Lifting Lives Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Lifting Lives (“we,” “our,” or “the NGO”) collects, uses, safeguards, and shares your personal information. By volunteering, donating, participating in our programs, or engaging with our platforms, you agree to the practices described below. Information We Collect We may collect personal information such as your name, email address, phone number, postal address, date of birth, professional background, donation history, and emergency contacts. In the case of beneficiaries, additional information such as family details, income level, and educational background may also be collected to assess program eligibility. Purpose of Data Collection We collect and process data to manage volunteers, donors, and beneficiaries; coordinate programs; provide aid and support; communicate updates; comply with legal obligations; and improve our services. We only collect data necessary for these purposes. Communication Your contact information may be used to send updates about our programs, appeals, events, and newsletters. You may opt out of promotional emails, but essential communications—such as confirmation of donations or volunteer assignments—will still be sent. Emergency Contact Use Emergency contact details are collected for the safety of volunteers or participants and are used only in the event of a health crisis or emergency during fieldwork or events. Website and Social Media Interactions When you use our website or social media channels, we may collect non-personal data such as browser type, device ID, and browsing behavior for analytics and to improve user experience. Photography and Media Consent Photos or videos taken during events or fieldwork may be used for Lifting Lives’ awareness campaigns, reports, or social media with proper discretion. If you do not wish to be photographed, you may opt out by informing us in writing. Donor and Volunteer Submissions By submitting content (e.g., testimonials, case stories, or photos), you grant Lifting Lives permission to use this material for non-commercial, awareness, and fundraising purposes, with appropriate credit wherever possible. Data Storage and Security We implement physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to secure your personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss. Information is stored securely and access is restricted to authorized personnel only. Sharing Information with Third Parties We do not sell or trade personal data. Data may be shared with third-party service providers (e.g., payment gateways, event organizers) strictly for fulfilling Lifting Lives’ operational needs. All partners are required to uphold similar data protection standards. Third-Party Platforms Our website or emails may link to third-party services (e.g., GiveIndia, Google Forms, WhatsApp). Lifting Lives is not responsible for the privacy practices of these platforms. Users are encouraged to review their privacy policies separately. Access and Correction of Personal Data You may request access to your data held by us and request corrections or deletions. Please contact us with verification details to process your request. Data Retention We retain data only for as long as required for legal, reporting, or operational purposes. Inactive member data may be archived or deleted securely after a reasonable duration. Parental Consent for Minors Personal data of minors under 18 is collected only with the written consent of a parent or guardian. Consent includes permission to participate, share necessary documents, and be photographed for reporting purposes. Cookies and Tracking Tools Our website may use cookies to personalize content, remember preferences, and analyze traffic. You can disable cookies via browser settings; however, some features may not function properly. Community Communication Platforms WhatsApp groups, email threads, or online forums used for coordination may include names or contact info. Participation is voluntary, and users can request to be removed at any time. Changes to this Policy Lifting Lives reserves the right to update this policy. Any significant changes will be communicated through appropriate channels. Continued engagement will signify acceptance of the revised terms. Withdrawal of Consent You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us in writing. Doing so may limit your participation in some programs or communication channels. Data Breach Procedures In the event of a data breach, affected individuals will be notified promptly, and all reasonable steps will be taken to investigate and resolve the issue. Use of Photography in Public Areas Events may take place in public settings where incidental photography is possible. We strive to respect individual privacy and accommodate any opt-out requests made in advance. Complaints and Inquiries For concerns or inquiries about how your data is used, or to file a complaint, please contact us at info@liftinglives.org. We are committed to resp