Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction

Balm of Gilead Global Ministries (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you interact with our ministry, whether through our website, mobile application(s), donations, newsletters, or other services.

This Privacy Policy complies with applicable laws, including the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European users, California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and mobile app regulations from Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

By using our services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website, mobile application, or other services.

1. Data Collection

We collect personal information when you interact with us online or through our mobile app. This includes:

A. Information You Provide to Us

  • Personal Details: Name, email address, mailing address, phone number.
  • Donation & Payment Details: If you donate via our mobile app, we collect your donation amount and process payments securely via third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).
  • Account Information: If you create an account in our mobile app, we collect your login credentials (hashed for security), preferences, and settings.
  • Communications: Messages you send us through the app, including prayer requests or customer support inquiries.

B. Information Collected Automatically (App & Website)

When you use our website or mobile app, we automatically collect:
  • Device Information: Model, operating system (iOS, Android), IP address, and app version.
  • Usage Data: How you interact with our app (e.g., pages visited, time spent, buttons clicked).
  • Location Data (If Enabled): If you allow location access, we may collect approximate location data for localized content (e.g., event notifications, nearby ministries).
  • Cookies & Tracking Technologies: Our app uses cookies, tracking pixels, and analytics services to enhance user experience.

C. Mobile App Permissions & Data Access

Our mobile app may request access to:
  • Camera & Photos: For uploading profile pictures or sharing media with our ministry.
  • Microphone: If you use voice features for sending prayer requests or messages.
  • Push Notifications: To send updates, event reminders, or ministry-related messages.
  • Contacts (Optional): If you choose to invite friends to our app or ministry events, we may request permission to access your contacts.
You can modify or revoke these permissions in your device settings at any time.

2. How We Use Your Data

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
  • To Provide Services: Deliver features on our website and mobile app.
  • Ministry Communications: Send newsletters, prayer updates, and event notifications.
  • Fundraising & Donations: Process donations and provide tax receipts.
  • App Personalization: Remember your preferences and improve user experience.
  • Security & Fraud Prevention: Detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent activities.
  • Legal Compliance: Comply with tax laws, SEC regulations, and government reporting requirements.

3. Data Sharing & Third-Party Services

We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share data with:
  • Payment Processors: (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) for donation transactions.
  • Email Marketing Platforms: (e.g., MailChimp, SendGrid) for newsletters and ministry updates.
  • Analytics Providers: (e.g., Google Analytics, Firebase) to analyze user engagement.
  • Cloud Hosting Services: For app and website data storage.
These third parties are required to protect your data and use it only for the intended purpose.

4. Cookies & Mobile Tracking

Our website and mobile app use cookies and tracking technologies, including:
  • Essential Cookies: Required for the app to function properly.
  • Analytics Cookies: Track user activity for app improvement.
  • Marketing Cookies (Optional): Used for personalized recommendations.
You can opt out of non-essential tracking via the app’s Privacy Settings.

5. Mobile App-Specific Privacy & Compliance

A. Google Play & Apple App Store Compliance

Our mobile app adheres to Google Play and Apple App Store privacy policies, including:
  • App Store Data Collection Disclosure: We disclose all data collected via the App Privacy section.
  • In-App Purchases & Donations: Processed securely through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Stripe, or PayPal.
  • User-Requested Data Deletion: You may request deletion of your app account and associated data by contacting us.

B. GDPR Compliance for European Users

Under GDPR, European users have the right to:
  • Access, Correct, or Delete Data
  • Withdraw Consent for Data Processing
  • Restrict or Object to Processing
  • Receive a Copy of Your Data (Data Portability)
European users can manage these requests via app settings or by contacting our support team.

C. CCPA Compliance for California Users

California residents have the right to:
  • Know What Data We Collect
  • Request Deletion of Personal Data
  • Opt Out of Data Sales (We Do Not Sell Data)
To exercise these rights, email privacy@bogministries.org.

6. Data Security Measures

We use strong security practices to protect your data, including:
  • Encryption: Secure transmission of data via SSL/TLS.
  • Secure Payment Processing: PCI-DSS compliant payment gateways.
  • Access Controls: Restricted access to personal data for authorized personnel only.
  • Regular Security Audits: Periodic testing to prevent vulnerabilities.
Despite these measures, no online system is 100% secure. If a data breach occurs, we will notify affected users and regulatory authorities as required.

7. User Rights & Account Management

A. Managing Your Data in the App

You can access, update, or delete your account data in the app by:
  1. Navigating to “Settings” > “Privacy”
  2. Selecting “Manage My Data”
  3. Requesting a Copy or Deletion of Data

B. How to Opt Out of Communications

You may unsubscribe from emails or push notifications at any time via:
  • Email Unsubscribe Link (in each email).
  • App Settings under Notifications.

C. How to Delete Your Account

To permanently delete your mobile app account:
  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Delete My Account.
  2. Confirm account deletion.
  3. Your data will be erased within 30 days (except where legally required).

8. Contact Information

For questions or privacy requests, contact us at:
📧 Email: privacy@bogministries.org
📍 Mail: Balm of Gilead Global Ministries – Privacy Office
🖥 Website: www.bogministries.org
📱 Mobile App Support: In-app Help & Support

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on our website and mobile app. If updates are significant, we will notify users via email or in-app alerts.
Last Updated: March 6, 2025
This Privacy Policy ensures compliance with U.S. and international laws, including NRS, SEC, GDPR, CCPA, and mobile app regulations.