Privacy Policy

Valluvam Ecological Farming and Social welfare foundation ("VEFS," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website vefsfoundation.org or interact with our services.

By using our website or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect personally identifiable information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for events, trainings, or programs
• Make a donation
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Submit a contact form or inquiry
• Participate in surveys or feedback forms

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number, address)
• Billing and payment information (for donations)
• Demographic information (age, occupation, organization)
• Educational background (for training registrations)
• Any other information you choose to provide

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior, including:

• IP address and geographic location
• Browser type and version
• Device type and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referring website and search terms
• Date and time of visit

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide services: Process registrations, donations, and inquiries
• To communicate: Send confirmation emails, newsletters, and program updates
• To improve our website: Analyze usage patterns and optimize user experience
• To comply with legal obligations: Maintain records and issue tax receipts (80G certificates)
• To prevent fraud: Protect against unauthorized transactions and security threats
• To send marketing communications: Share information about our programs and initiatives (with your consent)

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use our website
• Improve website performance and functionality
• Provide relevant content and advertisements

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

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist us with payment processing, email delivery, website hosting, and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, payment gateways)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Protection of Rights: To enforce our terms, protect our rights, or ensure the safety of our users
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to affected users)

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data (SSL/TLS)
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant gateways
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication

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

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another organization
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where applicable

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@vefs.org.

7. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., social media platforms, payment processors). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

VEFS Foundation operates in India. If you are accessing our website from outside India, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in India. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to India and other countries where we operate.

10. 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 any significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Us

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

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

Last updated: December 25, 2025