Privacy Policy

Hindus for America ("we," "us," or "our") is dedicated to protecting the privacy of our members, website visitors, donors, and volunteers. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, protect, and disclose your personal information when you interact with our website, mobile applications, or other digital tools (collectively, the "Site").

By utilizing the Site, you consent to the data collection and operational practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that explicitly identifies you ("Personal Information") when you voluntarily provide it to us. This includes:

• Contact Information: Name, physical mailing address, email address, and telephone number.
• Contribution & Donation Details: Monetary transaction values, donation history, and custom campaign names tied to peer-to-peer fundraising drives.
• Volunteer Applications: Employment or education history, skills, references, and digital signatures.
• Sensitive Screening Data: When applying for sensitive volunteer roles, we (or our third-party consumer reporting partners) may collect information required for background screenings, which may include government-issued identification numbers or date of birth details.

2. Automated Information Collection & Analytics

Like most modern digital platforms, our servers automatically collect non-identifying operational analytics when you browse the Site. This may include your Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type, device type, and referring website links. This information is used strictly to improve user navigation, fix technical site errors, and gauge general geographic audience engagement.

3. How We Use Your Information

We utilize the data we collect solely to advance our non-profit mission, specifically to:

• Verify and securely process tax-deductible financial contributions.
• Review, manage, and coordinate volunteer service placements.
• Maintain clear administrative records for organization-hosted and peer-to-peer community fundraiser campaigns.
• Deliver email newsletters, tax receipts, event announcements, and direct inquiries. You may opt out of promotional emails at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link provided in our correspondence.

4. Data Sharing & Third-Party Integrations

We do not sell, rent, trade, or lease your Personal Information to commercial entities or external third parties. Your information is only shared under the following restricted conditions:

• Payment Processors: Financial transactions are transmitted securely via industry-standard payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal). We do not store or retain complete credit card numbers or banking passwords on our internal systems.
• Background Screening Providers: For online volunteer background checks, data is routed directly to specialized, secure Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs). These checks are executed strictly in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Background check files are isolated from general administrative views.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose personal details only if compelled by a valid legal subpoena, court order, or formal statutory audit, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

5. Data Security Standards

We implement rigorous administrative, physical, and technical security protocols to protect your Personal Information against unauthorized access, loss, or alteration.

• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL/TLS) encryption is enforced for all online transactions and input forms.
• Sensitive screening and financial details are restricted solely to authorized personnel who require access to perform specific organizational duties.
• Please note that while we follow industry-best practices to defend your data, no method of transmission over the internet or method of digital storage can be guaranteed as 100% secure.

6. Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser Transparency

If you participate in or launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign on this Site, please be aware that the organizer's name, campaign narrative, and total funds raised will be publicly viewable. Individual donor names and donation amounts may be displayed publicly on the campaign page unless the donor checks the "Anonymous" option during the checkout process.

7. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not intentionally structured for or targeted at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 without verifiable parental or guardian consent. If we learn that a child under 13 has submitted personal info without supervision, we will delete that data immediately.

8. Governing Law & Amendments

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. We reserve the right to modify this statement at any time to mirror technical system changes or updated non-profit legal standards. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed on how we protect your information.

9. Contact Us

Regulatory Notice: Under federal FCRA regulations, when the transition to fully integrated online background checks occurs, a standalone written disclosure must be provided to and signed by background check applicants separate from this general Privacy Policy document.