Where to Donate Money for Urgent Social Causes in India

Marpu Foundation
Jun 5
3 min read

In India, social causes such as education, healthcare, hunger, women empowerment, and disaster relief need urgent attention. While government efforts play a role in addressing these issues, individuals and corporates can contribute significantly through donations to NGOs and charitable foundations. Donating to the right causes not only helps those in need but also aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, making a real impact on society.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the best places to donate money for urgent social causes and the NGOs that are effectively addressing the needs of underprivileged communities across India.

1. Marpu Foundation - Support for Rural Communities

Marpu Foundation focuses on uplifting rural communities by providing access to quality education, healthcare, clean water, and women empowerment programs. Donations to the foundation help fund initiatives such as school renovations, sanitation drives, and emergency relief programs during natural disasters.

By contributing to Marpu Foundation, donors can directly impact SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), among other goals.

2. Goonj – Addressing Basic Needs and Dignity

Goonj is an NGO focused on providing basic needs such as clothing, sanitation, and rural infrastructure. They turn urban waste into resources for the rural poor, offering dignity to underserved communities. Donations help fund material resources that are transformed into life-improving tools for those without access to basic amenities.

Goonj provides an opportunity for corporates and individuals to contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through their programs.

3. Akshaya Patra Foundation – Hunger Relief for Children

One of the most trusted charities in India, Akshaya Patra Foundation works towards feeding schoolchildren across India. They run mid-day meal programs in thousands of schools, ensuring that children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds receive at least one nutritious meal each day.

Donating to Akshaya Patra directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), promoting the well-being of underprivileged children and giving them the chance to succeed in education.

4. GiveIndia – A Platform for Transparent Donations

GiveIndia is an online donation platform that connects donors with trustworthy NGOs working on a wide range of causes, from healthcare to disaster relief. With transparent reporting and a diverse range of causes, GiveIndia makes it easy for individuals and corporates to contribute to causes they care about.

GiveIndia allows donors to target specific social issues, making it easier to align donations with corporate or personal values. Their platform supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

5. The Akanksha Foundation – Education and Empowerment for Marginalized Children

The Akanksha Foundation provides quality education and support to children from low-income communities in cities like Mumbai and Pune. They aim to make quality education accessible to children who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, helping to create a more equitable society.

Donating to Akanksha Foundation can help build schools, sponsor students, and fund educational resources, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

6. CRY – Child Rights and You

CRY focuses on ensuring that children across India are protected from child labor, abuse, and malnutrition, while also working on education and healthcare. They focus on ensuring child rights and well-being by working directly with communities and local authorities.

CRY makes it easy for donors to contribute to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

7. SEWA – Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood Support

SEWA is an NGO that works on empowering women through providing skills training, healthcare, microfinance, and livelihood opportunities. Their focus is on helping women gain economic independence and social rights.

By supporting SEWA, donors can directly contribute to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Conclusion

In India, donating money to social causes is a powerful way to support positive change. Whether it’s hunger relief, education, healthcare, or women’s empowerment, corporates and individuals alike can make a real impact through strategic donations. By partnering with reputable NGOs like Marpu Foundation, Goonj, and Akshaya Patra, donors can ensure their contributions are being used effectively to support urgent social causes.

If you're looking to make an impact through CSR initiatives or personal donations, consider partnering with Marpu Foundation for a direct, measurable impact on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and more.