Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how Gaia ("Gaia," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information about you when you use our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Services"). By using the Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Policy.
Who We Are
Gaia is an online platform that connects donors with community-based organizations. For questions about this Policy, contact us at contact@project-gaia.org.
Information We Collect
Information you provide directly
- Identity and contact information (name, email address, mailing address, phone number).
- Account information (username, password).
- Donation information (amount, designated Partner Organization, message to the organization).
- Payment information (processed by our payment processor, Stripe; Gaia does not store full payment card details).
- Communications you send to us (support requests, feedback, survey responses).
- For Partner Organizations: legal name, EIN, banking information (via Stripe onboarding), authorized representative details, and other information required to verify and list your organization.
Information collected automatically
- Device and browser information (IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers).
- Usage information (pages viewed, links clicked, referring URLs, timestamps).
- Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 8).
Information from third parties
- Payment and identity verification information from Stripe.
- Publicly available information about Partner Organizations (e.g., IRS records, Form 990 filings).
- Information from social media platforms if you connect an account or interact with our content.
How We Use Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide, operate, and improve the Services.
- Process donations and transfer funds to Partner Organizations.
- Verify Partner Organizations and comply with legal, tax, and regulatory obligations.
- Communicate with you about your account, donations, and the Services.
- Send you newsletters, updates, and marketing communications (which you can opt out of).
- Respond to your requests, questions, and support inquiries.
- Prevent fraud, protect the security of the Services, and enforce our Terms.
- Analyze usage patterns to understand how the Services are used and to improve them.
- Comply with legal obligations, respond to lawful requests, and protect our legal rights.
How We Share Information
We share information in the following circumstances:
With Partner Organizations
When you make a donation, we share your name, email address, mailing address (if provided), donation amount, and any message you include with the Partner Organization you donated to. This is so they can issue tax acknowledgments, thank you, and communicate with you as a supporter. The Partner Organization's use of this information is subject to their own privacy practices.
With service providers
We share information with third-party service providers who help us operate the Services, including payment processors (Stripe), hosting providers, analytics providers, email service providers, and customer support tools. These providers only receive the information they need to perform their services.
For legal reasons
We may share information when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, respond to a lawful request from a government authority, protect the rights, property, or safety of Gaia, our Users, or others, or investigate potential violations of our Terms.
Business transfers
If Gaia is involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change and any choices you may have.
With your consent
We may share information for other purposes with your consent.
Aggregated or de-identified information
We may share aggregated or de-identified information that cannot reasonably be used to identify you for research, analytics, marketing, or other purposes.
Your Rights and Choices
Depending on where you live, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@project-gaia.org. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.
- The right to access the personal information we hold about you.
- The right to request correction of inaccurate information.
- The right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (for example, information we are required to retain for tax or legal purposes).
- The right to opt out of marketing communications (use the unsubscribe link in our emails or contact us).
- The right to opt out of certain uses of your information, including as described under applicable state privacy laws.
Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide the Services, comply with our legal obligations (including tax and financial recordkeeping requirements), resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Donation records are typically retained for at least seven (7) years to comply with financial recordkeeping obligations.
Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. Payment information is processed by Stripe using industry-standard encryption. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the Services, understand how they are used, and improve them. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the Services.
We may use analytics providers (such as Google Analytics) to help us understand how Users interact with the Services. These providers use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about your use of the Services.
Children's Privacy
The Services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, contact us at contact@project-gaia.org and we will take steps to delete the information.
U.S.-Based Service
Gaia is based in the United States and our Services are directed to users located in the United States. Your information is collected and processed in the United States in accordance with this Policy and applicable U.S. laws.
Third-Party Links and Services
The Services may contain links to third-party websites and services, including Partner Organization websites. This Policy does not apply to those third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing information to them.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will provide notice through the Services or by email. The date at the top of this Policy indicates when it was last updated. Your continued use of the Services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
Contact Us
For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at: contact@project-gaia.org
