This Privacy Policy explains how Next Goal ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects the personal data of users who access or use our web-based college recruiting platform (the "Service") at https://www.nextgoal.college.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

Account Information: Name, email, school, graduation year, academic and athletic profile data.

User-Generated Content: Emails, templates, communication logs, and analytics such as open/reply status.

Device & Technical Info: IP address, browser type, operating system, and usage activity.

Payment Data: Payment info is processed securely via Stripe. We do not store full credit card data.

Gmail API Data (if connected): If you connect your Gmail account, we use it only to send emails you compose and authorize. We do not read, store, or access your inbox or any Gmail content.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide and personalize the Service
Send personalized emails to college coaches through your Gmail (if connected)
Track outreach effectiveness (e.g., email opens and replies)
Improve platform functionality, performance, and security
Fulfill legal obligations and ensure compliance

3. Legal Bases for Processing

We rely on the following legal bases to process your data:

Contract: To deliver the Service you signed up for
Consent: For Gmail integration and optional profile features
Legitimate Interests: For analytics, platform security, and fraud prevention

4. Gmail API Disclosure & Limited Use

If you choose to connect your Gmail account:

We request only the scope https://www.googleapis.com/auth/gmail.send
We use Gmail solely to send messages that you explicitly generate
We do not read, store, or analyze your inbox or Gmail content
We do not use your Gmail data for advertising or marketing
We do not share Gmail data with any third parties except as necessary to provide the Service

Next Goal's use and transfer of information received from Google APIs adheres to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited use of user data requirement.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share limited data with:

Service providers (e.g., Firebase, OpenRouter, Stripe) to operate the platform
Gmail API (Google) for authorized email delivery
Legal authorities if required to comply with the law

6. Security

We use industry-standard security measures and encrypt data in transit and at rest. Your data is stored via secure Google Cloud infrastructure. However, no system can be 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as necessary to provide the Service. You may request deletion at any time. Some data may be retained as required by law or for fraud prevention.

8. Children

Next Goal is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Users under 18 must have parental or guardian consent to use the Service.

9. Marketing Communications

By creating an account with Next Goal, you agree to receive marketing emails from us, including updates about our service, new features, tips for college recruiting, and relevant content to help you in your recruitment journey. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting us at support@nextgoal.com or using the unsubscribe links provided in our emails.

10. Your Rights

You may:

Request access to your personal data
Correct or update your information
Delete your account and associated data
Withdraw Gmail access at any time
Opt out of marketing communications at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@nextgoal.com.

11. Contact

If you have any questions about this policy or your data, email us at:
support@nextgoal.com

Thank you for trusting Next Goal. We are committed to protecting your privacy and helping you reach your next step in the college recruitment journey.

Next Goal – Privacy Policy