Effective August 8, 2026

Privacy Notice

This notice explains how Community Spark handles information submitted through our local microgrant program.

Information we collect

We collect the information you provide in an application, including contact details, age category, adult sponsor details when applicable, project plans, locations, budgets, permissions, and optional video links. We also collect your preference about whether your name may appear in public project stories.

How we use it

We use application information to confirm eligibility, review and select projects, communicate with applicants, administer grants, verify completed work, prevent misuse, and improve the program.

Who can access it

Applications may be reviewed by Community Spark organizers and members of the community selection panel. Our website and database providers process information as needed to operate the site. We do not sell applicant information or use it for advertising.

Funded-project stories

If a project is funded, we may share its title, general description, results, and approved photos or video to celebrate local impact. Applicants may opt out of having their name published. We will seek additional permission before identifying or prominently featuring a child in public materials.

Children and teenagers

Applicants ages 13–17 may apply with an adult sponsor. An adult must submit on behalf of anyone under 13. Children under 13 should not submit the form themselves.

Retention and security

Unsuccessful applications are retained for no more than one year after a decision. Information connected to funded projects may be retained longer when reasonably needed to administer and document the grant. We use reasonable safeguards, but no online system can guarantee absolute security.

Your choices

You may ask to review, correct, or delete your application information, subject to records we reasonably need to retain for an active or completed grant. Contact us at communitysparksmd@gmail.com.

Changes

We may update this notice as the pilot develops. The effective date above will show when it was last revised.