Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
God Ordained and Established (G.O.E.) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit our website (goebz.org) or interact with our services.
This policy complies with GDPR (EU), CCPA (California), PIPEDA (Canada), and international NGO standards.
2. What Information We Collect
Information You Provide:
- Contact forms: name, email, subject, message
- Donation information: name, email, amount (processed securely by payment processor)
- Volunteer/partnership inquiries: contact details and interests
- Communication preferences and feedback
Information Automatically Collected:
- IP address and device information
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent
- Geographic location (country/region level)
- Cookies and tracking technologies (see Cookie Policy)
3. How We Use Your Information
- Respond to inquiries and provide requested services
- Process donations and maintain donor records
- Send newsletters (only with consent)
- Improve website functionality and user experience
- Comply with legal obligations
- Detect and prevent fraud or misuse
4. Data Sharing & Third Parties
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:
- Service Providers: FormSubmit (contact forms), payment processors (donations), Google Analytics
- Legal Requirements: Government agencies if required by law
- Funding Partners: Limited information to BNN, BAS, and EU as per grant agreements
5. Data Retention
- Contact form submissions: 12 months
- Donor records: 7 years (for financial compliance)
- Analytics data: 14 months (Google Analytics default)
- Cookies: See Cookie Policy for details
6. Your Rights
GDPR (EU/EEA Residents):
- Right to access your personal data
- Right to rectification (correction)
- Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
- Right to restrict processing
- Right to data portability
- Right to object to processing
- Right to lodge a complaint with your data protection authority
CCPA (California Residents):
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to delete personal information
- Right to opt-out of "sale" of personal information
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising rights
7. International Data Transfers
G.O.E. is based in Belize but uses service providers in the United States (Google Analytics, FormSubmit). These transfers are covered by appropriate safeguards including Standard Contractual Clauses and data processing agreements.
8. Child Privacy
Our website does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information and notify parents/guardians.
9. Contact & Data Protection Officer
Questions about privacy?
Email: goebelize@gmail.com
Phone: +501-624-6181
Address: 44 Albert Hoy Avenue, Belize City, Belize
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Terms of Use
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using the G.O.E. website (goebz.org), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website.
2. License & Usage Rights
G.O.E. grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and view website content for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not:
- Reproduce, modify, or distribute content without permission
- Use the website for commercial purposes
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems
- Scrape or automate data collection
- Post spam, malware, or harmful content
3. Intellectual Property
All content on the website (text, images, logos, videos) is owned by G.O.E. or its licensors and is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
4. Donations & Financial Transactions
By making a donation:
- You confirm you have legal authority to make the donation
- G.O.E. will issue a receipt for tax purposes (where applicable)
- Funds are used according to G.O.E.'s mission and grant agreements
- No refunds are provided unless the donation was made in error
5. Limitation of Liability
G.O.E. provides the website "as is" without warranties. We are not liable for:
- Interruptions in service or downtime
- Loss of data or damages from viruses
- Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
- Third-party content or linked websites
6. Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of Belize. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Belizean courts.
7. Changes to Terms
G.O.E. may update these terms at any time. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of changes.
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Code of Conduct
1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct establishes expectations for behavior by all G.O.E. staff, volunteers, partners, and board members to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment.
2. Core Values
- Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and equality
- Integrity: Act honestly and transparently
- Accountability: Take responsibility for actions and decisions
- Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information about beneficiaries, donors, and operations
- Child Safety: Prioritize protection of young people
3. Professional Conduct Standards
- Treat beneficiaries, colleagues, and partners with respect
- Maintain professional appearance and behavior
- Avoid conflicts of interest or disclose them
- Follow all legal requirements and organizational policies
- Refrain from harassment, discrimination, or bullying
4. Prohibited Conduct
Zero tolerance for:
- Harassment, discrimination, or violence
- Sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior
- Abuse of power or exploitation
- Theft, fraud, or financial misconduct
- Use of illegal substances during work
- Breach of confidentiality
5. Violations & Consequences
Violations of this Code may result in:
- Verbal or written warnings
- Suspension or removal of responsibilities
- Termination of employment or partnership
- Reporting to authorities (if illegal)
6. Reporting Violations
Report concerns via email to goebelize@gmail.com or phone +501-624-6181. Retaliation against reporters is prohibited.
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
1. Commitment
G.O.E. is committed to protecting all children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Every staff member, volunteer, and partner shares responsibility for child safety.
2. Definition of Child Abuse
Abuse includes:
- Physical Abuse: Hitting, beating, kicking, or causing bodily harm
- Emotional Abuse: Threats, insults, humiliation, or deprivation of affection
- Sexual Abuse: Sexual contact, grooming, or exposure to sexual material
- Neglect: Failure to provide food, shelter, healthcare, or protection
3. Staff Screening & Training
- All staff working with children must undergo background checks
- Mandatory training on child protection and safeguarding
- Annual refresher training required
- Two-person rule: avoid one-on-one situations with children
4. Reporting Procedures
Anyone who suspects abuse must report immediately to:
G.O.E. Safeguarding Lead:
Email: goebelize@gmail.com
Phone: +501-624-6181
Reports must also be made to relevant authorities as required by Belize law.
5. Investigation & Response
- All reports taken seriously and investigated promptly
- Confidentiality maintained except where legally required
- Alleged perpetrators suspended during investigation
- Findings documented and acted upon
6. Protection from Retaliation
G.O.E. prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports abuse in good faith.
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Anti-Corruption & Fraud Policy
1. Policy Statement
G.O.E. has zero tolerance for corruption, fraud, bribery, embezzlement, and financial misconduct. All staff, board members, and partners must comply with this policy.
2. Prohibited Conduct
- Bribery: Offering or accepting anything of value to influence decisions
- Embezzlement: Theft of organizational funds or assets
- Fraud: Deception for financial gain
- Conflict of Interest: Using position for personal benefit
- Falsification: Creating false records or reports
3. Financial Controls
- All expenses must be documented and approved
- Segregation of duties (approval, execution, reconciliation)
- Regular audits and financial reviews
- Donor funds used only as restricted
- Transparent budget and spending practices
4. Reporting & Investigation
Report suspected fraud to:
Email: goebelize@gmail.com
Phone: +501-624-6181
Anonymous reporting available. All reports investigated thoroughly and confidentially.
5. Consequences
Violations result in termination and potential criminal prosecution.
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Data Protection & GDPR Compliance
1. Data Protection Principles
G.O.E. processes personal data according to GDPR Article 5 principles:
- Lawfulness: Processing has a legal basis
- Fairness: Transparent about data use
- Purpose Limitation: Data used only for stated purposes
- Accuracy: Data kept accurate and up-to-date
- Storage Limitation: Data not kept longer than necessary
- Integrity & Confidentiality: Data protected from unauthorized access
2. Lawful Basis for Processing
- Consent: You explicitly agree to data collection
- Contract: Processing necessary for donation or service delivery
- Legal Obligation: Required by law (e.g., accounting records)
- Legitimate Interest: G.O.E.'s mission (e.g., analytics) with safeguards
3. Data Subject Rights
If you are in the EU/EEA, you have rights under GDPR:
- Right of Access (Article 15): Request what personal data we hold
- Right of Rectification (Article 16): Correct inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure (Article 17): Request deletion of personal data
- Right to Restrict Processing (Article 18): Limit how data is used
- Right to Data Portability (Article 20): Receive data in portable format
- Right to Object (Article 21): Opt-out of certain processing
- Right to Lodge Complaint: Contact your national data protection authority
4. Data Protection Officer
To exercise your rights or lodge a complaint:
Email: goebelize@gmail.com
Phone: +501-624-6181
Postal: 44 Albert Hoy Avenue, Belize City, Belize
5. Data Breach Notification
G.O.E. will notify affected individuals without undue delay (max 72 hours) if a data breach compromises personal information.
6. International Transfers
Personal data may be transferred to countries outside the EU/EEA for processing. These transfers are protected by Standard Contractual Clauses and appropriate safeguards.
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Complaint & Grievance Mechanism
1. Purpose
G.O.E. provides a transparent mechanism for staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to raise concerns and lodge complaints without fear of retaliation.
2. What Can Be Reported
- Harassment, discrimination, or bullying
- Child abuse or safeguarding concerns
- Financial misconduct or fraud
- Violation of Code of Conduct
- Breach of confidentiality
- Unsafe working conditions
- Any policy violation
3. How to Complain
Multiple channels available:
- Email: goebelize@gmail.com
- Phone: +501-624-6181
- In-Person: 44 Albert Hoy Avenue, Belize City
- Anonymous: Third-party reporting available upon request
4. Investigation Process
- Timeline: Investigation completed within 5-30 business days
- Confidentiality: Limited disclosure on need-to-know basis
- Fair Process: Complainant and respondent both heard
- Documentation: Findings recorded and filed securely
- Outcome: Complainant notified of findings
5. Protection from Retaliation
G.O.E. strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports in good faith. Retaliation is itself grounds for disciplinary action.
6. External Escalation
If internal resolution is unsatisfactory, complaints can be escalated to:
- Belize Network of NGOs (BNN)
- Relevant government authorities
- Funding partners and oversight bodies
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Accessibility Statement
1. Commitment
G.O.E. is committed to providing an accessible website that complies with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
2. Accessibility Features
Our website includes:
- Semantic HTML for screen reader compatibility
- Keyboard navigation (Tab, Enter, Escape)
- Alt text for images
- High contrast color schemes
- Resizable fonts and adjustable line spacing
- Transcripts for video content
- Descriptive link labels
- Mobile-responsive design
3. Accessibility Standards
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
- Section 508: U.S. federal accessibility requirement
- ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act compliance
4. Assistive Technology Support
Our website is compatible with:
- NVDA and JAWS screen readers
- VoiceOver (Mac/iOS)
- Magnification software
- Dragon speech recognition
5. Known Issues & Workarounds
If you encounter accessibility problems, please contact us and we'll provide an alternative accessible method.
6. Feedback & Reporting
To report accessibility issues:
Email: goebelize@gmail.com
Phone: +501-624-6181
We welcome feedback and will address accessibility concerns promptly.
Last Updated: December 7, 2025