Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to NeedsLink ("we," "us," or "our"). NeedsLink is owned and operated by the National Education Trust of Jamaica (NET). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform at needslink.org.

By using NeedsLink, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when using NeedsLink:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password, and role type
• Profile Information: Organization name, biographical information, profile photo
• Need Listings: Descriptions, locations, categories, quantities, and urgency levels
• Campaign Information: Campaign details, goals, and associated needs
• Communications: Messages sent through our platform, support requests, and feedback
• Fulfillment Data: Commitment records, delivery information, and tracking details

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use NeedsLink, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, and interaction patterns
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Log Data: IP address, access times, error logs, and crash reports
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (with your permission)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party services you choose to connect with NeedsLink, such as social media platforms or authentication providers.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Platform Operation: To provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Account Management: To create and manage your account, authenticate users
• Matching and Connections: To connect advocates with donors and fulfillment partners
• Communications: To send notifications, updates, and respond to inquiries
• Analytics: To understand usage patterns and improve user experience
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
• Marketing: To send promotional materials (with your consent, which you can withdraw)

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Within the Platform

• Need listings and campaigns are visible to other users based on your privacy settings
• Your public profile information is visible to other platform users
• Fulfillment commitments are shared with relevant advocates and partners

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our platform, including hosting, email delivery, analytics, and payment processing. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, legal process, or government request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of NeedsLink, our users, or the public.

4.4 Business Transfers

If NeedsLink is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change.

4.5 Sale of Personal Data

We do not sell your personal data. Your trust is important to us, and we are committed to not monetizing your personal information by selling it to third parties.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and password protection
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and staff training
• Secure data centers and backup systems

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Privacy Rights

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

6.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to access your personal information and request a copy in a portable format.

6.2 Correction

You can update or correct your account information at any time through your profile settings.

6.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and personal information. Some information may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes.

6.4 Opt-Out

You can opt out of marketing communications by clicking unsubscribe links in emails or adjusting your notification preferences.

6.5 Objection and Restriction

You may object to certain processing of your data or request restriction of processing under certain circumstances.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Children's Privacy

NeedsLink is not intended for use by children under the age of 13 (or the age of digital consent in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or the age of digital consent in your jurisdiction). If we become aware that we have collected information from such a child, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using NeedsLink, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Maintain your login session
• Analyze platform usage and performance
• Provide personalized content and features

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of NeedsLink.

11. Third-Party Links

NeedsLink may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes via email or through the platform. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when this policy was last revised. Your continued use of NeedsLink after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Jamaica.

15. Your Consent

By using NeedsLink, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.

13. Contact Us

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

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.