Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 07/01/2026

The Center on South Asian Studies (“CSAS,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website https://centersas.org or use our services, including SMS communications, events, donations, and newsletters.

By using our Website or services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, postal address, phone number.

• Donation and Payment Information: Payment method, billing address, donation amount, and transaction history. Donations and payments are processed securely through third-party providers such as Funraise and Stripe, both of which are PCI-DSS compliant. CSAS does not store or retain full payment card information.

• SMS Communications Data: Mobile number, opt-in status, and consent records for SMS messages.

• CSAS does not use cookies, analytics tools, tracking pixels, IP logging, or any other automatic tracking technologies on this website. We do not collect technical or automated data such as IP addresses, browser type, device information, or usage behavior.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If such data is identified, it will be deleted promptly in accordance with applicable law.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Provide, operate, and improve our programs and services.

• Communicate about events, educational initiatives, community updates, and donations.

• Process registrations, subscriptions, and donations.

• Comply with legal obligations and protect CSAS rights.

• Send SMS and email communications only with prior express consent, in compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and applicable laws.

• CSAS does not conduct behavioral analysis, user profiling, personalization, or automated decision-making based on user activity. The only third-party service used for donations and related processing is Funraise, and CSAS does not perform independent behavioral tracking.
• CSAS uses Funraise.org as its secure third-party platform for donation processing. Required personal information is handled directly by Funraise under its own privacy and security policies. CSAS does not sell, rent, or share personal data with third parties for marketing or analytics.

3.Sharing of Information

CSAS does not sell, rent, or share personal information for marketing purposes.

No Marketing Sharing

• Mobile numbers, SMS opt-in consent, and related messaging data are never shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

Limited Sharing for Service Operations Only

We may share limited personal data only when necessary with:

• Trusted service providers or subcontractors that support:

  • Donation and payment processing

  • SMS delivery platforms

  • Technical or customer service operations

These providers are bound by strict confidentiality and data-protection obligations and may use the data solely to perform services for CSAS. They may not use the data for their own marketing or advertising.

Legal Disclosure

Information may be disclosed if required by law, court order, or to protect the safety, rights, or property of CSAS or others.

4. Protection of SMS Opt-In Consent Data

CSAS maintains secure internal records of all SMS opt-in consent.

• Text-messaging originator consent records are kept strictly confidential.

• Such consent information is never transferred, sold, or disclosed to third-party marketers.

• Access to consent records is limited to authorized personnel and service providers that support the SMS program.

This ensures compliance with TCPA, CTIA messaging guidelines, and U.S. privacy best practices.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to:

• Provide services and process donations.

• Meet legal, accounting, and compliance requirements.

• Maintain appropriate organizational records.

When no longer needed, personal data is securely deleted or anonymized.

6. Your Privacy Rights

You may:

• Request access to or correction of your personal data.

• Request deletion where legally permitted.

• Opt out of communications at any time.

• Users have the right to request a copy of their personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and may request that such data be transferred to another service where technically feasible.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at: info@centersas.org

7. SMS Consent & Opt-Out (TCPA Compliance)

By providing your mobile number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS messages from CSAS about programs, events, and donations.

• Message frequency may vary.

• Message and data rates may apply.

• Reply STOP to unsubscribe at any time.

• Reply HELP for assistance.

CSAS maintains documented proof of consent as required by U.S. law.

8. Security Measures

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may link to third-party websites. CSAS is not responsible for the privacy practices, data collection, security, or content of those external websites. You should review the privacy practices of any third-party site before providing personal information.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Changes will be reflected in the Effective Date. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

11. Contact Information

Center on South Asian Studies (CSAS)
Email: info@centersas.org
Website: https://centersas.org