Privacy Policy

In India, this document should align with the “Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) 2023” and the “Information Technology Rules, 2011″.

Last Updated: April 11, 2026

At Shomi Foundation, we value the trust you place in us when you contribute to our missions.

We are committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of our donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information across our various *Seva* (service) and *Dan* (donation) initiatives.

Information We Collect:

We collect information necessary to facilitate our philanthropic activities, including:

▪︎ Personal Identification: Name, age, gender, and contact details (adhar card, voter id, driving license) any kind of address proof, email id.

▪︎ Donation Records: PAN card details (for 80G tax exemptions), bank account details, and transaction history for *Dan* related to *Anna*, *Yatra*, *Gouv*, or *Yagna*.

▪︎ Beneficiary Data: Information regarding students enrolled in Vidhya programs or pilgrims participating in Yatras.

Statutory Data (Mandatory for Tax Benefits): Permanent Account Number (PAN) is required to issue certificates for tax deduction.

▪︎ Transaction Data: Details of donations made, including the specific Seva category chosen and payment reference numbers.

▪︎Digital Data: IP addresses and cookies when you visit our website.

Scope of Initiatives

This policy covers all personal data collected through our website and site offices for the following activities:

Gouv Seva: Support for cow shelters and animal welfare.
Anna Seva: Food distribution and hunger relief programs.

Vidhya Dan: Educational scholarships and resource distribution.

- Yatra & Yagna: Coordination of spiritual pilgrimages and traditional ceremonies.

Purpose of Data Collection

Your data is used strictly for the following purposes:

▪︎ Philanthropic Execution: Managing food distribution (Anna Seva), supporting cow shelters (Gouv Seva), and organizing spiritual events (Yagna).

▪︎ Administrative Compliance: Issuing donation receipts, maintaining audit trails, and verifying eligibility for educational aid (Vidhya).

▪︎ Communication: Sending updates on our 40-year peace movement and foundation milestones.

▪︎ Legal Obligations: Complying with tax laws and government regulations regarding NGO operations.

Data Storage and Security

We implement robust technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration of your data.

▪︎ Financial data is processed through secure, encrypted gateways.

▪︎ Physical records at our site offices are stored in restricted-access areas.

▪︎ Data is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose of collection or as required by law.

Disclosure to Third Parties

We do not sell or trade your personal information. We may share data only with:

▪︎ Government Authorities: As required for tax compliance (e.g., Income Tax Department for 80G).

▪︎ Service Providers: Trusted partners who assist in our website operations or payment processing, under strict confidentiality agreements.

▪︎ With Your Consent: When featuring donor testimonials or success stories on our digital platforms.

Your Rights

Under the DPDP Act 2023, you have the following rights:

▪︎ Right to Access: Request a summary of the personal data we hold about you.

▪︎ Right to Correction: Update or correct any inaccurate information.

▪︎ Right to Erasure: Request the deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements.

▪︎ Right to Withdraw Consent: You may opt out of communications at any time.

Cookies and Tracking:

Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and analyze traffic. You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features of the site may be limited.

Tax Compliance & Certifications

Shomi Foundation is a registered charitable entity. We use your data to fulfill our legal obligations under the Income Tax Act:

Section 12A: Your data is maintained in our records to comply with our status as a non-profit institution.
Processing donations and issuing formal receipts.
Section 80G: Upon receiving a donation (Dan), we use your PAN and contact details to issue an 80G Tax Exemption Certificate. This information is shared with the Income Tax Department as per the filing requirements of Form 10BD.

How We Use Your Data

Your information is used solely for:

Providing updates on the impact of your Seva (e.g., photos from Anna distribution or Vidhya progress).
Complying with statutory audits and government filings.
Internal record-keeping for our long-term peace movements and foundation milestones.

Data Retention and Security

Security: We employ industry-standard encryption for all online transactions. Physical data at our site offices is kept under secure, restricted access.
Retention: We retain donor information for the period required by Indian tax laws (typically 7 to 10 years) to satisfy audit and 80G/12A compliance.

Contact Information:

For any queries, grievances, or requests regarding your data, seva, donation, or receipts, please contact our ** Yagnapriya Officer**:

**Email:** shomifoundation@gmail.com

**Call:** +91 9099955513