct online classes, and host webinars, for example. For participation in audio and video conferences, the legal texts of the respective services, such as privacy policies and terms of use, also apply.

We recommend muting the microphone by default and blurring the background or using a virtual background when participating in audio or video conferences, depending on your life situation.

We use the following services in particular:

11.6 Online Collaboration

We use services from third parties to enable online collaboration. In addition to this privacy policy, the terms and conditions of the services used, such as terms of use or privacy policies, also apply, if directly apparent.

We use the following in particular:

11.7 Map Material

We use services from third parties to embed maps on our website.

We use the following in particular:

11.8 Digital Audio and Video Content

We use services from specialized third parties to enable the direct playback of digital audio and video content, such as music or podcasts.

We use the following in particular:

11.9 Documents

We use services from third parties to embed documents on our website. Such documents may include forms, PDF files, presentations, spreadsheets, and text documents. This allows us not only to view but also to edit or comment on such documents.

We use the following in particular:

11.10 Fonts

We use services from third parties to embed selected fonts as well as icons, logos, and symbols on our website.

We use the following in particular:

11.11 E-Commerce

We operate e-commerce and use services from third parties to successfully offer services, content, or goods.

11.12 Payments

We use specialized service providers to securely and reliably process payments from our customers. The legal terms of each service provider, such as General Terms and Conditions (GTC) or privacy policies, also apply to payment processing.

We particularly use the following:

11.13 Advertising

We use the opportunity to selectively display advertising for our activities and initiatives to third parties such as social media platforms and search engines.

Through such advertising, we aim to reach individuals who are already interested in or could potentially be interested in our activities and initiatives (Remarketing and Targeting). To achieve this, we may share relevant—possibly personal—information with third parties that enable such advertising. Additionally, we can determine the success of our advertising, especially whether it leads to visits to our website (Conversion Tracking).

Third parties where we advertise and where you are logged in as a user may associate your usage of our online offering with your profile there.

We particularly use:

12. Website Extensions

We use extensions for our website to access additional functions.

We particularly use:

13. Success and Reach Measurement

We attempt to determine how our online offering is used. In this context, we can measure the success and reach of our activities and initiatives, as well as the impact of third-party links on our website. For example, we can also test and compare how different parts or versions of our online offering are used (“A/B Test” method). Based on the results of success and reach measurement, we can fix errors, strengthen popular content, or make improvements to our online offering.

For success and reach measurement, in most cases, the internet protocol (IP) addresses of individual users are stored. IP addresses are generally shortened (“IP Masking”) in this case, following the principle of data minimization.

Cookies may be used for success and reach measurement, and user profiles may be created. Any user profiles created may include, for example, the individual pages visited or content viewed on our website, information about the screen size or browser window, and—at least roughly—the location. Generally, any user profiles that are created are strictly pseudonymized and are not used to identify individual users. Certain third-party services where users are logged in may potentially link the use of our online offering to the user account or profile with that service.

We particularly use:

14. Final Provisions

We created this privacy policy using the Privacy Policy Generator by Datenschutzpartner. Please note: This privacy policy is a machine translation from German.

We may adjust and supplement this privacy policy at any time. We will inform about such adjustments and additions in an appropriate form, in particular by publishing the respective current privacy policy on our website.