Privacy Policy
Who is collecting my data?
Your data is being collected by Media Associates International (“MAI,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) of 209 E Liberty Dr., Wheaton, IL 60187, USA. MAI is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that operates internationally. We exist to equip and encourage Christian publishers and writers in hard places of the world to create excellent content that enriches the Church and influences society.
Why do we have this privacy policy?
We are committed to transparency about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, how it is used, and your rights.
Legal basis for processing personal data
We process personal data based on:
- Consent (e.g., when you subscribe to communications)
- Contractual necessity (e.g., event registration or services)
- Legal obligations (e.g., financial recordkeeping and tax compliance)
- Legitimate interests (e.g., organizational administration and outreach)
Because MAI operates internationally, we process personal data in accordance with applicable laws in relevant jurisdictions, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable.
What information do we collect and why?
Communications and outreach
We may collect your name, email address, mailing address, organization, and communication preferences. MAI collects this information to better understand your interests and connect you with relevant communications, events, training, and opportunities aligned with our mission. We will only send communications where you have provided consent or where permitted by law. You may opt out at any time.
- Retention: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
Event participation
If you register for an event, we may collect information such as contact details, travel information, dietary or health needs (where relevant), and feedback.
- Purpose: Event administration, logistics, safety, follow-up, and evaluation of our programs.
- Retention: We retain event participation data for as long as necessary to fulfill these purposes, including ongoing engagement, program evaluation, and reporting. We periodically review this data and securely delete or anonymize it when it is no longer needed.
Trainers, Board members, and other volunteers
We may collect additional information necessary to support your role, including travel or health-related information where appropriate.
- Purpose: Administration, safety, and compliance.
- Retention: Up to 1 year after your role ends, unless longer retention is required by law or for safeguarding, insurance, or compliance purposes.
Donations and financial transactions
If you make a donation, we may collect your name, contact details, donation amount, and any restrictions you specify.
- Purpose: Processing donations, issuing receipts, and maintaining financial records.
- Retention: At least 7 years to comply with U.S. tax and financial regulations.
We do not store full payment card or bank details on MAI systems. Payments are processed securely by third-party providers.
How do we use your information?
We use your personal data to:
- Administer donations and financial transactions
- Provide and manage events, training, and services
- Communicate updates, opportunities, and fundraising activities
- Understand interests to improve engagement and outreach
- Maintain internal records and comply with legal obligations
How can you update your information or preferences?
You can:
- Click the unsubscribe link in our emails
- Contact us by email: [email protected]
- Contact us by phone: (+1) 630.260.9063
- Write to us at our mailing address: PO Box 103, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA
We will respond to requests in accordance with applicable laws.
How do we protect your data?
We implement appropriate technical and organizational safeguards, including:
- Secure systems and encryption
- Access controls
- Firewalls and monitoring
No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect your data.
Who do we share your data with?
We do not sell or rent your personal data. We may share your data with trusted service providers, including:
- Payment processors
- Email and communications platforms
- Cloud storage providers
These providers are required to protect your data and use it only for authorized purposes. We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect legal rights.
Affiliated organizations and data sharing
Media Associates International operates internationally through a network of regional teams. MAI Africa, MAI Asia, and MAI América Latina are regional operations of Media Associates International (U.S.) and are not separately incorporated. Personal data may be accessed and processed by authorized MAI staff and regional leadership in these regions as part of MAI’s global operations.
MAI also works in partnership with independently incorporated affiliated organizations, including MAI Europe. MAI Europe is a separately registered UK charity and operates as an independent legal entity.
For certain joint activities—such as events, training programs, and regional initiatives—personal data may be shared between MAI and MAI Europe where necessary to plan, administer, and deliver those activities. This may include sharing event registration details, communication information, and participation records. Each organization processes personal data in accordance with its own privacy practices and applicable data protection laws. Data sharing is limited to what is necessary for the relevant activity.
If you are located in the United Kingdom or Europe, you may also contact:
MAI Europe (European Office for Media Associates International)
21 Mill Street
Kidlington
Oxford OX5 2EE
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1865 848337
Email: [email protected]
Registered UK Charity No: 328568
External websites
If you follow links to third-party websites or social media platforms, their privacy policies apply. We are not responsible for their practices.
Your rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your data
- Restrict or object to processing
- Withdraw consent
- Request data portability
To exercise your rights, please contact us at [email protected]. Residents of certain U.S. states (such as California, Colorado, and Virginia) may have additional rights under applicable privacy laws.
Complaints
If you have concerns about how your data is handled, please contact us through the following means:
- Mail: PO Box 103, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (+1) 630.260.9063
If applicable, you may also file a complaint with a relevant regulatory authority in your jurisdiction.
Updates to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted with a revised effective date.
Effective Date: January 1, 2025