Hello to my fellow globe-trotting Desis! Feeling a bit nostalgic, are we? Longing to contribute back to the homeland?
Well, you’re in luck!
India, with its vibrant civil society, is brimming with social impact organizations that would love your involvement. Here are ten such organizations that could use your time, resources, or expertise.
In this article...
1. Goonj
Goonj is a unique NGO that focuses on using urban discards to trigger development work in rural areas. Their key initiatives include disaster relief, menstrual hygiene, and community development.
Website: Goonj
2. Akshaya Patra
Akshaya Patra runs the world’s largest mid-day meal program, providing wholesome food to over 1.8 million children across India. They are continuously expanding their footprint with the help of donations and volunteer work.
Website: Akshaya Patra
3. Pratham
Pratham’s mission is to ensure that every child is in school and learning well. With programs spanning from preschool to vocational training, Pratham is creating a significant impact on education in India.
Website: Pratham
4. GiveIndia
GiveIndia is an online donation platform that allows you to support a cause of your choice from about 200+ vetted NGOs. A great way to ensure your donation reaches the right people.
Website: GiveIndia
5. SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association)
SEWA is a trade union that supports self-employed women workers across India. They focus on women’s rights, workers’ rights, and social security.
Website: SEWA
6. The Ugly Indian
The Ugly Indian is an anonymous collective that cleans up dirty spots in Indian cities. If you’re back in India and want to get your hands dirty (literally), join one of their “spot fixes”.
Website: The Ugly Indian
7. Teach For India
Teach For India enlists India’s most promising young leaders in their two-year Fellowship program, where they serve as full-time teachers in under-resourced schools.
Website: Teach For India
8. Barefoot College
Barefoot College empowers rural communities by training rural women and men to become Barefoot Solar Engineers, teachers, doctors, and more.
Website: Barefoot College
9. Wildlife SOS
Wildlife SOS works to protect Indian wildlife, conserve habitat, study biodiversity, conduct research, and create alternative and sustainable livelihoods for communities dependent on wildlife.
Website: Wildlife SOS
10. Breakthrough
Breakthrough uses innovative strategies to fight deeply entrenched social issues like gender discrimination, domestic violence, and sexual harassment.
Website: Breakthrough
From women’s rights to wildlife conservation, there’s a cause for every passion in India.
And in this digital age, distance doesn’t matter. Whether you’re back in India or sitting thousands of miles away, you can still make a difference.
Happy giving!