1. Who we are
Notes for Neighbours is a student-led initiative that helps connect donated musical instruments with students and aspiring musicians. Questions about this policy can be sent to notes4neighbours@gmail.com.
2. Information we collect
Depending on how you use the app or website, we may collect:
- Account information, including your name, email address, profile photo, account identifier, and sign-in provider when you use Google or Apple sign-in.
- Donation information, including contact details, instrument type, condition, general area, pickup or drop-off preferences, notes, and optional instrument photos.
- Instrument request information, including contact details, general area, requested instrument, experience, need, and request reason.
- Volunteer information, lesson progress, and other information you choose to submit through app features.
- A device push-notification token if you grant notification permission.
- Information submitted through the website's Google Forms. Google processes those form submissions on our behalf.
We do not request precise GPS location. When a form asks for an area, users should provide only a general neighbourhood or city area, not a full home address.
3. How we use information
We use submitted information to:
- Create and manage accounts and authenticate users.
- Review instrument donations and requests.
- Match approved instruments with eligible recipients.
- Contact users about submissions, next steps, and support.
- Manage volunteer applications and lesson progress.
- Send app notifications when permission has been granted.
- Keep the service secure, reliable, and appropriate.
Notes for Neighbours does not sell personal information and does not use personal information for third-party advertising.
4. Service providers
We use service providers to operate the app and website. These may include Firebase and Google Cloud for authentication, database, and file storage; Apple and Google for sign-in; Expo for push notifications; Google Forms for website submissions; and Netlify for website hosting. These providers may process information under their own privacy policies and terms.
5. How information is shared
Information is available to authorized Notes for Neighbours team members who need it to review submissions and operate the service. Limited information may be shared with a donor, recipient, school, partner, or volunteer when needed to coordinate an approved match, but private contact or pickup details should not be shared earlier than necessary.
We may also disclose information when required by law, to protect users, or to investigate misuse or security concerns.
6. Children and young users
Notes for Neighbours supports young musicians, but children should not submit personal information independently. Users under the age of majority should involve a parent or guardian and use a parent or guardian's contact information when making a request or donation. If you believe a child submitted information without appropriate consent, contact us so we can review and remove it.
7. Retention and deletion
We retain information only as long as reasonably needed to operate the service, complete an instrument match, maintain appropriate records, resolve disputes, or meet legal obligations.
Signed-in users can use the account deletion option in the app to delete their account and associated donation, request, volunteer, lesson-progress, and uploaded instrument-photo data. You may also email us to request access, correction, or deletion of your information. Some limited records may be retained when legally required or necessary for safety and fraud prevention.
8. Security
We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards, including encrypted HTTPS connections and access-controlled service accounts. No online service can guarantee absolute security, so please avoid submitting unnecessary sensitive information.
9. Your choices
You can decline photo-library or notification permissions, avoid submitting optional information, sign out, or delete your account. Device permissions can also be changed through iOS Settings.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as the service changes. The effective date at the top of this page will be updated when material changes are made.
11. Contact
For privacy questions or requests, email notes4neighbours@gmail.com.