Foundly: Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

This version of our terms, privacy policy, and claim verification approach was written to be understandable, practical, and focused on doing the right thing. If you have questions, just email support@foundlyhq.com — we're happy to help.


Terms of Service

Thanks for using Foundly. We've written these terms to make it clear how we work and what you can expect when you use our platform. If you continue using Foundly, you're agreeing to follow these terms.

Your Responsibilities

Only submit honest, accurate reports. That means including real photos and truthful details about items you've lost or found. If we detect misleading claims or abuse of the system, we reserve the right to deactivate your account.

How Institutions Use Foundly

Schools, hotels, offices, and other partners use Foundly to manage their lost & found. Their staff can see, match, and resolve item reports created at their locations. They're responsible for using the platform respectfully and complying with local privacy rules.

Our Role

Foundly connects people with their belongings — but we don't physically hold items, guarantee matches, or act as a delivery service. Think of us as the digital layer that makes the whole process easier and more transparent.

Data Use

We log actions like submissions, updates, and match history. This helps admins trace records and improve security. If a report violates our terms, we may remove it.

Fair Use

Don't use Foundly to spam, harass, or collect data from others. Keep it clean, respectful, and focused on helping lost items get home.


Privacy Policy

At Foundly, we believe privacy should be simple and clear. Here's what we collect, why we collect it, and how we protect your information.

What We Collect

  • Item reports: What was lost or found, where, when, and any photos you upload
  • Contact info: Just enough (like your email) so we can notify you about matches
  • Login credentials: If you sign in with Google or your school/work account
  • Admin actions: We keep a record of who matched, edited, or resolved reports

Why We Collect It

We collect data to:

  • Help you get your stuff back faster
  • Give institutions tools to manage reports more easily
  • Improve our matching system over time

Sometimes, we share anonymized usage trends with our partners to help them understand what's working.

Who Can See Your Info

  • Admins at locations you interact with (e.g., campus security at your school)
  • Our support team, only when it's needed to help fix or investigate something

We never sell your data. Period.

Data Retention

We store lost/found reports for up to 180 days. Institutions may choose to delete them sooner. If something is deleted, it's permanently wiped from our systems within 30 days.

Security

We use encrypted storage, secure servers, and industry-standard practices to protect your data. Want your info gone? Just email us at support@foundlyhq.com — we'll handle the rest.


Claim Verification Policy

At Foundly, getting your item back matters — but so does making sure it goes to the right person. Here's how we handle ownership claims in a fair, secure, and consistent way.

Step 1: Claim Submission

When someone believes they've found their item, they're asked to submit:

  • A clear photo of the item if possible (or similar if the item is missing)
  • Their contact information (email or phone number)
  • Time, date, and location they lost or believe the item was lost

Step 2: Admin Review

Admins at the institution (e.g., a school, hotel, or venue) compare the user's info with the details on file, including:

  • Description accuracy
  • Metadata like timestamps or upload location
  • Any unique identifying details (e.g., stickers, initials, case color)

Step 3: Verification Questions

If the match is unclear, admins may request:

  • Proof of purchase or a receipt
  • A selfie with the item if it's a common item (e.g., backpack, water bottle)
  • An item password, serial number, or screen lock code (for electronics)

Step 4: Final Decision

Admins make the final call on whether to release an item. Foundly provides tools and suggestions, but doesn't override local policies. Disputes or duplicate claims are noted in the admin log for reference.

Step 5: Archive & Recordkeeping

Once an item is returned, the case is closed and stored in the admin dashboard with:

  • Time and date of match
  • Who resolved it
  • Supporting notes or attachments

This creates a clear record in case any questions come up later.


Liability Disclaimers

We want you to feel confident using Foundly — but it's also important to be transparent about what we can and can't take responsibility for.

Foundly is a Digital Tool, Not a Courier

Foundly helps people and institutions manage and track lost and found items. We don't physically hold, transport, or inspect items ourselves. The platform facilitates connections — the rest is handled locally by the reporting party and institution.

No Guarantee of Recovery

We do our best to help items get home, but we can't guarantee that every lost item will be found or returned. Matches are made based on the information users provide and what admins can verify.

Admin Discretion and Local Policy

Final decisions about item claims are made by the institution using Foundly. Foundly does not intervene in disputes between users or override local protocols. Each partner location (e.g., a school, airport, or hotel) sets its own process for handling physical returns.

Not Responsible for Incorrect Returns

While we provide tools to support accurate matching, the ultimate responsibility for verifying ownership lies with the returning institution or individual. Foundly is not liable for items returned to the wrong person or for damages caused by false claims.

Use at Your Own Risk

By using Foundly, you acknowledge that you do so at your own discretion. We're committed to protecting your data and creating a safe experience, but we can't control every human interaction or physical handoff.

If you have any concerns or run into an issue, we're always here to help — email us at support@foundlyhq.com.