NGOs in India

An NGO is a Non-governmental organization where the government has no role. It is aimed at the welfare of society, helping people through social work such as housing widowed women, teaching poor orphans, and protecting women.

Role of NGOs in India

NGOs play an important role in addressing various social issues in India. Below is a detailed breakdown of their roles:

Particular	Description
Advocacy for and with the Poor	NGOs act as spokespeople for low-income people by influencing government policies through various methods, including public forum engagement and research dissemination.
Bridging the Gap	NGOs fill in gaps in government programs and reach those overlooked by government projects.
Research and Development	NGOs assist in research and develop creative solutions to social problems based on their findings.
Acts as a Middleman	NGOs act as a middleman between society and the government, helping improve citizen welfare.
Empowering Women	NGOs fight gender-based discrimination through advocacy and initiatives aimed at gender equality.

Top 10 NGOs in India (Brief Overview)

S. No.	Famous NGO in India	Establishment
1	Smile Foundation	2002
2	CRY (Child Rights and You)	1979
3	Give India Foundation	1999
4	Goonj	1999
5	Nanhi Kali	1996
6	Care India	1946
7	Helpage India	1978
8	Pratham	1994
9	Akshaya Patra Foundation	2000
10	Save the Children India	2008

Top 10 NGOs in India (Detail Overview)

1. Save the Children India

Save the Children is India’s leading independent child rights NGO, operating across 16 states. The organization began its journey on December 27, 2004, when it was registered as ‘Bal Raksha Bharat’ under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and later under the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act 2010 on April 23, 2008. Since then, Save the Children has positively impacted the lives of over 12.4 million children as of March 2022. The NGO’s innovative programs are designed to meet the specific needs of children by providing them with a healthy foundation, educational opportunities, and protection from harm. Their work extends its impact to children, families, and communities worldwide, with the ultimate goal of transforming the future we all share.

• Founded: 2008
• CEO: Deepak Kapoor
• Area of Work: Education, child protection, health, and nutrition
• Website: www.savethechildren.in
• Contact: info@savethechildren.in

2. Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an independent charitable trust registered under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882. Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has been dedicated to addressing classroom hunger and malnutrition through the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Initiative. By providing wholesome mid-day meals to school children every school day, Akshaya Patra leverages technology and the Public-Private Partnership model to tackle these societal issues on a large scale. The foundation has established an extensive network of kitchens and formed partnerships with the Government of India, state governments, Union Territories, corporate houses, and philanthropists. These collaborations enable Akshaya Patra to address the social cause of hunger and malnutrition comprehensively and effectively.

• Founded: 2000
• Co-Founder: ChrysCapital Raj P. Kondur
• Website: www.akshayapatra.org
• Contact: donorcare@akshayapatra.org

3. Pratham

Pratham is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in India, founded by Madhav Chavan and Farida Lambe. Established in Mumbai in 1994, Pratham initially focused on providing preschool education to children in slums. Over the years, it has expanded its reach significantly, intervening in 23 states and union territories across India. The organization also supports chapters in the United States, Britain, Germany, and Sweden. Pratham is a pioneering educational institution dedicated to enhancing the quality of education for underprivileged children. Since its inception, Pratham has grown its programs to benefit children and youth nationwide, aiming to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for those in need.

• Founded: 1994
• Founder: Madhav Chavan, Farida Lambay
• Website: www.pratham.org
• Address: Delhi Registered Office B- 4/58, Safdarjung Enclave 2nd Floor, New Delhi – 110 029
• Contact: info@pratham.org

4. Helpage India

HelpAge India is an Indian organization that focuses on the welfare and concerns of elders. Established in 1978, its mission is to "work for the cause and care of underprivileged elderly people and improve their standard of living." HelpAge India actively advocates for the rights of the elderly at the national, state, and social levels, addressing issues such as universal pension, healthcare, and elder abuse. Working in collaboration with both central and state governments, the organization runs various aged care programs aimed at fulfilling the more significant needs of elderly individuals. Their primary goal is to ensure that disadvantaged elders can lead an active, dignified, and healthy life. Recently, HelpAge India achieved a major milestone by becoming the first and only organization in India to receive the UN Population Award 2020. This prestigious award recognized their exceptional work in the areas of ageing, COVID-19 relief efforts, and contributions to population-related issues. In addition to their global recognition, HelpAge India continues to be honored for its efforts in promoting and protecting the rights of older persons in India, solidifying its role as a leading advocate for the elderly in the country.

• Founded: 1978
• Founder: Mr Jackson Cole, Samson Daniel
• Website: www.helpageindia.org
• Address: HelpAge India C–14 Qutab Institutional Area New Delhi – 110016
• Contact:headoffice@helpageindia.org

5.Care India

CARE India is a non-profit organization that has been working in India for 68 years, focusing on reducing poverty and social injustice. Their mission is to empower women and girls from poor and marginalized communities, improving their lives and livelihoods through comprehensive health, education, livelihood, disaster relief, and response projects. CARE India has reached 31.5 million people directly through 43 projects across 14 states, covering more than 90 districts. Their interventions in health, livelihood, education, disaster relief, and resilience are designed to build community capacity and sustainably empower marginalized women and girls.

• Founded: 1946
• Founder: Lincoln Clark
• Website: www.careindia.org
• Address: A-12, Bhilwara Towers, Third Floor, Tower-II, Sector-1, Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, 201 301
• Contact:contactus@careindia.org

6.Nanhi Kali

Nanhi Kali is an Indian non-governmental organization that focuses on supporting education for underprivileged girls in India. Founded in 1996 by Anand Mahindra, the organization is jointly managed by the Naandi Foundation and the KC Mahindra Education Trust, which are part of the Mahindra Group’s corporate social responsibilities. Nanhi Kali’s Project Nanhi Kali aims to positively influence the future of girls and women in India. In an interview, Sheetal Mehta, the chairman of the non-profit, expressed the organization's goal to create global awareness about the plight of young girls in India who are denied their basic rights. Since its inception, Nanhi Kali has provided education to over 500,000 girls across 14 states, including remote areas. The program ensures ten years of education for girls, particularly in crowded slums and cooler regions like Darjeeling.

• Founded: 1996
• Founder: Anand Mahindra
• Website: www.nanhikali.org
• Address: K. C. Mahindra Education Trust Cecil Court Near Regal Cinema Mahakavi Bhushan Marg Mumbai 400001
• Contact:support@nanhikali.org

7.Goonj

Goonj is a non-governmental organization based in Delhi, India, founded in 1999 by Anshu Gupta. It aims to relieve poverty through impactful social initiatives and focuses on addressing basic but often overlooked needs, such as clothing. The organization performs disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and community development work across 23 states in India. Initially starting with just 67 garments, Goonj now manages over 3,500 tonnes of material annually. In recognition of his significant contributions, Anshu Gupta was named India’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012 by the Schwab Foundation, a partner organization of the World Economic Forum, and received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2015. Goonj is registered under the Societies Act and is exempt from foreign contributions under Sections 80G, 12A, and FCRA.

• Founded: 1999
• Founder:Anshu Gupta
• Website: www.goonj.org
• Address:J-93, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi-110076
• Contact:mail@goonj.org

8.Give India Foundation

GiveIndia is a non-profit organization based in India that functions as an online donation platform. Its primary aim is to provide channels and resources to trusted non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the country. By serving as a web portal, GiveIndia facilitates the raising of funds and contributions from individuals both in India and worldwide. These donations are then distributed to vetted NGOs. Through its extensive network and commitment to transparency, GiveIndia plays a crucial role in improving society by supporting various impactful projects and initiatives. Due to its significant efforts and achievements, GiveIndia is recognized as one of the top NGOs in India.

• Founded: 1999
• Founder:Venkat Krishnan
• Website: www.giveindia.org
• Address: 1st floor, Rigel, No. 15-19 Doddanekkundi, Marathahalli Outer Ring Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560037
• Contact:info@giveindia.org

9.CRY (Child Rights and You)

Here’s a rearranged version of the content in paragraph format: Founded in 1979 by Rippan Kapur, a purser for Indian Airlines, and a group of six friends with just Rs. 50, CRY (Child Rights and You) has grown into one of India's most trusted NGOs. Over the past four decades, CRY has collaborated with 102 local NGOs across 19 states, positively impacting the lives of over 3 million children. The organization is dedicated to ensuring happier and healthier childhoods for underprivileged children in India. CRY focuses on addressing critical needs such as healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection from child labour and child marriage. Their work involves engaging with parents, teachers, Anganwadi workers, communities, and government bodies at various levels. CRY's vision is to create a society that respects children's rights, promotes their health and happiness, and upholds justice and equity for all.

• Founded: 1979
• Founder:Rippan Kapur
• Website: www.cry.org
• Address:CRY – Child Rights and You, 189/A Anand Estate, Sane Guruji Marg, Mumbai – 400 011
• Contact:cryinfo.mum@crymail.org

10.Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation, an NGO based in New Delhi, India, was established in 2002 and has since built a presence in 25 states across the country. Over the past 20 years, it has evolved into a sustainable social institution, focusing on fostering inclusivity within society and businesses while driving positive change. The foundation has developed a unique resource model that centers businesses in its approach and promotes civic-driven change. This innovative model has made a significant impact, particularly through its development programs, which include education, health, and livelihood initiatives for children and women. Notable programs such as Smile on Wheels, Mission Education, and Smile Twin e-learning are key to their efforts. Smile Foundation’s commitment to addressing resource gaps and creating opportunities for those in need has solidified its reputation as one of the best NGOs in India.

• Founded:2002
• Founder:Santanu Mishra
• Website: www.smilefoundationindia.org
• Address:161 B/4, 3rd Floor, Gulmohar House, Yusuf Sarai Community Centre, New Delhi – 110049
• Contact: info@smilefoundationindia.org