Scholarship Applicant Privacy Notice

The Giving Foundation for Women and Children (GFWC)
Website: https://thegfwc.org/
Mailing Address: 1395 Piccard Dr. Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850
Email: Info@TheGFWC.org | Phone: 202-883-3361
Last Updated: February 1, 2026

1. Purpose of this Notice

This Scholarship Applicant Privacy Notice explains how The Giving Foundation for Women and Children (GFWC) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards personal information submitted in connection with applications for GFWC scholarship programs, including the Young Scholars Fund and memorial book scholarships.

2. Applicant Acknowledgement and Consent

By submitting a scholarship application to GFWC, you provide your affirmative consent to GFWC’s collection, use, processing, and disclosure of the personal information you provide (and any information generated through the application process) as described in this Notice and in GFWC’s Privacy Policy, for the purpose of evaluating your application, administering scholarships, and maintaining appropriate program records.

3. Information We Collect

Depending on the scholarship and the information you submit, GFWC may collect:

• Contact information: name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Education information: school, program of study, enrollment status, transcripts (if required)
• Application materials: personal statements, essay responses, and other documents you provide
• Recommendation information: recommender name, contact details, and recommendation content (if required)
• Eligibility and need information: information submitted to confirm eligibility and financial need (for example, a written statement of need)

GFWC does not request or require Social Security numbers or payment card information as part of the scholarship application process.

4. How We Use Applicant Information

GFWC uses scholarship applicant information to:

• Review applications, verify eligibility, and select recipients
• Administer scholarship awards, including confirming enrollment and supporting appropriate use of funds
• Communicate with applicants regarding application status and award decisions
• Maintain records for program administration, auditing, reporting, and legal compliance
• Improve scholarship program operations and applicant experience

5. How We Share Applicant Information

GFWC may disclose applicant information only as necessary and appropriate for scholarship administration, including:

• To internal reviewers, scholarship committee members, and authorized evaluators involved in selection, subject to confidentiality expectations
• To service providers that support the scholarship process (for example, secure form tools, email platforms, and file storage), who are permitted to use the information only to provide services to GFWC
• When required by law, legal process, or governmental request, or when necessary to protect the rights, safety, and security of applicants, GFWC, or others

GFWC does not sell scholarship applicant information.

6. Applicant Communication Preferences

GFWC may contact applicants regarding their application and award status. Applicants may also choose to receive future updates about GFWC programs and opportunities beyond scholarship administration. You may opt out of non-transactional communications at any time by emailing Info@TheGFWC.org.

7. Security

GFWC uses safeguards designed to protect applicant information. Maryland law requires that “a business… shall implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices” to protect personal information.

8. Record Retention and Secure Disposal

GFWC retains scholarship application records as long as reasonably necessary to administer scholarships, maintain appropriate records, comply with legal and reporting obligations, and resolve disputes.

When records containing personal information are destroyed, Maryland law provides that “the business shall take reasonable steps to protect against unauthorized access to or use of the personal information.”

9. Security Breach Notification

If a security incident involves personal information in a manner that requires notice under Maryland law, GFWC will provide notices as required. Maryland law states that the required notice “shall be given as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than 45 days” after discovery or notification of a breach.
Maryland law also states: “Prior to giving the notification… a business shall provide notice of a breach… to the Office of the Attorney General.”

10. Maryland Consumer Privacy Requests

Maryland’s Online Data Privacy Act includes timelines for responding to certain consumer requests. The law states: “A controller shall respond to a consumer request not later than 45 days” after receipt, with a possible extension under specified conditions.
If a request is denied, the law requires the controller to “provide instructions for how to appeal the decision.”

11. Contact Us

The Giving Foundation for Women and Children (GFWC)
1395 Piccard Dr. Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850
Info@TheGFWC.org | 202-883-3361

If you email us about privacy, please put “Privacy Request” in the subject line.