Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 02, 2025

At Grassroots Health, Education, & Development Initiative, we are committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who interact with us—whether through our website, mobile applications, web platforms, or field programs. As a not-for-profit organization, we value ethical data practices, transparency, and trust.

1. Who We Are

Grassroots is a not-for-profit organization working to improve access to health, education, and development through community-driven initiatives and technology. Our digital tools, platforms, and data collection systems are developed under specific grant-funded programs to support these goals.

2. What Data We Collect

We collect different types of information depending on how you interact with us:

2.1 Website Visitors (Public Users)

When you browse our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device and operating system
• Referring URL
• Pages visited and time spent
• Approximate geographic location

When you submit a form (e.g., Contact Us, Subscribe, Careers), we may collect:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Organization name
• Inquiry or message content

Purpose: This helps us improve site functionality, analyze trends, and respond to your inquiries. Personally identifiable information is only collected if you voluntarily submit it.

Consent: By submitting forms on our website, you provide explicit consent for processing your personal data for the stated purposes.

2.2 Mobile/Web Application Users (Program Participants)

When you interact with our mobile apps, web apps, or are engaged by field workers, we may collect:

• Name, age, gender, and demographic details
• Parent/guardian information (for children)
• Health, education, or service-related records
• Visit history, developmental milestones
• Location data (with explicit consent)

Purpose: This data supports service delivery, program monitoring, research, and evaluation efforts.

Consent: Informed consent is obtained prior to data collection—either electronically (via app), verbally (by field workers), or through signed physical forms. Participation is voluntary, and consent can be withdrawn at any time without penalty.

3. Why We Collect Your Data

• Respond to your queries and communications
• Provide tailored services and resources
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of our programs
• Improve user experience across platforms
• Ensure platform security and prevent misuse
• Fulfill grant, partnership, and reporting requirements (anonymized or aggregated data)

4. Use of Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to improve your browsing experience. These tools help us analyze site usage trends without collecting personally identifiable information unless you voluntarily provide it. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings.

5. Data Security

We use industry-standard measures to protect your data, including:

• Secure servers and encrypted communications
• Role-based access control to data
• Regular audits and compliance reviews
• Staff training on data protection

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. Data may be shared only:

• In anonymized or aggregated forms with donors or partners
• When legally required (e.g., court orders)
• With your explicit written consent for specific purposes

7. Data Retention

• Website form submissions: retained for up to 2 years for audit and service purposes.
• Mobile/web app participant data: retained for the duration of the program + 5 years for monitoring, evaluation, and regulatory compliance.

If legal or regulatory obligations apply, we may retain some data longer as required.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal or programmatic obligations)
• Withdraw your consent at any time
• Ask questions about how your data is being used

Important Note on Withdrawal of Consent:
If you choose to withdraw your consent, no new personal data will be collected about you from that point forward. However, data already collected prior to the withdrawal of consent will be retained for legitimate programmatic, research, or regulatory purposes and will not be retrospectively deleted.

To exercise any of these rights or raise concerns, please contact us at: info@ghedi.org