1. Introduction

Basava Philosophy Research Foundation Inc. ("BPRF," "we," "us," or "our") operates the website basavaphilosophy.org (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information when you visit our Site, participate in our programs, attend our events, volunteer with us, or contact us.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in an open, transparent manner. This policy complies with applicable United States privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and, to the extent applicable, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

By using this Site or engaging with our programs, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal information:

a) Information You Provide Directly:

• Contact information — your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address when you fill out a contact form, register for an event, or volunteer with us.
• Donation information — if you make a financial contribution, your name, billing address, and payment details (processed securely through third-party payment processors; we do not store raw payment card data).
• Volunteer applications — information about your professional background, skills, and availability when you apply to volunteer.
• Communications — any messages, emails, or other communications you send to us.
• Event registrations — your name, email, and any additional information required when you register for a Mantapa session or other BPRF event.

b) Information Collected Automatically:

• Log data — your IP address, browser type and version, pages visited, time and date of visits, and referring URLs.
• Cookies and similar technologies — see Section 5 (Cookies) for more detail.
• Device information — the type of device you use to access our Site.

c) Information from Third Parties:

• If you join our WhatsApp communities (Kaayaka AI Mantapa, Kaayaka Jobs USA), WhatsApp's own privacy policy governs data collected on that platform. We may receive your name and phone number when you join.
• If you register for an event via Eventbrite, Eventbrite's privacy policy applies to information you provide there.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries, messages, and requests.
• To register you for events and send you event-related communications.
• To process donations and provide tax receipts as required by law.
• To onboard and communicate with volunteers.
• To send newsletters and program updates (only with your consent).
• To improve the functionality and content of our website.
• To analyze Site usage and understand our audience for research and program planning purposes.
• To comply with applicable legal obligations.

We will not use your information for any purpose beyond what is described here without first obtaining your explicit consent.

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. As a nonprofit, our mission is to serve people, not to monetize data.

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers: We may share data with third-party vendors who help us operate our website and programs (e.g., email marketing platforms, payment processors, event registration platforms). These vendors are contractually bound to use your information only as directed by us.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required to do so by law or in response to valid legal process (e.g., a court order or subpoena).
• Safety: We may share information to protect the rights, property, or safety of BPRF, our community, or others, where required or permitted by law.
• Organizational transfers: In the unlikely event that BPRF merges with or transfers operations to another nonprofit organization, your information may be transferred as part of that process, with advance notice to you.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies — small text files stored on your device — to improve your browsing experience. We use the following types of cookies:

• Necessary cookies: Required for the Site to function correctly. These cannot be disabled.
• Analytical cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with the Site (e.g., Google Analytics). This data is aggregated and anonymous.
• Functional cookies: Enable enhanced features such as remembering your preferences.

When you first visit our Site, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner. You may accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customize your preferences. You can also manage cookie settings through your browser at any time.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to access: You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Right to correction: You may request that inaccurate or incomplete information be corrected.
• Right to deletion: You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions.
• Right to opt-out of communications: You may unsubscribe from our emails at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email or by contacting us directly.
• California residents (CCPA): You have the right to know what personal information we collect, to request deletion, and to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information).

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@basavaphilosophy.com. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. Our website is secured with SSL/HTTPS encryption. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, or as required by applicable law.

8. Children's Privacy

Our website and programs are not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will promptly delete it. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you via email or a notice on our website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

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