Shri Dwarkadhish Dharmseva Sanstha (“Sanstha,” “we,” “us,” “our”) is dedicated to illuminating lives and uplifting communities by nurturing spiritual wisdom, fostering equitable growth, and preserving our shared heritage. Our work is rooted in Dharma, timeless values, and a deep-seated commitment to selfless service (seva). These policies outline our commitments regarding your privacy, the terms of using our services and website, and our stance on refunds for donations.

This Privacy Policy describes how Shri Dwarkadhish Dharmseva Sanstha collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information obtained from donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, website visitors, and other stakeholders. We are committed to ensuring the privacy and security of your personal data.

1.1 Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Personal Identifiers: Name, address, email address, phone number, date of birth (for specific programs).
• Donation Information: Donation amount, payment method details (processed securely by third-party payment gateways), PAN card number (for issuing 80G tax exemption certificates where applicable).
• Volunteer Information: Skills, availability, areas of interest, background information (if relevant for specific volunteer roles).
• Beneficiary Information: Information necessary for providing services and support, which may include sensitive personal data collected with explicit consent and for specific program needs.
• Website Usage Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time spent on pages (collected through cookies and analytics tools).
• Communication Preferences: Your preferences for receiving communications from us.

1.2 How We Collect Information

• Directly from You: When you donate, volunteer, register for an event, subscribe to our newsletter, interact with our programs, or communicate with us.
• Automatically: Through cookies and other tracking technologies when you visit our website.
• From Third Parties: In some cases, with your consent, or from publicly available sources.

1.3 How We Use Your Information

• To process and acknowledge your donations and issue tax receipts (e.g., under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961).
• To communicate with you about our activities, programs, achievements, and opportunities to support our mission.
• To manage our volunteer programs and engage with volunteers effectively.
• To deliver our charitable services and support to beneficiaries.
• To improve our website, services, and outreach efforts.
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
• For internal record-keeping, auditing, and reporting purposes.
• To conduct research and analysis to better understand community needs and program impact (data anonymized or aggregated where possible).

1.4 Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third parties assisting in website operations, donation processing, communications, or service delivery.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or governmental request.
• Protection of Rights: To protect the rights, property, or safety of the Sanstha or others.
• With Your Consent: Where you have provided explicit permission.

1.5 Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards including secure servers, encryption for online donations, and restricted data access. However, no method of online transmission is completely secure.

1.6 Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill its intended purpose or comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

1.7 Your Rights

You may have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion (subject to legal obligations)
• Restrict or object to data processing
• Withdraw consent where applicable

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided on our website.

1.8 Cookies

We use cookies to enhance user experience. You may disable cookies via your browser settings; however, some website features may not function properly.

1.9 Links to Other Websites

Our website may include links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and recommend reviewing their policies.

1.10 Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 13. If we discover personal data collected without parental consent, we will remove it. Children-related programs involve data collection only with guardian consent.

1.11 Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any significant changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.