# Privacy Policy for VolunteerNJ

**Last Updated:** October 9, 2025

## Introduction

VolunteerNJ ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

## Information We Collect

### Information You Provide to Us

When you register for an account, we collect:
- **Personal Information:** First name, last name, email address
- **Optional Information:** Phone number, school name, organization affiliation, location/town
- **Volunteer Activity Data:** Volunteer hours, organizations volunteered at, dates, categories, and notes you enter

### Information Collected Automatically

- **Location Data:** With your permission, we access your device's location to help you find volunteer opportunities near you and calculate distances to organizations
- **Usage Data:** Information about how you interact with the app (e.g., features used, search queries)
- **Device Information:** Device type, operating system, app version

## How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:
- Create and manage your account
- Display volunteer opportunities relevant to your location
- Track and store your volunteer hours
- Calculate distances between your location and volunteer organizations
- Improve app functionality and user experience
- Communicate with you about your account or the service
- Comply with legal obligations

## Data Storage and Security

- **Firebase Services:** We use Google Firebase for authentication and data storage. Your data is stored securely on Firebase's servers
- **Security Measures:** We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information
- **Data Retention:** We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services

## Location Data

- **Purpose:** Location data is used only to find volunteer opportunities near you and calculate distances
- **Permission:** You control whether to grant location access through your device settings
- **No Background Tracking:** We only access your location when you actively use the app; we do not track your location in the background

## Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- **With Your Consent:** When you explicitly agree to share information
- **Service Providers:** With trusted third-party services (like Firebase) that help us operate the app
- **Legal Requirements:** If required by law, court order, or government request
- **Safety and Rights:** To protect the rights, property, or safety of VolunteerNJ, our users, or others

## Your Data Rights

You have the right to:
- **Access:** Request a copy of your personal data
- **Correct:** Update or correct your information in the app settings
- **Delete:** Request deletion of your account and associated data
- **Export:** Request an export of your volunteer hours data
- **Withdraw Consent:** Disable location access at any time through device settings

To exercise these rights, contact us at: shreyshah441@gmail.com

## Children's Privacy

Our app is designed for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

## Third-Party Services

Our app uses the following third-party services:
- **Google Firebase:** For authentication and data storage ([Firebase Privacy Policy](https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy))
- **LocationIQ:** For geocoding addresses ([LocationIQ Privacy Policy](https://locationiq.com/privacy))

These services have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.

## Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)

## Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

**Email:** shreyshah441@gmail.com
**Address:** 7 Branch Court, Marlboro NJ

## Consent

By using VolunteerNJ, you consent to this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.