1. Information We Collect

We collect the following information to provide our services:

A. Member Information

• Full name
• Contact details (email, phone, address)
• Identification numbers
• Employment/business details
• Financial information (for grant applications)
• Co-operative membership records

B. Grant Application Data

• Business/project details
• Financial records
• Supporting documents
• Application status history

C. Automatic Collection

• Device information (model, OS version)
• Usage analytics (app interactions)
• IP address (for security purposes)

2. How We Use Information

• Process co-operative membership registrations
• Evaluate and administer grant applications
• Communicate about applications/membership
• Improve app functionality
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your data. Information may be shared with:

• Government agencies (for grant verification)
• Co-operative societies (for membership validation)
• Service providers (only for app functionality)
• When required by law

4. Data Security

We implement:

• Encryption for sensitive data
• Secure servers with access controls
• Regular security audits

5. User Rights

You may:

• Request access to your data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Delete your account (where applicable)
• Opt-out of non-essential communications

6. Retention Period

We will retain your personal data for as long as your account remains active or as needed to provide you with our services. This means we will maintain your information while you continue to use our platform and until you choose to close your account, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

7. Account Inactivity

For inactive accounts (members not in compliance with the Co-operative Act Membership), we reserve the right to delete personal data after providing 60 days' notice via the email address associated with the account.

8. Legal Compliance

We may retain certain information even after account closure when required by law, for legitimate business purposes (such as fraud prevention or tax record-keeping), or as necessary to resolve disputes or enforce our agreements.

9. Deletion Process

Upon account closure, you may request deletion of your personal data, which we will process within 21 business days, subject to any legal obligations requiring us to maintain certain records.

10. Backup Systems

Please note that deleted information may persist in backup systems for a limited period before being completely erased from all systems.

11. Contact Information

12. Policy Updates

We will notify users of material changes via:

• In-app notifications
• Email alerts (for members)