Privacy Policy

The Shebie Foundation

Last Updated: 7th March 2026

The Shebie Foundation (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information we collect.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

By accessing our website, applying for assistance, donating, or interacting with The Shebie Foundation, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

  1. About The Shebie Foundation

The Shebie Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing financial barriers for women living with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis, particularly in relation to surgical treatment and care.

In order to assess grant applications and operate our programs, we may collect personal and sensitive information.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect personal information including:

General Information

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Postal address

  • Date of birth

Application Information

If you apply for financial assistance, we may collect:

  • Medical diagnosis confirmation

  • Treatment recommendations from medical specialists

  • Financial hardship information

  • Supporting documentation related to medical care

This may include sensitive health information as defined under the Privacy Act.

Donation Information

When you make a donation we may collect:

  • Name

  • Contact details

  • Payment confirmation details

  • Donation history

Please note we do not store full credit card details. Payments may be processed through secure third-party providers.

Website Usage Information

When visiting our website we may collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Device information

  • Pages visited

  • Referral sources

This information helps us improve website functionality.

3. Sensitive Information

In certain circumstances, we may collect sensitive information, including health information, when it is reasonably necessary for the assessment of grant applications.

Sensitive information will only be collected:

  • With the individual’s consent, and

  • For purposes directly related to assessing eligibility for assistance

Sensitive information is handled with strict confidentiality and accessed only by authorised individuals involved in the grant review process.3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information in several ways, including when you:

  • Apply for financial assistance

  • Contact us via email, phone, or social media

  • Make a donation

  • Subscribe to newsletters or updates

  • Register for events

  • Visit our website

Information may also be collected through secure application forms, online submissions, or direct communication.

4. How We Collect Personal Information

We may collect personal information when you:

  • Apply for financial assistance

  • Submit information through our website forms

  • Contact us via email, phone, or social media

  • Subscribe to newsletters or updates

  • Register for events

  • Make a donation

  • Interact with us through partnerships or advocacy initiatives

Information may be collected through secure online forms, direct communications, or supporting documentation submitted by applicants.4. Why We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information to:

  • Assess applications for financial assistance

  • Verify medical and financial eligibility

  • Process donations

  • Communicate with applicants, donors, and supporters

  • Improve our services and programs

  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations

  • Promote awareness and advocacy initiatives

We will only collect information that is reasonably necessary for our functions and activities.

5. Why We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information for purposes including:

  • Assessing applications for financial assistance

  • Verifying medical and financial eligibility

  • Processing donations

  • Communicating with applicants, donors, supporters, and partners

  • Improving our services and programs

  • Managing events and awareness initiatives

  • Meeting legal and regulatory obligations

We will only collect information that is reasonably necessary for our functions and activities.

6. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information to:

  • Medical specialists involved in verifying applications

  • Trusted advisors or board members reviewing grant applications

  • Third-party service providers assisting with website hosting, payment processing, or communications

  • Government or regulatory authorities where required by law

We take reasonable steps to ensure third parties handle personal information in accordance with privacy laws.

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

7. Overseas Data Storage

Some of our third-party service providers (such as website hosting platforms, payment processors, or email communication tools) may store or process information outside Australia.

Where this occurs, The Shebie Foundation takes reasonable steps to ensure these providers handle personal information in a manner consistent with Australian privacy law.7. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

These steps may include:

  • Secure website hosting

  • Password-protected systems

  • Restricted access to application information

  • Encryption of sensitive information where possible

Despite our efforts, no internet transmission is completely secure.

8. Data Security

The Shebie Foundation takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Security measures may include:

  • Secure website hosting

  • Password-protected systems

  • Restricted access to application information

  • Encryption where appropriate

Despite these safeguards, no system or online transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure.8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

  • Assess applications

  • Manage our operations

  • Comply with legal obligations

Information may be securely destroyed or de-identified when no longer required.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

  • Assess grant applications

  • Manage our programs and operations

  • Maintain accurate records

  • Meet legal or regulatory obligations

When personal information is no longer required, it may be securely destroyed or de-identified.

10. Access and Correction

You may request access to personal information we hold about you.

You may also request corrections if information is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated.

Requests can be made by contacting us using the details below.

11. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to:

  • Understand website usage

  • Improve user experience

  • Measure engagement

You can disable cookies through your browser settings.

12. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites.

The Shebie Foundation is not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites.

We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any external websites you visit.

13. Medical Information Disclaimer

The Shebie Foundation does not provide medical advice.

Any medical information provided by applicants is used solely for the purpose of assessing eligibility for financial assistance.

The Shebie Foundation does not endorse or recommend specific medical practitioners or treatment providers. Decisions regarding medical treatment should always be made between patients and their qualified healthcare professionals.

14. Privacy Complaints

If you believe that The Shebie Foundation has breached your privacy or mishandled your personal information, you may lodge a complaint with us.

Please contact us in writing with details of your concern.

We will acknowledge your complaint and aim to respond within 30 days.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

The Shebie Foundation

Email:
info@shebiefoundation.org

Website:
www.shebiefoundation.org