Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Policy – Drishti Foundation Trust
At Drishti Foundation Trust, we have been working with integrity, dedication, and transparency for over a decade in the fields of research and development, higher education, river rejuvenation, ocean cleaning, water conservation, pond cleaning, tree plantation and maintenance, wildlife protection, disaster management, and ecosystem biodiversity conservation in India. Our Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations since 2017 and accreditation from UNEP reflect the credibility and trust we have earned internationally and that was the reason there was a requirement of Non-Disclosure Policy.
As part of our operations, we often handle sensitive, confidential, and proprietary information while collaborating with donors, government bodies, NGOs, corporate partners, research institutions, contractors, volunteers, and community stakeholders. To safeguard this information and maintain the trust of all parties, we have established this Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Policy.
This policy explains the principles, scope, and requirements of non-disclosure obligations for all individuals and entities engaging with Drishti Foundation Trust.
1. Purpose of the NDA Policy
The purpose of our Non-Disclosure Policy or NDA Policy is to protect confidential information from unauthorized use, access, or disclosure. This ensures that:
- Intellectual property, research findings, and project data remain secure.
- Personal data of beneficiaries, volunteers, and employees is handled responsibly.
- Strategic plans, funding details, and partnership agreements are protected from misuse.
- Trust is preserved between Drishti Foundation Trust and its collaborators.
By formalizing these principles, we create a safe and secure environment for collaboration, innovation, and social impact.
2. Scope of Application
This NDA Policy applies to:
- Employees (full-time, part-time, and contractual staff).
- Volunteers and Interns engaged in any project.
- Donors and Funding Agencies with access to our project or financial data.
- Vendors, Consultants, and Contractors working with us.
- Research Partners and Academic Institutions involved in joint projects.
- Collaborating NGOs, Government Bodies, and Corporate Partners.
It covers both written and oral information as well as electronic, printed, and verbal communications.
3. Definition of Confidential Information
Confidential Information under this policy includes, but is not limited to:
- Research reports, data, methodologies, and findings related to environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
- Technical designs, blueprints, and scientific models developed for river rejuvenation, ocean cleaning, water conservation, and other projects.
- Internal policies, operational procedures, and strategic plans.
- Donor lists, funding agreements, and financial records.
- Beneficiary records, personal data, and community profiles.
- Legal documents, contracts, and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
- Proprietary training materials, educational resources, and curriculum content.
4. Exclusions from Confidential Information
Information will not be considered confidential if:
- It is already in the public domain at the time of disclosure.
- It becomes public without any breach of this NDA Policy.
- It is lawfully obtained from a third party without confidentiality obligations.
- It is independently developed without using confidential information from Drishti Foundation Trust.
- It is required to be disclosed by law, court order, or government regulation, provided that the disclosing party gives prior written notice to the Trust (where legally permissible).
5. Obligations of Parties
All parties bound by this NDA Policy agree to:
- Use confidential information solely for the purpose for which it was disclosed.
- Not disclose, publish, or share any confidential information with unauthorized individuals or organizations.
- Store confidential data securely—whether in physical or digital format.
- Immediately report any unauthorized access, loss, or misuse of confidential information to the Drishti Foundation Trust Compliance Team.
- Return or destroy confidential materials upon completion of the engagement or upon request.
6. Data Protection and Privacy
In line with data protection laws in India and international best practices, Drishti Foundation Trust ensures:
- Encryption of digital records containing sensitive information.
- Restricted access to confidential data on a “need-to-know” basis.
- Secure disposal of printed confidential materials.
- Compliance with privacy requirements for storing and processing personal data of donors, beneficiaries, and staff.
7. Intellectual Property Rights
All intellectual property (IP) developed during collaborations with Drishti Foundation Trust remains the property of the Trust unless otherwise specified in a written agreement. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of IP—such as training manuals, research studies, or conservation models—is strictly prohibited.
8. Duration of Confidentiality Obligations
The confidentiality obligations outlined in this policy:
- Begin from the date the confidential information is disclosed.
- Continue for a minimum of five (5) years after the termination of the relationship or completion of the project.
- In the case of trade secrets or proprietary research, confidentiality obligations may continue indefinitely.
9. Breach of NDA Policy
Any breach of this NDA Policy will be treated seriously and may result in:
- Termination of employment, partnership, or contract.
- Legal action under applicable Indian laws, including the Information Technology Act and the Indian Contract Act.
- Claims for damages, losses, or injunctive relief.
We will not hesitate to take strong legal measures to protect the integrity of our work and the interests of our partners.
10. Reporting and Compliance
If you suspect or become aware of any violation of this NDA Policy:
- Contact our Legal & Compliance Department immediately via info@drishtifoundation.org.
- Provide details including names, dates, nature of the breach, and any supporting evidence.
- All reports will be investigated promptly and handled confidentially.
11. Importance of Confidentiality in Our Work
Our projects whether it’s restoring rivers, protecting wildlife, planting trees, or developing sustainable community models often involve sensitive data about ecosystems, communities, and partner strategies. A breach in confidentiality can:
- Endanger endangered species or fragile habitats.
- Disrupt long-term environmental projects.
- Damage relationships with government agencies and funding bodies.
- Erode public trust in our organization.
By maintaining confidentiality, we ensure the success, safety, and sustainability of our mission.
12. NDA Policy in Collaborative Research
When engaging in joint research or academic projects:
- All parties sign a formal NDA agreement before work begins.
- Data-sharing protocols are established to limit access to authorized researchers.
- Publications are reviewed jointly to ensure no confidential information is disclosed without consent.
This approach fosters open yet secure scientific collaboration.
13. NDA in Volunteer and Internship Programs
Volunteers and interns may be given access to certain project-related information for the purpose of training and contribution. As a condition of participation:
- They must sign a Volunteer NDA Agreement.
- They agree not to use project information for personal gain or external publication without permission.
- They must return all project materials at the end of their engagement.
14. NDA in Partnerships and Funding
When entering into partnerships with corporates, NGOs, or government departments:
- A mutual NDA is signed to protect the interests of both parties.
- Confidential funding details, project proposals, and implementation strategies are not disclosed to external parties.
- Public announcements are made only after mutual consent.
15. Digital Communication and NDA Compliance
With increasing reliance on digital platforms:
- All confidential communications are conducted over secure channels.
- Official email accounts are used for all professional correspondence.
- Cloud storage services used for confidential data are encrypted and password-protected.
- Staff and partners are trained in cybersecurity best practices.
16. Termination and Return of Information
Upon completion of an engagement:
- All confidential documents, data, and materials must be returned to Drishti Foundation Trust.
- Digital copies must be securely deleted from personal devices.
- Access to internal systems will be revoked for former employees, volunteers, and contractors.
17. Acknowledgment of Policy
All employees, partners, and collaborators are required to read, understand, and sign an acknowledgment confirming their acceptance of this NDA Policy. This ensures that everyone associated with Drishti Foundation Trust is aware of their responsibilities.
18. Alignment with Our Core Values
Confidentiality is directly linked to our core values of:
- Integrity – Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Transparency – Being open and honest while protecting sensitive information.
- Accountability – Taking responsibility for safeguarding the trust placed in us.
- Sustainability – Protecting the long-term impact of our environmental and social projects.
19. Policy Updates
Drishti Foundation Trust may update this NDA Policy from time to time to reflect:
- Changes in laws and regulations.
- Advances in technology and data protection.
- Evolving best practices in non-profit governance.
The latest version will always be available on our official website.
At Drishti Foundation Trust, our work is driven by a commitment to ethical practices and the protection of all forms of sensitive information. This NDA Policy safeguards the trust, integrity, and long-term success of our projects, partnerships, and relationships.
We encourage everyone associated with our mission employees, partners, donors, researchers, and volunteers to honor this policy. By doing so, we collectively protect the knowledge, strategies, and relationships that enable us to create positive change in India’s environment, education, and communities.
“Reach out to explore collaborations, discover our initiatives, and contribute to creating meaningful, lasting change.”
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