Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
1. Introduction
Welcome to Sai Seva Foundation ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website sadgurubharadwaja.org and use our services.
By accessing or using our website and services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.
Our Commitment
As a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community, we are committed to transparency and protecting the privacy rights of our donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, and website visitors.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
- Donation Information: Payment details, donation amount, frequency, and preferences
- Volunteer Information: Skills, availability, emergency contact information, background check results (where required)
- Event Registration: Registration details for events, workshops, and programs
- Communication Records: Messages, inquiries, and correspondence with us
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:
- Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information
- Usage Information: Pages visited, time spent on site, click patterns, referral sources
- Location Information: Approximate geographic location based on IP address
2.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience and collect information about how you use our website. See Section 6 for more details.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
3.1 Service Provision
- Process donations and maintain donation records
- Coordinate volunteer activities and opportunities
- Manage event registrations and communications
- Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
- Deliver newsletters and updates about our work
3.2 Legal and Compliance
- Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- Maintain records for tax and audit purposes
- Issue donation receipts and tax certificates
- Prevent fraud and ensure security
3.3 Communication and Engagement
- Send updates about our programs and impact
- Inform you about volunteer opportunities
- Share success stories and impact reports
- Invite you to events and fundraising activities
3.4 Website Improvement
- Analyze website usage and performance
- Improve user experience and functionality
- Develop new features and services
- Troubleshoot technical issues
4. Information Sharing
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
4.1 Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, including:
- Payment processing companies
- Email marketing platforms
- Website hosting and analytics services
- Event management platforms
4.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities, including:
- Court orders or legal process
- Government investigations
- Compliance with regulatory requirements
- Protection of our rights and safety
4.3 Business Transfers
In the unlikely event of a merger, acquisition, or transfer of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, with appropriate notice provided.
4.4 Consent
We may share your information with your explicit consent for specific purposes not covered in this policy.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
5.1 Security Measures
- Encryption: We use SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- Regular Updates: We keep our security systems and software up to date
- Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for security breaches and vulnerabilities
- Staff Training: Regular training for staff on data protection and security practices
5.2 Data Breach Response
In the event of a data breach, we will:
- Investigate and assess the breach within 72 hours
- Notify relevant authorities as required by law
- Inform affected individuals without undue delay
- Take immediate steps to contain and remediate the breach
7. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Right to Access
Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
Right to Rectification
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Right to Erasure
Request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances
Right to Restrict Processing
Request limitation of how we process your information
Right to Data Portability
Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
Right to Object
Object to processing of your information for direct marketing
How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 13. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
8. Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to these external services.
8.1 Third-Party Links
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
8.2 Integrated Services
We may use third-party services such as:
- Google Analytics: Website analytics and performance tracking
- Social Media Platforms: Social sharing and engagement features
- Payment Processors: Secure donation processing
- Email Marketing: Newsletter and communication services
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.
9.1 Parental Consent
If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete that information promptly.
9.2 Youth Programs
For our youth programs and events, we obtain appropriate parental consent and implement additional safeguards to protect children's information.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.
10.1 Safeguards
- Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
- Standard contractual clauses
- Certification schemes and codes of conduct
- Binding corporate rules
11. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal obligations.
11.1 Retention Periods
- Donation Records: 7 years for tax and audit purposes
- Volunteer Information: Duration of involvement plus 2 years
- Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or object
- Website Analytics: 26 months maximum
11.2 Secure Disposal
When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it using industry-standard methods.
12. Policy Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.
12.1 Notification of Changes
We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Sending email notifications to registered users
- Displaying prominent notices on our website
12.2 Effective Date
Changes become effective 30 days after posting, unless a longer notice period is required by law.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Phone
Address
Sai Seva Foundation
Shirdi, Maharashtra, India
Response Time
We will respond to your privacy-related inquiries within 30 days of receipt. For urgent matters, please call us directly.