Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Flowbudd Inc. ("Flowbudd," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (flowbudd.com) and church management platform (the "Service").

By using the Service, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. Cookies help websites remember your preferences, enhance functionality, and analyze site usage.

2.1 Types of Cookies

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
• First-Party Cookies: Set by Flowbudd directly
• Third-Party Cookies: Set by our service providers (analytics, support, etc.)

3. Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies (Required)

These cookies are necessary for the Service to function and cannot be disabled in our systems:

• Authentication Cookies: Keep you logged in and maintain your session
• Security Cookies: Protect against fraud and unauthorized access
• Load Balancing Cookies: Distribute traffic across servers for performance
• CSRF Protection: Prevent cross-site request forgery attacks

Examples: flowbudd_session, csrf_token, auth_token

Duration: Session cookies expire when you log out; persistent cookies last up to 30 days

3.2 Functionality Cookies (Optional but Recommended)

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences:

• Language Preferences: Remember your language selection (English, Spanish, etc.)
• Theme Preferences: Remember dark mode / light mode selection
• Region Preferences: Remember US vs CA region selection
• UI Preferences: Remember sidebar collapsed/expanded state, table column widths

Examples: user_prefs, locale, theme

Duration: Up to 12 months

3.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

We use analytics cookies to understand how users interact with the Service and improve functionality:

• Usage Analytics: Track page views, feature usage, time spent, navigation patterns
• Performance Monitoring: Measure load times, errors, and performance bottlenecks
• A/B Testing: Test new features and design variations

Service Providers:

• Vercel Analytics: First-party analytics for performance and usage (Privacy Policy)
• Google Analytics 4 (Optional): Third-party analytics with IP anonymization enabled (Privacy Policy)

Duration: Up to 24 months

3.4 Marketing Cookies (Optional)

We may use marketing cookies to deliver relevant ads and measure campaign effectiveness:

• Advertising: Show relevant ads on third-party sites
• Retargeting: Display ads to users who have visited our site
• Conversion Tracking: Measure effectiveness of ad campaigns

Note: Marketing cookies are only used on our public marketing website (flowbudd.com), NOT within the authenticated church management platform.

Service Providers: Google Ads, Facebook Pixel (with your consent)

Duration: Up to 12 months

4. Other Tracking Technologies

4.1 Local Storage

We use browser local storage to store non-sensitive data locally on your device, including:

• Draft content (emails, announcements) before saving
• Recent searches and filters
• Cached data for offline functionality

4.2 Web Beacons (Pixel Tags)

We use web beacons in emails to track delivery, open rates, and click-through rates for transactional and marketing emails.

4.3 Server Logs

Our servers automatically log IP addresses, user agents, timestamps, and requested URLs for security, debugging, and analytics purposes.

5. Managing Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner allowing you to accept or customize cookie preferences.

5.2 Cookie Preferences Center

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by visiting our Cookie Preferences Center (available in the footer of our website).

5.3 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Delete cookies after each session
• Receive alerts when cookies are set

Note: Blocking essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features of the Service.

5.4 Browser-Specific Instructions

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage cookies

5.5 Opt-Out Links

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On
• Interest-Based Ads: Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-Out

6. Do Not Track (DNT)

Our Service does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" (DNT) browser signals. We respect your privacy choices and provide cookie management options above.

7. Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies are set by our service providers and are subject to their own privacy policies:

• Stripe: Payment processing (PCI DSS compliant)
• Cloudflare: DDoS protection and performance
• Google: Analytics, reCAPTCHA, and advertising (if enabled)
• Intercom: Customer support chat (if enabled)

8. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children under 13 (or 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children via cookies or tracking technologies.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes via email or through the Service.

10. Contact Us

For questions about cookies or this policy:

• Email: privacy@flowbudd.com
• Website: flowbudd.com/legal