Introduction
The Obeng Scholarship Foundation ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, apply for scholarships, make donations, or otherwise interact with us.
Information we collect
Information you provide directly
- Scholarship applicants: Full name, contact details (email, phone, address), date of birth, educational history, academic records, personal statements, references, and financial need documentation.
- Donors: Name, contact details, payment information (processed securely by third-party payment providers), donation amount, and Gift Aid declarations where applicable.
- Contact form submissions: Name, email address, and any information you include in your message.
- Partners and volunteers: Name, contact details, professional background, and areas of expertise.
Information collected automatically
- Device information (browser type, operating system)
- IP address and general location data
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Referring website or source
How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
- Process and evaluate scholarship applications
- Administer scholarship awards and track scholar progress
- Process donations and issue receipts or acknowledgements
- Communicate with you about your application, donation, or enquiry
- Send updates about our programmes and impact (with your consent)
- Improve our website and services
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Prevent fraud and ensure the security of our operations
Legal basis for processing
We process your personal data based on:
- Consent: When you submit an application form or opt-in to communications
- Contractual necessity: To fulfil scholarship agreements or process donations
- Legitimate interests: To operate our foundation, improve our services, and prevent fraud
- Legal obligations: To comply with financial reporting, tax, and charity regulations
Data sharing and disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information with:
- Educational institutions: To verify academic records and enrolment status
- Local verification partners: Schools, district assemblies, or community leaders who help verify applicant circumstances
- Payment processors: To securely process donations (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
- Professional advisors: Accountants, auditors, or legal counsel as necessary
- Regulatory authorities: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
Data retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, including:
- Successful applicants: For the duration of the scholarship and up to 7 years after completion for reporting purposes
- Unsuccessful applicants: Up to 2 years to allow for reapplication and appeals
- Donors: As required by financial regulations (typically 7 years)
- General enquiries: Up to 2 years unless ongoing communication is required
Your rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Object to or restrict certain processing activities
- Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)
- Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority
To exercise these rights, contact us at admin@obengfoundation.org.
Data security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including encryption, access controls, and secure hosting. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Cookies and tracking
Our website may use essential cookies to ensure proper functionality. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies. Any analytics we employ are privacy-focused and do not track individual users across websites.
Third-party links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
Children's privacy
Our scholarship programmes may involve applicants under 18 years of age. For minor applicants, we require parental or guardian consent and take additional steps to protect their information. We do not knowingly collect information from children without appropriate consent.
International data transfers
If you are located outside the United Kingdom, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the UK or other countries where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for any international transfers.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Email: admin@obengfoundation.org
- Website: Contact page
Effective date: January 2026