Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 20, 2026
Last Updated: January 20, 2026

This Privacy Policy applies to the following websites operated by or on behalf of Kadampa Meditation Center New York: kadampanewyork.org, uskadampafestival.org, nedharmacelebration.org (collectively, the “Websites”).

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how it may be shared, and the choices you have.

1. Who We Are

The Websites are operated by Kadampa Meditation Center New York (the “center”) based in New York State (“we,” “us,” or “our”). We provide information about Buddhist teachings, events, classes, festivals, retreats, and related services.

2. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide Voluntarily

We collect personal information you choose to provide when you:

  • Register for classes, events, festivals, or retreats

  • Make a donation or purchase

  • Sign up for email newsletters or updates

  • Submit forms or contact us

  • Create or manage a booking or registration account

This information may include:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Mailing address

  • Phone number

  • Emergency contact details (for events/retreats)

  • Registration and attendance information

  • Payment-related information (processed by third-party providers; we do not store full credit card numbers)

B. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Websites, certain information may be collected automatically, such as:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and operating system

  • Device information

  • Pages visited and time spent on the site

  • Referring and exit pages

This information is used to help administer and improve the Websites and does not, by itself, identify you personally.

3. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Help the Websites function properly

  • Understand how visitors use our sites

  • Improve content and performance

  • Support marketing and advertising efforts (including Meta/Facebook advertising)

You may disable cookies through your browser settings. Doing so may limit certain features or functionality.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Process registrations, bookings, donations, and purchases

  • Communicate with you about events, programs, and services

  • Send newsletters and updates (if you opt in)

  • Manage attendance, housing, and event logistics

  • Improve our Websites and offerings

  • Maintain internal records

  • Comply with legal, accounting, or administrative obligations

5. Third-Party Services

We use trusted third-party services to operate our programs and Websites. These providers only receive the information necessary to perform services on our behalf.

Email Communications (all sites)

Mailchimp – mailing lists, newsletters, and announcements

Advertising & Analytics (all sites)

We use certain website data for Meta (Facebook/Instagram) advertising and analytics, such as visit activity and interactions.

Event Registration & Booking

  • kadampanewyork.org: Checkfront – event and program registration & Join It - membership

  • uskadampafestival.org & nedharmacelebration.org: Kadampa Booking System application – Festival & Celebration registration

Payment Processing


We use Stripe, PayPal and Authorize.net for payment processing.  

All payment transactions are handled directly by these providers and are subject to their own privacy and security practices. We do not store full credit card information on our servers.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites or services.

6. Sharing of Information

We do not sell or rent personal information.

We may share personal information:

  • With service providers who assist us in operating our Websites and events

  • If required by law or legal process

  • To protect the rights, safety, or property of our organizations or participants

  • With your consent or at your direction

7. Event Photography and Media

Photographs or video recordings may be taken at our events, retreats, classes, and festivals and may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes (including on our Websites and social media).

If minors are present, we seek appropriate parental or guardian consent when required.

If you have concerns about the use of your image, please contact us.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to:

  • Provide services and administer events

  • Maintain financial and attendance records

  • Meet legal, accounting, or operational requirements

When personal information is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

9. Your Choices and Rights

You may:

  • Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the link in our emails

  • Request access to your personal information

  • Request correction or deletion of your information, where appropriate

Requests can be made by contacting us at the email address below. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our Websites are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.

If you believe a child has provided personal information without appropriate consent, please contact us and we will take steps to remove the information.

11. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, consistent with applicable New York law.

However, no website, database, or electronic transmission is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach involving personal information, we will notify affected individuals and appropriate authorities as required by applicable law, including New York State law.

13. Links to Other Websites

Our Websites may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The revised version will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

Kadampa Meditation Center New York
Email: data@kadampanewyork.org
Mailing Address: KMC New York, PO Box 447, Glen Spey, NY 12737
Phone: (845) 856-9000