Last updated: October 2026
Squeaky Wheel Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that runs thesqueakywheel.org. We take your privacy seriously, even if we take very little else seriously. This page explains what information we collect, why we collect it, who we share it with, and the choices you have.
The short version: we collect only what we need to run our programs, we never sell your information, and you can ask us to see or delete it at any time.
Information we collect
Information you give us
- Donations: your name, email address, and donation details. Payments are processed by our donation platform, Givebutter. We do not see or store your full card number.
- Email signups: your name and email address, so we can send you new stories, updates, and occasional giveaways.
- Shop orders: your name, email address, shipping address, and order details. Payments are processed securely by our payment provider, and we do not store your full card number.
- Contact form messages: your name, email address, and whatever you write to us.
- Community Microgrant applications: your contact information, payment details for receiving a grant, and information about your circumstances, which may include disability, health, and financial information. Because this information is sensitive, only the Squeaky Wheel Media team members who run the microgrant program can see it.
- Comments and accounts: if you comment on a story or create an account, your name, email address, and what you post.
Information collected automatically
Like most websites, ours collects basic technical information when you visit, such as your IP address, browser type, and the pages you view. We use this to understand which stories people read and to keep the site secure. Our shop uses cookies to remember what’s in your cart, and our site uses cookies to keep you logged in if you have an account.
How we use your information
- To process donations and send tax receipts
- To fulfill and ship shop orders
- To review microgrant applications and send payments to recipients
- To send emails you’ve signed up for
- To answer your messages
- To understand how our site is used, prevent spam, and keep it secure
Who we share it with
We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share it only with the service providers that help us run the site and our programs, and only as much as they need to do their job:
- WordPress.com and Jetpack (Automattic), which host our website, run our contact form and site statistics, and protect against spam
- Givebutter, which processes donations and manages our email list
- WooCommerce payment services, which process shop payments
- Printful, which prints and ships our merchandise and receives your shipping details to do so
- Google Forms, which collects Community Microgrant applications
- PayPal and Zelle, which we use to send microgrant payments
Each of these providers has its own privacy policy. We may also disclose information if the law requires it.
Embedded content
Some pages include content from other sites, such as YouTube videos, Spotify podcasts, and Google Fonts. These services may collect information about your visit, such as your IP address, under their own privacy policies.
How long we keep it
We keep personal information only as long as we need it for the purpose it was collected, or as long as the law requires. For example, we keep donation records for tax purposes, and we keep your email address until you unsubscribe.
Your choices
- Unsubscribe from our emails at any time using the link at the bottom of any email.
- Ask to see, correct, or delete the personal information we have about you by reaching out through our contact page.
- Block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Some features, like the shopping cart, may not work without them.
Children’s privacy
Our site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. Community Microgrants are available only to adults 18 and older.
Changes to this policy
If we change this policy, we’ll update this page and the date at the top.
Contact us
Questions about your privacy? Reach out through our contact page and we’ll get back to you.