Privacy Policy
Effective Date: November 2025
Last Updated: May 2026
Introduction
The Medical University of South Carolina Foundation ("MUSC Foundation," "we," "our," or "us") is a private, nonprofit organization that supports the educational, research, healthcare, and charitable missions of the Medical University of South Carolina ("MUSC" or "the University").
We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information entrusted to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, retain, and protect personal information obtained through our website, fundraising activities, events, communications, and other interactions with MUSC Foundation.
This Privacy Policy applies to information collected and maintained by MUSC Foundation. It does not apply to information collected directly by MUSC, MUSC Health, or other affiliated entities unless specifically stated. Information regarding those entities may be subject to separate privacy policies and notices.
By using our website or engaging with MUSC Foundation, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of personal information:
Contact Information
- Name
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Preferred communication methods
Donation and Transaction Information
- Donation history
- Gift designations
- Event registrations
- Sponsorship information
- Payment transaction information
- Tax-related information when required
Educational and Alumni Information
- Graduation year
- Degree information
- College affiliation
- Alumni status
- Student engagement information
Professional Information
- Employer
- Job title
- Professional affiliations
- Professional credentials
Website and Device Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Operating system
- Pages visited
- Referring websites
- Access dates and times
- Cookie and analytics information
Other Information You Provide
We may collect information you voluntarily provide through:
- Contact forms
- Surveys
- Event registrations
- Volunteer activities
- Employment applications
- Communications with MUSC Foundation
How We Collect Information
We collect information:
Directly From You
When you donate, register for an event, subscribe to communications, complete forms, volunteer, apply for employment, or otherwise communicate with us.
Through Technology
Through cookies, analytics platforms, website logs, pixels, and similar technologies when you use our website.
From MUSC and Affiliated Organizations
As permitted by applicable law, institutional policy, and data-sharing agreements.
From Third Parties
Including:
- Publicly available sources
- Professional networking platforms
- Social media platforms
- Event partners
- Service providers
- Prospect research and wealth screening providers
- Other lawful third-party sources
How We Use Information
We may use personal information to:
- Process and acknowledge donations
- Administer gifts and donor records
- Register individuals for events
- Provide donor stewardship and recognition
- Respond to inquiries and requests
- Communicate with donors, alumni, volunteers, and supporters
- Conduct fundraising and advancement activities
- Support alumni engagement initiatives
- Improve our programs, services, and website
- Analyze trends and constituent engagement
- Maintain the security of our systems
- Comply with legal, tax, accounting, audit, and regulatory obligations
Fundraising and Prospect Development
MUSC Foundation may use personal information, publicly available information, and information obtained from third-party sources to support fundraising, donor stewardship, prospect development, alumni engagement, and institutional advancement activities.
These activities may include reviewing publicly available information, professional affiliations, philanthropic interests, engagement history, and other information that helps us better understand and serve our constituents and supporters.
Healthcare and Educational Information
MUSC Foundation may receive limited information from MUSC and affiliated organizations as permitted by applicable law, institutional policy, and data-sharing agreements.
Protected health information ("PHI") used in connection with fundraising activities is handled in accordance with applicable provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") and related regulations.
Educational records and student information received from MUSC are managed in accordance with applicable laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), where applicable.
Individuals may opt out of fundraising communications at any time by contacting MUSC Foundation.
How We Share Information
We may share personal information in the following circumstances:
Within the MUSC Community
With MUSC and affiliated organizations to support educational, research, healthcare, alumni engagement, fundraising, stewardship, and mission-related activities.
Service Providers
With trusted service providers that perform services on our behalf, including:
- Donation processing
- Payment processing
- Event management
- Data hosting
- Information technology services
- Analytics services
- Marketing and communication services
- Printing and mailing services
These service providers are contractually required to maintain appropriate safeguards for personal information.
Legal and Compliance Purposes
We may disclose information when necessary to:
- Comply with legal obligations
- Respond to lawful requests
- Enforce agreements
- Protect the rights, safety, and security of individuals or organizations
- Prevent fraud or unauthorized activity
Business Transactions
In connection with organizational restructuring, mergers, acquisitions, asset transfers, or similar transactions.
Sale of Personal Information
MUSC Foundation does not sell personal information in exchange for monetary compensation.
We do not knowingly share personal information with third parties for their independent marketing purposes unrelated to the mission of MUSC Foundation or MUSC.
Payment Processing
Donations and payment transactions may be processed through third-party payment processors that maintain security controls designed to comply with applicable Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).
MUSC Foundation does not retain complete payment card information except as necessary for lawful business, accounting, audit, or legal purposes.
Cookies and Analytics
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Improve website functionality
- Remember user preferences
- Analyze website performance
- Measure engagement
- Enhance user experience
We may use Google Analytics and similar services to better understand website usage.
These services may collect information such as:
- IP addresses
- Device information
- Browser information
- Website activity
You may manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Artificial Intelligence and Analytics Tools
MUSC Foundation may use analytics platforms, reporting tools, artificial intelligence-enabled technologies, and automation tools to support communications, fundraising activities, event planning, operational efficiency, website functionality, and constituent engagement.
These tools are used to support staff decision-making and remain subject to human oversight and organizational controls.
Data Security
MUSC Foundation maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
We apply security measures appropriate to the sensitivity of the information we maintain and seek to align our practices with applicable legal, regulatory, and industry standards.
While no method of transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure, we take reasonable steps to protect personal information and respond to security incidents as required by law.
Data Retention
MUSC Foundation retains personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy and to satisfy legal, regulatory, accounting, audit, fundraising, and recordkeeping obligations.
Retention periods vary based on the type of information, legal requirements, and operational needs.
When personal information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to securely dispose of or de-identify the information in accordance with applicable laws and institutional practices.
Your Choices and Privacy Rights
You may:
- Update or correct your contact information
- Opt-out of fundraising and marketing communications
- Unsubscribe from email communications
- Stop receiving text messages by replying STOP
- Manage cookie settings through your browser
Subject to applicable law and verification of identity, you may also request:
- Access to certain personal information we maintain about you
- Correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion of information where appropriate
Certain information may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
Requests may be submitted using the contact information below.
Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed toward children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children through our website without appropriate authorization.
If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, please contact us.
Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. MUSC Foundation is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of those websites.
We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any websites they visit.
Accessibility
MUSC Foundation is committed to making our website and privacy information accessible to all users.
If you require this Privacy Policy in an alternative format or encounter accessibility barriers, please contact us.
SMS/Text Messaging Terms
By opting in to receive text messages from MUSC Foundation, you consent to receive informational and fundraising communications.
Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.
Consent to receive text messages is not required as a condition of donating, registering or receiving services.
You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to +1 (843) 892-1905.
For assistance, reply HELP to +1 (843) 892-1905 or contact MUSC Foundation directly.
Mobile opt-in information and consent records will not be sold or shared with third parties for their own marketing purposes.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
MUSC Foundation may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, organizational practices, or operational needs.
Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
Your continued use of our website or engagement with MUSC Foundation after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
Contact Us
MUSC Foundation
Attn: Data Privacy & Advancement Services
18 Bee Street, MSC 450
Charleston, SC 29425
Email: REupdate@musc.edu
Phone: 843-792-2677