Nonprofit organizations are the pillar of Indian society. Here are the top 20:-
1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Seattle, Washington, United States. It was founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates.
The foundation is focused on improving health and reducing poverty in developing countries, as well as supporting education and other charitable causes in the United States.
The foundation has committed over $50 billion in funding to various global health and development initiatives, including efforts to fight diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and to improve maternal and child health.
The foundation has also invested in the development of new vaccines and other medical technologies and has supported efforts to improve access to safe water and sanitation in developing countries.
In addition to its global health and development work, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has also supported education initiatives in the United States, including efforts to improve access to high-quality early childhood education and to increase college completion rates among low-income students.
The foundation has won numerous awards for its philanthropic work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, and the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize.
As of February 2023, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation had an endowment of over $50 billion, making it one of the largest charitable organizations in the world.
2. Tata Trusts
Tata Trusts is a group of philanthropic organizations that work to improve the quality of life of people in India.
The trusts were founded by the Tata family, which is one of India’s oldest and most prominent business families, and they are among the largest charitable organizations in India.
Tata Trusts supports a wide range of initiatives in the areas of health, education, livelihoods, and governance.
Some of their notable initiatives include the Tata Medical Center, a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Kolkata, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, one of India’s premier institutions for social science research and education.
They also support various initiatives to improve the quality of education, provide skill training, and promote entrepreneurship.
The trusts are known for their innovative approaches to philanthropy, such as using technology to improve healthcare delivery and leveraging public-private partnerships to promote social development.
They also have a strong focus on sustainability and the environment, and support various initiatives to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In recognition of their philanthropic work, Tata Trusts have won several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. As of February 2023, Tata Trusts had a corpus of over Rs. 19,000 crores (approximately $2.5 billion), and they continue to work towards improving the lives of millions of people in India.
3. Azim Premji Foundation
The Azim Premji Foundation is a non-profit organization based in India that works towards improving the quality of education in the country.
It was founded by Azim Premji, the chairman of Wipro Limited, one of India’s largest IT companies, in 2001.
The foundation works primarily in rural areas and among disadvantaged communities and has a focus on promoting education and developing the capacity of teachers.
It works towards building a more equitable and sustainable society through its programs, which include supporting government schools, developing educational resources, training teachers and school leaders, and conducting research to inform education policy.
The foundation is also involved in various other initiatives, such as supporting nutrition and health programs for children, promoting gender equity, and working toward the development of a more inclusive society.
The foundation’s efforts have been widely recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize for Education in 2017.
As of February 2023, the foundation had committed over Rs. 17,000 crores (approximately $2.3 billion) towards its work in education and related fields. It continues to work towards improving the quality of education in India and creating a more just and equitable society.
4. Oxfam India
Oxfam India is a non-profit organization that works towards creating a just and equal society in India. It is a part of the Oxfam International confederation of organizations that work towards ending poverty and injustice globally.
Oxfam India works towards a range of issues such as women’s rights, education, health, and poverty reduction.
It has a focus on addressing the root causes of inequality and injustice, and advocates for policy changes that can lead to lasting change. Some of its key initiatives include promoting women’s leadership and economic empowerment, improving access to healthcare, and providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid.
The organization’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades.
It was ranked among the top 10 non-profits in India in the ‘Give India Philanthropy Awards in 2018 and was also awarded the ‘NGO of the Year award by the National CSR Leadership Congress and Awards in 2019.
As of February 2023, Oxfam India works in 18 states across India and has partnered with over 150 organizations to create positive change. It continues to work towards creating a more just and equal society in India.
5. CRY – Child Rights and You
CRY – Child Rights and You is a non-profit organization based in India that works towards the rights of underprivileged children. It was founded in 1979 and has since been working towards ensuring that every child has access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, protection, and a safe environment.
The organization works towards child welfare in various ways, including advocacy, awareness-building, and grassroots-level interventions.
It partners with NGOs and community-based organizations to support children’s education, healthcare, and protection. It also conducts research and advocacy to influence policy and create a more enabling environment for children’s rights.
CRY has been recognized for its efforts and has won several awards and accolades. In 2020, it was awarded the ‘Best NGO Working for Child Rights’ award by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
As of February 2023, CRY is working in 19 states across India and has impacted the lives of over 33 lakh children. It continues to work towards creating a better future for India’s underprivileged children by ensuring their rights and protection.
6. Akshaya Patra Foundation
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a non-profit organization based in India that works towards ending classroom hunger by providing nutritious meals to children in government schools
. It was founded in 2000, and since then, it has been working towards its mission of feeding 5 million children by 2025.
The foundation operates a large-scale mid-day meal program, which provides freshly cooked, nutritious meals to children in government schools across India.
The program has a focus on addressing malnutrition and supporting the education of underprivileged children.
It is implemented in partnership with the government and the private sector and is sustained by donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s efforts have been recognized and it has won several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in 2016.
As of February 2023, the foundation is serving over 1.8 million children in 19,039 government schools across 14 states and 1 union territory in India. It continues to work towards its goal of providing nutritious meals to 5 million children by 2025 and supporting their education and well-being.
7. HelpAge India
HelpAge India is a non-profit organization that works towards improving the lives of India’s elderly population.
It was founded in 1978 and has since been working towards creating a society that is more sensitive and responsive to the needs of the elderly.
The organization provides a range of services to the elderly, including healthcare, financial support, and social engagement programs
. It also advocates for the rights of the elderly and works towards policy changes that can improve their quality of life. Additionally, HelpAge India provides emergency relief and disaster response services to elderly populations affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.
HelpAge India’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the ‘Best NGO for the Elderly’ award at the National Awards for Senior Citizens in 2013.
As of February 2023, HelpAge India is present in 20 states across India and has impacted the lives of over 11 lakh elderly individuals through its programs and services.
It continues to work towards improving the lives of the elderly and creating a society that is more supportive and inclusive of their needs.
8. GiveIndia
GiveIndia is a non-profit organization that serves as a platform for online giving, connecting donors with a network of non-profit organizations across India.
It was founded in 2000 and has since been working towards creating a more transparent and effective giving ecosystem in India.
The platform provides a convenient and secure way for individuals and corporations to donate to a wide range of non-profit organizations, including those working in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and more.
GiveIndia also conducts due diligence on the organizations it partners with to ensure that donations are used effectively and transparently.
GiveIndia’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the ‘Best NGO for Online Fundraising’ award at the National CSR Summit in 2019.
As of February 2023, GiveIndia has supported over 1,900 non-profit organizations and has raised over Rs. 1,700 crores in donations from over 18 lakh donors.
It continues to work towards creating a more transparent and efficient giving ecosystem in India and to help individuals and corporations make a meaningful impact through their donations.
9. Goonj
Goonj is a non-profit organization that works towards addressing the basic needs of marginalized communities in India.
It was founded in 1999 and has since been working towards creating a culture of giving in India, where underutilized resources are converted into essential materials for those in need.
The organization operates through a network of volunteers, and its work is centered around the idea of ‘Cloth for Work’.
This means that in addition to providing material resources like clothing, Goonj also helps to create opportunities for individuals to earn these resources through their own work.
For example, a community may come together to build a road or a bridge, and in return, they may receive essential materials like clothing and blankets.
Goonj also provides disaster relief and humanitarian aid in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization played a critical role in providing essential supplies like food, medicine, and personal protective equipment to vulnerable communities across India.
Goonj’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year award at the World Economic Forum in 2015.
As of February 2023, Goonj is present in 25 states across India and has impacted the lives of over 5 million people through its programs and services. It continues to work towards addressing the basic needs of marginalized communities in India and creating a culture of giving and social responsibility.
10. The Akanksha Foundation
The Akanksha Foundation is a non-profit organization that works towards providing education and opportunities to children from low-income communities in India.
It was founded in 1991, and its mission is to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education that can transform their lives and help them break the cycle of poverty.
The foundation runs a network of schools and learning centers, as well as after-school programs and mentoring initiatives that support the academic and personal development of children.
It also works with parents, teachers, and communities to create a supportive environment for learning, and to address the systemic challenges that hinder access to quality education for children from low-income backgrounds.
In addition to its direct work with children and families, The Akanksha Foundation also advocates for policies and practices that promote educational equity and access for all children in India.
The foundation’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the ‘Outstanding Social Entrepreneur’ award at the Schwab Foundation’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year India awards in 2010.
As of February 2023, The Akanksha Foundation has impacted the lives of over 7,000 children across Mumbai and Pune through its programs and initiatives.
It continues to work towards its mission of providing education and opportunities to children from low-income communities in India and creating a more equitable and just society.
11. Save the Children India
Save the Children India is a non-profit organization that works towards promoting the rights of children and ensuring their well-being in India. It is a member of the global Save the Children movement, which operates in more than 100 countries around the world.
The organization’s work in India focuses on improving the health and nutrition of children, providing access to education and vocational training, and protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
Save the Children India also responds to humanitarian emergencies and disasters, providing support and relief to affected communities.
The organization’s programs and initiatives are designed to address the root causes of poverty and inequality and to create a more equitable and just society for children in India.
It works in partnership with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to achieve its goals and advocates for policies and practices that promote the rights and well-being of children.
Save the Children India’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the ‘NGO of the Year award at the 2017 CSR Excellence Awards.
As of February 2023, Save the Children India has impacted the lives of over 6 million children and their families across the country.
It continues to work towards its mission of creating a better world for children, where they can grow up healthy, educated, and safe.
12. PRS Legislative Research
PRS Legislative Research is a non-profit organization that works towards promoting transparency and accountability in the Indian legislative process. It was founded in 2005, with the mission of making the functioning of the Indian Parliament and state legislatures more accessible and understandable to the public.
The organization’s work focuses on providing research and analysis of legislative and policy issues, tracking the performance of elected representatives, and engaging with stakeholders to promote evidence-based policymaking.
It provides research support to parliamentarians, legislative committees, and other government and non-governmental organizations, and produces a range of publications and resources on legislative and policy issues.
PRS Legislative Research’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the ‘NGO of the Year award at the 2018 India CSR Awards.
As of February 2023, PRS Legislative Research continues to work towards its mission of strengthening Indian democracy by promoting informed and effective participation in the legislative process.
It is widely regarded as a leading source of research and analysis on legislative and policy issues in India.
13. Smile Foundation
Smile Foundation is a non-profit organization that works towards empowering underprivileged children and youth in India.
It was founded in 2002, with the vision of creating a world where every child has access to education, healthcare, and the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
The organization’s work focuses on providing education and healthcare support to children and youth from marginalized communities, as well as empowering women and youth through vocational training and entrepreneurship programs.
It also provides disaster response and relief efforts during times of crisis.
Smile Foundation operates across 26 states in India, with a network of over 300 partner organizations and more than 4,000 community-level interventions. Its programs have impacted the lives of over 1.8 million children and their families.
The organization’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the ‘NGO of the Year award at the 2015 World Branding Awards.
As of February 2023, Smile Foundation continues to work towards its mission of empowering underprivileged children and youth in India, and creating a more equitable and just society.
It is widely regarded as a leading non-profit organization in India and has received support and recognition from individuals, corporations, and government agencies.
14. Room to Read India Trust
Room to Read India Trust is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting literacy and gender equality in education in India. It was established in 2003 as a chapter of the global Room to Read organization, which operates in several countries around the world.
The organization’s work focuses on supporting primary and secondary education, as well as girls’ education, through initiatives such as school construction, providing books and educational materials, training teachers, and developing literacy programs.
It also runs girls’ education programs that support girls to complete their secondary education and transitioning to higher education or the workforce.
Room to Read India Trust operates in several states in India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Its programs have impacted the lives of over 2 million children, including more than 97,000 girls.
The organization’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the ‘NGO of the Year award at the 2021 India Content Leadership Awards.
As of February 2023, Room to Read India Trust continues to work towards its mission of promoting literacy and gender equality in education in India.
It is widely regarded as a leading non-profit organization in India and has received support and recognition from individuals, corporations, and government agencies.
15. Wildlife Trust of India
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a non-profit organization that works towards the conservation of wildlife and their habitats in India. It was founded in 1998 with the aim of protecting India’s biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.
The organization’s work focuses on a wide range of issues related to wildlife conservation, including habitat restoration, human-wildlife conflict resolution, anti-poaching efforts, and awareness-raising campaigns.
It works closely with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to find practical solutions to conservation challenges.
WTI operates in several states in India, including Assam, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Its programs have impacted the lives of over 4 million people, as well as countless wildlife species and their habitats.
The organization’s efforts have been recognized, and it has won several awards and accolades, including the ‘Green Governance Award’ at the 2019 India Today Safaigiri Awards.
As of February 2023, WTI continues to work towards its mission of protecting wildlife and their habitats in India.
It is widely regarded as a leading non-profit organization in India and has received support and recognition from individuals, corporations, and government agencies.
16. Magic Bus India Foundation
Magic Bus India Foundation is a non-profit organization that works towards the development of children and young people in India.
It was founded in 1999 with the aim of providing education and life skills to children and youth from marginalized communities in order to break the cycle of poverty.
The organization’s work focuses on providing a comprehensive development program that includes education, health, and life skills training.
Magic Bus works with children and youth from some of the poorest and most marginalized communities in India, providing them with the support and resources they need to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Magic Bus operates in several states in India, including Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka. Its programs have impacted the lives of over 1 million children and youth, and the organization has won several awards and accolades for its work, including the ‘NGO of the Year award at the 2018 India NGO Awards.
As of February 2023, Magic Bus India Foundation continues to work towards its mission of empowering children and youth in India.
It is widely regarded as a leading non-profit organization in India and has received support and recognition from individuals, corporations, and government agencies.
17. Teach For India
Teach For India is a non-profit organization that aims to provide equal education opportunities to children from low-income communities in India.
It was founded in 2008 as part of the Teach For All network and aims to develop leaders who will work towards building a more equitable society.
The organization’s work focuses on recruiting and training young professionals from diverse backgrounds to teach for two years in under-resourced schools in India. The Fellows receive extensive training and support and are placed in schools where they work to improve educational outcomes for their students.
Teach For India also provides ongoing training and support to its alumni, who work in a wide range of fields including education, policy, and advocacy.
Teach For India operates in several cities across the country, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
Its programs have impacted the lives of over 60,000 children, and the organization has won several awards and accolades for its work, including the ‘NGO of the Year award at the 2018 India NGO Awards.
As of February 2023, Teach For India continues to work towards its mission of providing quality education to children from low-income communities in India.
It is widely regarded as a leading non-profit organization in India and has received support and recognition from individuals, corporations, and government agencies.
18. Srijan
Srijan is a non-profit organization based in India that works towards empowering and transforming underprivileged communities. It was founded in 2002 and operates in several states in India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
The organization’s work focuses on several key areas, including education, healthcare, livelihoods, and women’s empowerment. Its programs are designed to help individuals and communities become self-reliant and achieve sustainable development.
Some of the initiatives undertaken by Srijan include providing education to children from underprivileged backgrounds, supporting the creation of rural livelihoods, providing healthcare services to marginalized communities, and empowering women through training and support.
The organization has also played a key role in disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts in several parts of the country.
Srijan has won several awards and accolades for its work, including the ‘Best NGO’ award at the India NGO Awards in 2018.
As of February 2023, the organization continues to work towards its mission of empowering underprivileged communities in India and promoting sustainable development.
19. Childline India Foundation
Childline India Foundation is a non-profit organization in India that operates a 24-hour helpline service for children in distress. The organization was set up in 1996 with the aim of providing a platform for children to seek help and support in times of need.
Childline’s helpline service operates across India and is accessible to children in need of support, care, and protection.
The helpline service is staffed by trained and dedicated professionals who are equipped to handle a range of issues that children may face, such as abuse, neglect, trafficking, and exploitation.
Apart from providing a helpline service, Childline India Foundation also works to promote child rights and ensure that children receive the care and protection they need.
The organization collaborates with several government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies and programs that promote the welfare of children.
Childline India Foundation has received widespread recognition for its work and has won several national and international awards for its contribution to child welfare.
As of February 2023, the organization continues to operate its helpline service and work towards its mission of ensuring the well-being and protection of children in India.
20. Aravind Eye Care System
The Aravind Eye Care System is a non-profit organization in India that provides high-quality eye care services to people across the country.
The organization was founded in 1976 by Dr. G. Venkataswamy, with the aim of addressing the problem of avoidable blindness in India.
The Aravind Eye Care System operates a network of eye hospitals and clinics across India and has treated millions of patients over the years.
The organization is known for its innovative and cost-effective approach to eye care, which has made it a model for other healthcare systems around the world.
Aravind Eye Care System is committed to providing eye care services to people from all walks of life and has developed a number of programs to ensure that even the poorest patients receive the care they need.
These programs include outreach camps, telemedicine services, and a system of cross-subsidization that allows patients who can afford to pay for their treatment to help fund the care of those who cannot.
In addition to providing eye care services, the Aravind Eye Care System is also involved in research and training.
The organization conducts research into the causes and treatment of eye diseases and has developed a number of innovative surgical techniques that have helped to improve outcomes for patients.
Aravind also runs a training program for ophthalmologists, which has helped to train thousands of eye care professionals across India.
The Aravind Eye Care System has won several national and international awards for its work and is recognized as a leader in the field of eye care. As of February 2023, the organization continues to provide high-quality eye care services to people across India and remains committed to its mission of eradicating avoidable blindness.
There are many other nonprofit organizations in India that are doing great work for the betterment of society.
