Privacy Policy

Effective date: August 23, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how Standard Software Inc. ("Spare Change,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects Personal Information when you use the Spare Change mobile application and related services (the “Services”). It also describes your privacy rights and choices in Canada.

Short version: We collect the minimum data necessary to let donors send money to recipients via a code. Payments are processed solely by Stripe. We don’t store full card numbers or bank credentials and we don’t keep our own transaction records—recipients view their transactions in Stripe. We don’t use analytics, location, or crash reporting. Donors are anonymous to recipients and there is no option to attach notes or identity. We don’t sell information.

1) Who we are & scope

This Policy applies to users in Canada only and covers:

• Donors who use the app to send funds to a recipient’s code.
  
  
• Recipients who receive funds via their code.
  
  
• Visitors who contact us (e.g., support email).

2) What we collect (minimal)

We designed Spare Change to operate with minimal Personal Information:

A. Information you provide

• Donor details: Donors are anonymous to recipients and there is no messaging or note feature.
  
  
• Recipient details: A code used to receive funds. No public profile, name, or photo in the app. Any identity verification (KYC) is handled by Stripe; we receive only a pass/fail status.
  
  
• Support communications: content of emails or messages you send to us.
  
  

B. Information processed automatically (kept to a minimum)

• Basic technical logs from our hosting for security and troubleshooting. We do not collect or use location data and we disable analytics and crash reporting.

C. Information from third parties

• Payments (Stripe): Transaction records are maintained by Stripe, and recipients can view their Stripe dashboard.
  
  

3) How we use information

We use information only to:

1. Provide the Services.
   
   
2. Protect security and prevent fraud/abuse (e.g., detect unusual activity).
   
   
3. Respond to support requests and service communications.
   
   
4. Comply with law (e.g., responding to lawful requests).
   
   

We may create aggregated, de‑identified metrics (e.g., total donations) for impact reporting. These metrics cannot identify donors or recipients.

4) Payments & roles (Stripe)

• Donations are processed solely by Stripe. We never handle or store full card numbers, banking credentials, or recipient balances.
  
  
• Stripe may act as an independent controller for payment processing, identity verification (KYC), sanctions/AML checks, and fraud prevention. Review Stripe’s privacy notice at https://stripe.com/privacy.
  
  
• Receipts are not issued by us for donations.
  
  

5) What we share and with whom

We do not sell information. We share information only with:

• Payment processor: Stripe.
  
  
• Hosting & infrastructure: Google Firebase (GCP) for authentication, storage, and serverless functions. Analytics and crash reporting are disabled.
  
  
• Compliance & legal: if required by law, to protect rights, safety, or the integrity of the Services.

We do not provide donor identity to recipients and do not support donor messages/notes. Service providers are contractually required to protect information and use it only to perform services for us.

6) Your choices

• Anonymity to recipients: donors are anonymous by default and there is no option to reveal identity or add notes.
  
  
• Account settings: you can update or delete your account by contacting us at sparechange@standardsoftware.ca
  
  
• Communications: we do not send marketing. We may send essential service messages.
  
  

7) Data retention

• We do not maintain our own transaction records; Stripe maintains transaction data.
  
  
• We retain minimal account and support information only as long as necessary to operate the Services, address issues, and meet legal obligations.
  
  
• Basic technical logs are retained for limited periods for security and troubleshooting and then deleted or anonymized.

8) International data transfers & hosting

We use Google Firebase (GCP) and other service providers that may process and store data in Canada or the United States. When information is transferred outside Canada, we use contractual and organizational measures designed to provide comparable protection as required by Canadian law.

9) Security

We implement technical and organizational measures to protect information, including encryption in transit, least‑privilege access, and regular reviews. No system is perfectly secure; please use strong, unique passwords and keep your device updated.

10) Vulnerable individuals & privacy‑by‑default (Recipients)

Given that recipients may be unhoused or otherwise vulnerable, we apply data minimization and privacy‑by‑default:

• Recipient identifiers are codes only (no public profile, name, or photo).
  
  
• Donor identity is never disclosed to recipients.
  
  
• We do not collect or display recipient location.
  
  
• Recipients can request deletion of any information we hold about them by emailing sparechange@standardsoftware.ca
  
  

11) Children’s privacy

The Services are not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has provided information, contact us so we can delete it.

13) Third‑party services

The Services may link to third‑party sites or services (e.g., Stripe). Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies, which we encourage you to review.

14) Changes to this Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. We will post the updated Policy with a new Effective date and, where required, provide additional notice. Your continued use of the Services after the effective date means you accept the updated Policy.

15) Contact us

Standard Software Inc.
 Address: 108 College St 7th Floor, Suite W780, Toronto, ON M5G 0C6
 Email: sparechange@standardsoftware.ca

Terms of Use

Effective date: August, 2025

These Terms of Use (the “Terms”) are a legally binding agreement between Standard Software Inc. ("Spare Change,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and you regarding your access to and use of the Spare Change mobile application and related services (the “Services”). By creating an account or using the Services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Services.

Short version: Spare Change lets donors send funds to a recipient’s code. Payments are processed solely by Stripe. Donors are anonymous to recipients. We don’t run messaging or public profiles. We don’t hold funds, issue receipts, or maintain transaction histories—those live with Stripe.

1) Who may use the Services

• Region: The Services are intended for use in Canada only.
  
  
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to use the Services.
  
  
• Compliance: You represent that you (a) are not on any sanctions or watchlist; (b) will comply with these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and Stripe’s agreements and policies.
  
  

2) Our role (platform only)

• Directory + initiation only: The app enables donors to enter a recipient code and initiate a payment request to Stripe.
  
  
• No custody of funds: We do not receive, hold, transfer, or escrow funds. We are not a bank, credit union, money transmitter, or trust company.
  
  
• No financial/tax advice: Donations are gifts to individuals, not purchases of goods or services. Donations are not tax‑deductible and no tax receipt is issued by us.
  
  
• No guarantee of outcomes: We do not guarantee that a donation will meet a recipient’s needs or that a recipient will use funds in any specific way.
  
  

3) Stripe payments

• Processor: Payments are processed by Stripe; you agree to Stripe’s terms and privacy notice (https://stripe.com/privacy and applicable service terms).
  
  
• KYC/AML: Where required, Stripe conducts identity verification and compliance checks. We receive only a pass/fail status. You authorize Stripe to perform these checks.
  
  
• Records & receipts: We do not issue receipts and we do not maintain transaction histories. For records, consult your payment method/issuer and Stripe.
  
  
• Refunds/chargebacks: We do not control refunds. Any disputes, reversals, or chargebacks are handled by your card issuer and Stripe, subject to their policies. We cannot retrieve funds from recipients because we never hold them.
  
  

4) Accounts; anonymity

• Donors: Donors are anonymous to recipients by default and there is no feature to send notes, messages, or identity.
  
  
• Recipients: Recipients receive a code only. No public profile, name, biography, or photo is displayed in the app. A recipient must have a Stripe account able to receive funds directly from Stripe.
  
  
• Your information: You agree that any information you provide to us or to Stripe is accurate and lawful. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your login credentials.
  
  

5) Prohibited activities

You agree not to:

1. Use the Services for any unlawful purpose, including fraud, money laundering, or sanctions evasion.
   
   
2. Impersonate another person or misrepresent your affiliation.
   
   
3. Create or sell fake recipient codes, or otherwise attempt to divert donations.
   
   
4. Harass, track, or endanger recipients or donors, or attempt to collect information about them.
   
   
5. Interfere with or disrupt the Services, including security or technical measures.
   
   
6. Reverse engineer or scrape the Services, except where permitted by applicable law.
   
   

We may suspend or terminate access (see Section 10) for violations or suspected abuse.

6) Safety and suitability

• No emergency services: Spare Change is not a substitute for emergency services, shelters, or social programs. If you need help, contact local authorities or social services.
  
  
• Discretion: We do not endorse or screen recipients beyond what Stripe requires. Donors decide at their own discretion whether to give.
  
  

7) Intellectual property

The Services (including software, design, text, and trademarks) are owned by Standard Software Inc. or our licensors and are protected by law. You are granted a limited, non‑exclusive, non‑transferable license to use the Services for their intended purpose, subject to these Terms. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works except as expressly permitted.

8) Privacy

Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose personal information. By using the Services, you consent to our privacy practices as described there.

9) Availability; changes to the Services

We may modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Services at any time without liability. Features may vary by device or platform. We strive for accuracy but do not guarantee error‑free operation.

10) Termination

You may stop using the Services at any time. We may suspend or terminate your access immediately if we reasonably believe you have violated these Terms, pose a risk, or if required by law or by our service providers (including Stripe). Upon termination, your right to use the Services ceases.

11) Disclaimers

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• The Services are provided “as is” and “as available.” We disclaim all warranties, whether express, implied, or statutory, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non‑infringement.
  
  
• We do not warrant uninterrupted, secure, or error‑free operation, or that defects will be corrected.
  
  
• We do not control or assume responsibility for third‑party services (including Stripe) or for recipient conduct.
  
  

12) Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Indirect damages: We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, or lost profits, even if advised of the possibility.
  
  
• Cap: Our aggregate liability for all claims related to the Services will not exceed the amount (if any) you paid to us in fees in the 12 months preceding the claim (typically $0, since we do not charge donor fees).

13) Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Standard Software Inc. and our affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Services, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any law or third‑party rights.

14) Governing law; venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada, without regard to conflict‑of‑laws principles. You agree to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in Ontario for any dispute not subject to mandatory arbitration or other mandatory process under applicable law.

15) App stores and third parties

• Your use of the app must comply with the applicable store terms.

16) Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we will provide notice (e.g., in‑app). The updated Terms are effective when posted. Your continued use of the Services after the effective date constitutes acceptance.

17) Contact

Standard Software Inc.
 Address: 108 College St 7th Floor, Suite W780, Toronto, ON M5G 0C6
 Email: sparechange@standardsoftware.ca