Your Privacy Matters to Us

1. Introduction

CAS ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, make donations, volunteer with us, or otherwise interact with our organization.

This Privacy Policy complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other applicable Indian laws and regulations.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We may collect the following personal information when you:

• Make a donation or contribution
• Register as a volunteer
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Contact us through our website or other channels
• Participate in our events or programs
• Apply for employment or internship

This information may include:

• Name, address, email address, and phone number
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Demographic information (age, gender, occupation)
• Volunteer skills and interests
• Communication preferences
• Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website information
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, such as payment processors, social media platforms (if you interact with us there), or other organizations with whom we partner, but only with your consent or as permitted by law.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Primary Purposes

• Processing donations and issuing tax receipts
• Managing volunteer applications and activities
• Communicating about our programs and impact
• Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements (including FCRA reporting)

3.2 Secondary Purposes (with consent)

• Sending newsletters and updates about our work
• Inviting you to events and fundraising activities
• Conducting surveys and research to improve our services
• Personalizing your experience on our website
• Analytics and website optimization

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, we process your personal data based on:

• Consent: When you voluntarily provide information or opt-in to communications
• Legitimate Interest: For organizational operations, donor relations, and program delivery
• Legal Obligation: To comply with FCRA, tax laws, and other regulatory requirements
• Contractual Necessity: To fulfill donation processing and volunteer agreements

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

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

5.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, processing donations, sending communications, or conducting our business, provided they agree to keep this information confidential.

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, such as:

• FCRA compliance and government reporting
• Tax authority requirements
• Court orders or legal proceedings
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety

5.3 Partner Organizations

With your explicit consent, we may share information with partner organizations for collaborative programs or joint fundraising efforts.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Staff training on data protection practices
• Secure payment processing through certified providers

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Specific retention periods include:

• Donation Records: 7 years (as required by tax and FCRA regulations)
• Volunteer Information: 3 years after last activity
• Newsletter Subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe
• Website Analytics: 2 years
• Contact Inquiries: 2 years

8. Your Rights

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, you have the following rights:

To exercise these rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer using the contact information provided below.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand website usage and improve performance
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

10. International Data Transfers

Your personal information is primarily processed and stored in India. If we need to transfer data outside India, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place and obtain your consent where required by law.

11. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Information

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