Strengthen Donor Trust Through Privacy - Mary MacKillop Today

Strengthen Donor Trust Through Privacy

Data PrivacyTrust is the foundation of generosity. Every gift given to Mary MacKillop Today is not just a financial transaction, but a deeply personal act, an expression of belief in dignity, opportunity and lasting change, and a confidence that those values will be honoured.

In an era of increasing digital engagement and data sharing, how organisations protect and respect donor privacy has become central to trust. For supporters, privacy is no longer a back-office issue, it is part of how they decide who to support, and whether they will continue the journey alongside us.

Privacy as an Expression of Respect

At Mary MacKillop Today, protecting donor privacy is fundamentally about respect.

When supporters share personal information like names, contact details, giving histories, or communication preferences, they are placing trust in our care.

We see this information as a responsibility, not a resource. Just as we uphold the dignity of the communities we partner with, we are committed to treating every supporter with care, discretion and integrity.

Privacy, in this sense, becomes a quiet but powerful signal: that generosity is honoured, individuals are respected, and relationships are built on trust rather than assumption.

Why Privacy Builds Long-Term Trust

Strong privacy practices do more than meet regulatory requirements, they strengthen relationships. Clear, ethical data practices help to:

  • Build confidence that personal information is handled responsibly and securely
  • Ensure communications are relevant, welcome and respectful
  • Reinforce integrity and accountability
  • Encourage long-term connection and continued support

When donors feel safe and respected, trust deepens. And trust is what sustains meaningful, long-term impact.

Transparency Matters

Openness is essential to trust. Supporters deserve clarity about how their information is collected, used and protected.

Mary MacKillop Today is committed to being transparent about:

  • Why personal information is collected; to process donations, share impact and stay connected
  • How information is used; only in ways that support our mission and respect individual preferences
  • The choices supporters have; including updating details or opting out of communications at any time

This transparency reflects our belief that trust is built through honesty, clarity and respect.

Ethical Use of Data in a Digital World

Digital tools allow us to connect more personally and effectively with our supporters but with that capability comes responsibility. Ethical data use means collecting only what is necessary, protecting it carefully, and using it in ways that serve both the supporter and the mission.

We are mindful that generosity should never be pressured or exploited. Instead, we aim to communicate in ways that are considered, purposeful and aligned with the intent of those who support our work.

By placing ethics at the centre of data use, we ensure that technology strengthens trust rather than undermining it.

Privacy as Part of Mission Integrity

For Mary MacKillop Today, privacy is not separate from purpose – it is part of living our mission. Respecting donor privacy mirrors the respect we seek to uphold in our partnerships with communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

It reflects a commitment to dignity, justice and stewardship at every level of our work – from classrooms and communities, to systems and communications.

When supporters see these values expressed consistently, confidence grows that their generosity is in safe, principled hands.

A Shared Commitment to Trust

Strengthening donor trust through privacy is an ongoing commitment. It requires care, accountability and a willingness to adapt as expectations and technologies evolve.

By prioritising privacy, we affirm a simple but powerful truth: we value you, we respect you, and we honour the trust you place in us.

In doing so, we build more than compliance – we build enduring relationships grounded in integrity, transparency and shared purpose.

Your trust matters to us.

Learn how we protect your personal information and honour your generosity — and when you’re ready, make a secure donation that helps create lasting change.

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