Privacy Policy

At Drishti Foundation Trust, we are deeply committed to safeguarding the privacy policy and personal information of everyone who interacts with us which includes donors, volunteers, partners, beneficiaries, researchers, staff, and visitors to our website www.drishtifoundation.org. With over a decade of dedicated work in research and development, higher education, river rejuvenation, ocean cleaning, water conservation, pond cleaning, tree plantation and maintenance, wildlife protection, disaster management, and ecosystem and biodiversity conservation in India, our values of integrity, transparency, and accountability extend beyond our projects into how we handle your personal data and that was the reason Privacy Policy is at place.

As an ECOSOC Special Consultative Status organization since 2017 and accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), we maintain high international standards of privacy protection. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information, as well as your rights in relation to that information.

1. Purpose of This Privacy Policy

The purpose of this Privacy Policy is to:

• Inform you about the types of personal and non-personal data we collect.
• Explain how we use your information to support our mission and operations.
• Describe our data protection practices and security measures.
• Clarify your choices and rights regarding your personal information.
• Comply with applicable Indian data protection laws and global best practices.

By using our website, engaging with our projects, or providing your personal data to us, you consent to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following categories:

a) Personal Information

This includes data that can identify you directly or indirectly:

• Full name, address, email, and phone number.
• Date of birth, gender, and nationality.
• Identification documents (for volunteer registration, employment, or partnership purposes).
• Payment and donation information, such as transaction IDs, bank details, or UPI references.
• Volunteer or donor history, including project involvement and contributions.

b) Non-Personal Information

This includes:

• Website usage data, including IP address, browser type, device details, and pages visited.
• Cookies and tracking technologies to improve user experience.
• Aggregated statistical data that does not personally identify you.

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information through:

• Direct interactions: Forms submitted via our website, emails, in-person registration at events, or phone calls.
• Online platforms: Donations through our payment gateway, event sign-ups, or volunteer registrations.
• Third-party sources: Partner organizations or public databases, when relevant to our operations and with consent.
• Automated means: Cookies, analytics tools, and server logs when you use our website.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for purposes including:

• Processing donations, issuing receipts, and providing donor support.
• Coordinating volunteer and internship programs.
• Managing project collaborations and partnerships.
• Sending newsletters, event invitations, and program updates (only with your consent).
• Improving our website functionality and user experience.
• Meeting legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements.
• Conducting research and impact assessments for environmental and social projects.
• Preventing fraud, unauthorized transactions, or misuse of our brand.

5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

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

• With Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist with payment processing, IT support, data analytics, or communication services.
• With Project Partners: NGOs, government bodies, and research institutions involved in joint initiatives, only when necessary for project execution.
• Legal Obligations: When required by law, court order, or government regulations.
• With Your Consent: For specific collaborations or opportunities.

All third-party recipients are bound by confidentiality agreements and are required to protect your data in compliance with this Privacy Policy.

6. Data Protection and Security

We take comprehensive measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All financial transactions and sensitive communications are encrypted.
• Secure Storage: Data is stored on password-protected systems with limited access.
• Regular Audits: Security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
• Training: Staff and volunteers are trained in data protection and privacy protocols.
• Incident Response: Procedures in place to address data breaches promptly.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to:

• Enhance navigation and user experience.
• Remember your preferences for future visits.
• Track website traffic and performance using analytics tools.
• Serve relevant content and improve website engagement.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect certain functionalities of the site.

8. Retention of Information

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes for which it was collected.
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.

Once no longer required, data is securely deleted or anonymized.

9. Your Rights

Under applicable laws, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data held by us.
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Withdraw consent for processing your information.
• Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations).
• Opt-out of marketing communications.
• Restrict or object to the processing of your data.

You can exercise these rights by contacting us at info@drishtifoundation.org.

10. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 18 without parental or guardian consent. If we become aware of such data collection, we will delete it promptly.

11. Links to External Websites

Our website may contain links to external websites operated by third parties. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before sharing personal information.

12. International Data Transfers

While our operations are based in India, some of our partners and service providers may be located in other countries. If personal data is transferred internationally, we ensure it is protected with appropriate safeguards in compliance with data protection laws.

13. Privacy in Program and Project Activities

Our work in environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, higher education, and disaster management sometimes involves collecting community data, ecological surveys, or field research findings. We:

• Seek informed consent from individuals or communities before data collection.
• Anonymize sensitive data wherever possible.
• Use data strictly for project-related purposes and impact assessment.

14. Email and Communication Preferences

We may send you emails regarding:

• Donation receipts and acknowledgments.
• Updates on projects you support.
• Invitations to events or campaigns.
• Newsletters with environmental and community updates.

You can unsubscribe from non-essential communications at any time by using the “unsubscribe” link or contacting us directly.

15. Preventing Fraud and Misuse

As a recognized and trusted NGO, we are aware of potential misuse of our name for fraudulent activities. Our privacy practices also include measures to:

• Verify legitimate donation channels.
• Monitor suspicious communications or phishing attempts.
• Alert supporters through our Fraud Alert page if scams are detected.

16. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:

• Changes in our operations.
• Updates in laws and regulations.
• Improvements in data protection measures.

Any changes will be posted on this page with the updated effective date.

17. How to Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Drishti Foundation Trust
G-502,Merlin Sparsh,Narol-Aslali Highway,Narol,Ahmedabad-382405
Email: info@drishtifoundation.org
Website: www.drishtifoundation.org

18. Our Commitment to Ethical Data Practices

Privacy protection is not just a legal obligation—it is a reflection of our commitment to the communities, ecosystems, and individuals we serve. By safeguarding your information, we ensure that trust remains at the heart of our mission to create sustainable change across India.

“Reach out to explore collaborations, discover our initiatives, and contribute to creating meaningful, lasting change.”

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