HelpMuslim

HelpMuslim Policies & Transparency Hub

Comprehensive legal documentation and transparency disclosures governing our humanitarian initiatives

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: HelpMuslim is currently an unregistered voluntary collective. All contributions are voluntary gifts supporting direct humanitarian aid with no tax benefits.

Privacy Policy

1. Information Collection

HelpMuslim collects limited personal data strictly necessary for humanitarian operations, including but not limited to:

  • Contact information provided voluntarily for donation receipts
  • Payment processing details (handled by secure third-party processors)
  • Communication records for service improvement purposes

Note: We adhere to data minimization principles, collecting only what is essential for humanitarian aid distribution.

2. Data Usage

Collected information is utilized exclusively for:

  • Processing and acknowledging voluntary contributions
  • Providing updates on humanitarian projects
  • Improving our aid delivery mechanisms
  • Complying with financial record-keeping requirements

3. Data Protection

We implement appropriate technical measures including:

  • Encryption of sensitive data transmissions
  • Regular security assessments of our digital infrastructure
  • Limited access protocols for volunteer staff

Disclaimer: While we employ reasonable security measures, absolute data security cannot be guaranteed in any electronic medium.

Terms of Service

1. Nature of Services

HelpMuslim operates as a voluntary humanitarian initiative facilitating:

  • Collection of voluntary contributions for direct aid distribution
  • Coordination of relief efforts through grassroots networks
  • Public education about ethical humanitarian practices

Legal Notice: HelpMuslim is not currently registered under the Indian Trusts Act, Societies Registration Act, or Section 8 Company provisions. All activities are conducted as lawful private humanitarian efforts.

2. Donation Terms

By contributing funds, you acknowledge and agree:

  • All donations are voluntary gifts without expectation of return
  • No tax deductions can be claimed until formal registration is completed
  • Funds will be allocated according to immediate humanitarian needs
  • While we strive for 100% allocation to aid, up to 15% may cover essential operational costs

Humanitarian Note: We prioritize direct aid over administrative expenses, maintaining detailed records of all fund allocations.

3. User Responsibilities

Users of HelpMuslim services agree not to:

  • Misrepresent the nature of contributions or expected benefits
  • Use our platforms for unlawful or unethical purposes
  • Attempt to compromise our humanitarian operations
  • Make false claims about our legal status or capabilities

Financial Transparency

1. Fund Allocation

As an unregistered voluntary initiative, we maintain the following financial practices:

  • Separate bank accounts for humanitarian funds and minimal operational expenses
  • Quarterly public reports on fund allocation (without identifying individual recipients)
  • Photographic documentation of major aid distributions (when culturally appropriate)
  • Volunteer-led financial oversight committee

Transparency Commitment: While not legally required as an unregistered entity, we voluntarily adopt NGO-standard transparency measures.

2. Expense Breakdown

Typical allocation of received funds (approximate percentages):

CategoryPercentageDescription
Direct Aid80-90%Food, medical supplies, essential items
Logistics5-10%Transportation, storage, distribution
Administrative5-10%Bank fees, communication, documentation

Disclaimer: These percentages are estimates and may vary based on specific humanitarian crises and operational requirements.

3. Audit Process

While not subject to formal audit requirements, we implement:

  • Monthly internal reconciliation by volunteer accountants
  • Annual review by independent humanitarian professionals
  • Public disclosure of major expenditure categories
  • Open-book policy for major contributors upon request

Humanitarian Ethics Charter

1. Core Principles

HelpMuslim adheres to internationally recognized humanitarian standards:

  • Humanity: Prioritizing relief of human suffering without discrimination
  • Impartiality: Aid based solely on need, without political or religious conditions
  • Neutrality: Not taking sides in conflicts or political disputes
  • Independence: Maintaining autonomy from governmental or institutional agendas

Educational Note: These principles derive from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's Fundamental Principles.

2. Cultural Sensitivity

Our aid distribution incorporates:

  • Respect for local customs and religious practices
  • Gender-appropriate aid delivery methods
  • Collaboration with community leaders
  • Adaptation of aid packages to cultural dietary requirements

3. Accountability Framework

We maintain ethical accountability through:

  • Beneficiary feedback mechanisms
  • Third-party monitoring of selected distributions
  • Public reporting of challenges and shortcomings
  • Whistleblower protection for volunteers reporting concerns

Volunteer & Contributor Guidelines

1. Volunteer Expectations

Individuals assisting HelpMuslim initiatives agree to:

  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive beneficiary information
  • Refrain from exploiting their position for personal gain
  • Adhere to our humanitarian ethics charter
  • Report any conflicts of interest immediately

Note: Volunteer positions are unpaid and do not constitute formal employment or contractual relationships.

2. Content Contributors

Those providing educational or promotional materials must:

  • Ensure accuracy of humanitarian information
  • Avoid sensationalism in depicting crisis situations
  • Respect dignity of aid recipients in visual materials
  • Clearly distinguish between factual reporting and opinion

3. Fundraising Standards

Individuals organizing fundraising initiatives on our behalf shall:

  • Clearly state HelpMuslim's unregistered status
  • Not make promises about tax benefits
  • Provide accurate information about current aid priorities
  • Remit collected funds within 7 days of collection

International Donation Compliance

1. Cross-Border Contributions

HelpMuslim accepts international donations with these understandings:

  • Donors are responsible for compliance with their jurisdiction's laws
  • We cannot provide advice on foreign tax implications
  • Funds may be subject to currency conversion fees
  • Large transfers may require additional due diligence procedures

Compliance Notice: We screen all transactions against international sanctions lists and reserve the right to refuse suspicious contributions.

2. Anti-Money Laundering

Our voluntary safeguards include:

  • Not accepting cash donations exceeding ₹10,000
  • Maintaining records of all transactions over ₹50,000
  • Verifying identity for large or unusual contributions
  • Reporting suspicious activity to appropriate authorities

3. Sanctions Compliance

We implement measures to ensure:

  • No funds are directed to sanctioned individuals or entities
  • Geographic restrictions are observed where required by law
  • Humanitarian exemptions are properly documented when applicable
  • Regular review of changing regulatory requirements

Data Subject Rights

1. GDPR-Style Rights

While not legally bound by GDPR as an Indian initiative, we voluntarily extend:

  • Right to access personal data we hold
  • Right to request correction of inaccurate information
  • Right to restrict processing in certain circumstances
  • Right to object to direct marketing communications

Implementation Note: These rights are implemented through informal processes appropriate to our small-scale operations.

2. India Data Protection

In anticipation of India's evolving data protection framework, we:

  • Limit data collection to necessary humanitarian purposes
  • Store Indian donor data on domestic servers when feasible
  • Provide clear opt-out options for communications
  • Appoint a volunteer data protection coordinator

3. Data Retention

We maintain records according to these guidelines:

  • Financial records: 7 years from transaction date
  • Donor contact information: Until request for deletion
  • Beneficiary data: Anonymized after distribution completion
  • Communication records: 2 years unless required for dispute resolution

Dispute Resolution & Liability

1. Informal Resolution Process

As an unregistered voluntary collective, HelpMuslim prioritizes direct communication:

  • All concerns must first be emailed to info@helpmuslim.org
  • We commit to acknowledging complaints within 7 working days
  • Solutions will be sought through mutual understanding, not legal processes

2. No Formal Liability

HelpMuslim has no legal personality. Volunteers and contributors participate at their own discretion.

  • Donations are voluntary gifts with no contractual obligations
  • We cannot guarantee specific outcomes from aid distribution
  • No refunds possible once funds are deployed for humanitarian purposes

3. Good Faith Principles

While not legally binding, we operate under these ethical guidelines:

  • Transparency in fund allocation to the extent possible
  • Respectful communication with all stakeholders
  • Right to cease engagement with abusive or demanding parties

Important: This is not a legally enforceable contract. By contributing, you acknowledge HelpMuslim is an informal humanitarian effort without legal registration.

Glossary of Legal & Humanitarian Terms

Voluntary Collective

An informal group of individuals collaborating for common purposes without formal legal registration.

Humanitarian Aid

Material or logistical assistance delivered to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity during crises.

Direct Distribution

Bypassing institutional intermediaries to deliver aid straight to affected populations.

Unregistered Entity

An organization operating without formal recognition under relevant national laws, with limited legal capacity.

Gift Contribution

A voluntary transfer of resources without contractual conditions or expectation of return.

Grassroots Initiative

Community-driven efforts operating with minimal infrastructure and local knowledge.

Important Final Disclosures

HelpMuslim is not registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). We do not accept foreign funds that would require such registration.

No representation is made that contributions will be eligible for tax deduction in any jurisdiction. Consult your tax advisor.

Our humanitarian activities are conducted under constitutional protections for charitable work, not as a legally recognized charitable entity.