Verification Policy

Organization verification

Before an organization can publish or edit a listing, we confirm that the organization exists and that the person claiming it is authorized to represent it. Checks may include public registration records, a domain-based email, a phone confirmation, or written authorization from leadership.

User and volunteer verification

Individuals are never required to verify anything to find help. Optional, consent-based verification allows a participating organization to confirm a specific fact — such as program participation or completed volunteer service — when doing so benefits you.

Verification badges

• Verified Organization — identity and authority to manage the listing confirmed.
• Verified Volunteer — identity confirmed and at least one organization-confirmed service record.
• Founding Partner — recognized early organization, church, pantry, sponsor or volunteer.

A badge reflects a check completed at a point in time. It is not an endorsement, a quality rating, or a guarantee of service availability or eligibility.

Privacy and data minimization

We verify the narrowest fact necessary and share only a yes/no result where possible. We do not build or share profiles of individuals seeking assistance, and verification data is never sold or used for advertising.

Consent

Every individual verification requires explicit, informed consent that names what will be verified, who will see it and why. Consent is opt-in — silence is never consent.

Revocation

You may revoke consent at any time in the app or by emailing connect@gracepath.app. Revocation removes the badge and stops future sharing; we cannot recall information an organization already received.

Appeals

If a verification or badge is denied, suspended or removed, you may appeal within 30 days by emailing us with any supporting documentation. A reviewer not involved in the original decision will respond, typically within 10 business days.