Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect different information depending on how you interact with the Platform, including: name, email, phone, address, need descriptions, volunteer preferences, and organization details. IP addresses and browsing data are collected automatically for fraud prevention and analytics.

The Platform also generates internal data: trust scores (never public), points balances, badges, and AI-assisted review signals used by vetters.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information solely to operate the Platform and fulfill our nonprofit mission: processing needs, matching volunteers, sending transactional and engagement emails, preventing fraud, computing aggregate statistics, operating the points economy, and complying with Illinois law.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share it only with: claiming volunteers (first name and contact info after safety acknowledgment), vetters (for review), and as required by law. Your full address is never shown on the public Needs Board.

4. Data Encryption and Security

Submitter name, email, phone, and full address are encrypted at rest. All data is encrypted in transit via TLS. Access is restricted by role. Our admin audit log is append-only and cannot be modified or deleted.

5. Data Retention

Unverified submissions are deleted after 48 hours. Rejected and expired needs are anonymized after 90 days. Completed needs are retained for 3 years. Safety concern reports are retained for 7 years.

6. Your Rights

You may request access, correction, or deletion of your personal information by contacting privacy@beavailable.org. Requests are processed within 30 days. You may update notification preferences or opt out of engagement emails at any time.

7. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 and do not collect age or date of birth from any user.

8. Cookies and Analytics

We use PostHog for analytics. PostHog may set cookies to collect browsing behavior in aggregate. You may disable cookies through your browser settings without affecting core Platform functionality.

9. Illinois-Specific Disclosures

In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected Illinois residents as required by the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (815 ILCS 530/).

Be Available does not currently collect biometric information. If a future feature involves biometric data, we will update this policy and obtain consent per the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (740 ILCS 14/).

10. Mandatory Reporting

Be Available staff and volunteers may be required to report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or threats of harm to Illinois authorities without prior consent, as required by law.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email and a notice on the Platform.

12. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Contact us at: