Northeast Search & Rescue (“NESAR,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit nesar.org (the “Site”), apply to volunteer, make a donation, or contact us.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide to us

• Contact form: your name, email address, and the content of your message.
• Volunteer / membership applications: your name, email, phone number, town or area, age confirmation, areas of interest, experience and certifications, availability, and any other details you submit. This information is stored in our membership database so we can review and follow up on your application.
• Donations: when you donate, our third-party processor (Zeffy) collects your name, contact details, and payment information. NESAR receives your name, contact information, and donation amount, but does not collect or store your full payment-card numbers.

Information collected automatically

Like most websites, we use Google tools (including Google Analytics) and similar technologies to understand how visitors use our Site. These may collect your IP address, browser and device type, pages viewed, referring website, and general location, using cookies and similar identifiers.

2. How We Use Your Information

• Respond to your inquiries and communicate with you.
• Review, process, and follow up on volunteer and membership applications.
• Process donations, issue tax receipts, and acknowledge donor support.
• Operate, maintain, analyze, and improve the Site.
• Share news about NESAR and, where appropriate, volunteer or fundraising opportunities. You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
• Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights and the safety of others.

3. How We Share Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We share it only:

• With service providers who help us operate — such as Zeffy (donation processing), Google (email through Google Workspace, and website analytics), and our website host — who may use it only to provide services to us.
• When required by law, or to protect the safety, rights, or property of NESAR, our members, or the public.
• In connection with authorized search-and-rescue operations, only as necessary and with the appropriate authorities.

4. Cookies & Tracking

Our Site uses cookies and similar technologies, including those set by Google Analytics, to remember preferences and measure Site usage. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling some may affect how the Site works.

5. Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described here, and to meet legal, tax, and organizational record-keeping obligations. Donation records are retained as required for nonprofit accounting and tax purposes.

6. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our Site and volunteer program are intended for adults (18 and older). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Our youth safety programs (such as Hug-a-Tree and Survive) are coordinated with schools and event organizers, and any information about minors is handled through those organizers rather than collected through this Site. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will remove it.

8. Your Choices & Rights

You may request to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you, or opt out of non-essential communications, by contacting us at info@nesar.org. We will respond consistent with applicable law.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Site may link to third-party sites and services (such as Zeffy or our social media). We are not responsible for their privacy practices, and we encourage you to review their policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date above reflects the most recent version, and material changes will be posted on this page.

11. Contact Us