We collect various types of information: Personal Identification Information - name, date of birth, gender, photograph, contact details (email, phone, address), identification documents (Aadhaar, PAN for tax receipts), and bank account details (for refunds or disbursements). Program-Related Information - educational background, health information (for healthcare programs), family and socioeconomic information (for beneficiary assessment), skills and employment history (for skill development programs), and participation records. Donation Information - donor name and contact details, donation amount and date, payment method and transaction details, and tax exemption preferences. Volunteer Information - skills and qualifications, availability, background verification documents, and volunteer activity records. Technical Information - IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, cookies and tracking data, and referring websites. Communication Data - emails, phone calls, messages, feedback, survey responses, and testimonials (with consent). We collect information directly from you, automatically through website usage, and from third parties where legally permitted.

We share personal information only when necessary: Service Providers - payment processors, IT service providers, email service providers, partner organizations, auditors and legal advisors, and contractors working on our behalf (all bound by confidentiality agreements). Government and Regulatory Bodies - Ministry of Corporate Affairs for statutory filings, NITI Aayog for NGO reporting, tax authorities for compliance, grant-making agencies for program reporting, and audit bodies as required. Legal Requirements - when required by law or court order, to protect rights or safety, to prevent or investigate fraud, to enforce our Terms, and in connection with legal proceedings. Business Transfers - in event of merger or acquisition, information may be transferred to successor organization with same protections. With Your Consent - we may share information with third parties when you provide explicit consent, such as featuring testimonials or donor recognition. Anonymized Data - we may share aggregated, anonymized statistical data for research, advocacy, or reporting. We implement appropriate safeguards when sharing information with third parties.

You have the following rights: Access and Correction - request access to personal information we hold, request correction of inaccurate information, and obtain a copy of your data. Consent Withdrawal - withdraw consent for processing at any time, opt-out of marketing communications while continuing transactional communications, and update communication preferences. Data Deletion - request deletion of personal information, subject to legal retention requirements, contractual obligations, and legitimate interests. We retain data necessary for ongoing programs and legal compliance. Restriction of Processing - request restriction in certain circumstances, such as while we verify data accuracy or when you contest processing. Objection - object to processing for direct marketing or based on legitimate interests. Complaint Rights - file complaints with us or approach appropriate regulatory authorities. To exercise these rights, contact us using the information provided. We will respond to requests within 30 days and may require identity verification. Some rights may be subject to limitations based on legal requirements or the nature of our relationship.

GIRIDHARE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE FOUNDATION serves children and youth as program beneficiaries. We are committed to protecting minors' privacy: Age Requirements - our website is not directed to children under 18 for direct transactions. Minors may participate in programs through parental/guardian consent. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18 through our website without parental consent. Information from Minors - for program beneficiaries under 18, we collect information through parents, guardians, schools, or authorized institutions. We collect only information necessary for program delivery and safeguarding. All information about minor beneficiaries is treated with heightened confidentiality. Parental Rights - parents and guardians can review information about their children, request correction or deletion, and withdraw consent. Parent Consent - we obtain explicit consent from parents/guardians before collecting information, photographing minors, or using images/testimonials involving minors. Safeguarding - we implement additional security for minor information, restrict access to authorized personnel only, and conduct background verification for staff working with children. If you believe we inadvertently collected information from a child without proper consent, please contact us immediately.

Our operations are primarily in India, and personal information is generally stored and processed within India. However: Service Providers - some technology service providers (email, cloud hosting, analytics) may store data on servers outside India. We ensure these providers comply with adequate data protection standards through contractual agreements. Partner Organizations - we may share information with international partners when collaborating on programs, subject to data protection agreements. Volunteers and Donors - international volunteers and donors may access our systems from their locations, but data remains stored on servers in India or with compliant providers. Data Protection Safeguards - when transferring data internationally, we implement safeguards including standard contractual clauses, ensuring adequate recipient policies, encrypting data during transmission, and limiting transfers to necessary purposes. Your Rights - if your information is transferred internationally, you retain all rights described in this Policy. You may contact us for information about specific transfers. EU and Other Jurisdictions - while we are an Indian organization primarily serving Indian communities, international donors or volunteers from EU or other jurisdictions with specific data protection laws maintain rights under those laws. We will comply with applicable requirements.

For privacy-related questions, concerns, complaints, or to exercise your rights, please contact: Privacy Officer: Raghavendra Hadora, M.Sc (Agri), Ph.D (Hort.), Director – GIRIDHARE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE FOUNDATION. Email: geswfoundation@gmail.com, Phone: +91 8951715545 or +91 9449121785, Address: 4th Main 1st Cross Gourishankara Nagara, Ranebennur – 581115, Karnataka, India. Grievance Redressal - we will acknowledge receipt within 48 hours, investigate and respond within 15 business days, escalate unresolved matters to senior management, and maintain confidentiality throughout. Types of Requests - access to personal information, correction of inaccurate data, deletion of information, withdrawal of consent, opt-out of communications, complaint about privacy practices, or questions about this policy. Information Required - please provide full name, contact information, specific request nature, and relevant details for efficient processing. We may require identity verification before processing requests. External Recourse - if unsatisfied with our response, you may approach relevant regulatory authorities or consumer forums. We are committed to resolving all privacy concerns fairly and transparently.