Welcome to GiveLocally! We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes our practices when you use the GiveLocally mobile application ("App").
By using GiveLocally, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
1. Information We Collect
a) Camera Access
GiveLocally requests access to your device's camera so you can:
- Take photos of donation items you wish to list on the platform
- Upload clear, accurate images to help recipients and volunteers identify items
b) Location Information
GiveLocally requests access to your device's location to:
- Determine your current location for donation pickup coordination
- Connect donors with nearby recipients and volunteers
- Display relevant local donation listings in your area
- Facilitate accurate pickup and drop-off scheduling
c) Information You Provide
- Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
- Donation item details (descriptions, photos, condition)
- Pickup address or preferred meeting location
- Account credentials
d) Automatically Collected Information
- Device type, operating system, and app version
- App usage data and interaction logs
- Crash reports and performance data
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Connect donors, recipients, and volunteers within your community
- Facilitate the scheduling and coordination of donation pickups
- Display your donation listings to nearby users
- Send notifications about pickup status, messages, or account activity
- Improve app performance and user experience
- Ensure the safety and integrity of our platform
- Comply with legal obligations
3. How We Share Your Information
GiveLocally does not sell your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:
- With other App users — your approximate location or pickup address may be shared with a volunteer or recipient to coordinate a donation
- With service providers — trusted third parties who help operate the App (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics), bound by confidentiality agreements
- For legal reasons — if required by law or to protect the rights, safety, or property of GiveLocally or others
- In a business transfer — in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with appropriate notice
4. Permissions Summary
| Permission | Why We Need It | When Accessed |
|---|---|---|
| 📷 Camera | To take or upload photos of donation items | Only when you open the camera in the App |
| 📍 Location | To locate you for donation pickup coordination and show nearby listings | Only while App is actively in use (foreground) |
5. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us. Location data is not stored persistently beyond what is necessary to complete a pickup coordination.
6. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest to protect your personal information. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Children's Privacy
GiveLocally is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will remove it promptly.
8. Your Rights & Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your account and data
- Withdraw camera or location access at any time via your device Settings
- Opt out of non-essential communications
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.
9. Third-Party Services
Our App may use third-party services such as Google Maps for location display. These services have their own privacy policies and we encourage you to review them. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the Effective Date at the top of this policy and, where appropriate, through in-app notifications. Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Account & Data Deletion
You have the right to request deletion of your account and all associated personal data from GiveLocally at any time.
Send an email to privacy@givelocally.com with the subject line "Delete My Account" and include your registered phone number or email address.
Upon receiving your request, we will:
- Verify your identity to protect your account
- Permanently delete your account and personal data within 30 days
- Remove your donation listings, photos, and location data
- Send you a confirmation email once deletion is complete
Note: Some data may be retained for legal or fraud prevention purposes as required by law.
12. Contact Us
Have questions or requests about your privacy? We're here to help.