NGOs rely on support from the Government and donors because they do not operate for profit. One can support them by making online donations, participating in their fundraising efforts, or volunteering both online and offline. At Akshaya Patra, years of consistent support from the Government of India and their donor family helped them launch and implement multiple programmes. When you donate to Akshaya Patra, you can also claim 80G deductions as the NGO is registered under Section 12A (a) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. So, become a part of their change-maker community on this World NGO Day. Contribute and help secure the lives of millions of people in need!

2. Intro
February 27 is observed as World NGO Day to recognise and honour the not-for-profit entities that work relentlessly for
the welfare of society. The day is celebrated to inspire people to involve more with charity work at NGOs.
What are NGOs?
An NGO is a non-governmental organisation or a voluntary association of individuals addressing issues such as human
rights and environmental protection. They may even provide services to support a cause and advocate public policies.
For instance, the Indian Government’s Mid-Day Meal Programme (now called the PM Poshan Abhiyaan), helps NGOs
nourish children across India.
History of NGOs
Although the United Nations (UN) observed the first World NGO Day in 2014, NGOs have existed for centuries. The term
‘nongovernmental organisation’ was coined when the UN was founded in 1945 to differentiate private entities from
intergovernmental organisations (IGOs).
In 1860, the Societies Registration Act (SRA) was approved that multiplied the growth of NGOs further.
Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India in 1916 marked the dawn of development activities towards economic self-sufficiency.
In 1953, the Central Social Welfare Board was established to encourage initiatives for social welfare activities. It then led
to the founding of the National Community Development Program and the National Extension Service.

3. Role of NGOs in modern India
Today, India has over 3 million NGOs, some of which focus on providing the essentials of food, shelter, hygiene
products and education.
 Corporate Social Responsibility: India became the first nation to make corporate social responsibility mandatory
in April 2014. Consequently, the country's NGO operations rose due to the increased demand for enterprises to
implement CSR efforts.
 Tax Exemption Donations: Giving to a charity organisation in India registered under the Income Tax Act qualifies
all taxpayers for a 50% or 100% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Act.
 Technology and NGOs: NGOs today are equipped with the latest technology that boost the effectiveness of
welfare programmes. For instance, Akshaya Patra's hi-tech cooking mechanisms produce hot, hygienic and
nutritious meals while avoiding human contact. They use food-safe SS 304 Grade vessels and conduct trainings
regularly with the cooks and supervisors to ensure they follow the best and most efficient cooking practices.

4. Donate to NGOs this World NGO Day
NGOs rely on support from the Government and donors
because they do not operate for profit. One can support
them by making online donations, participating in their
fundraising efforts, or volunteering both online and offline.
At Akshaya Patra, years of consistent support from the
Government of India and their donor family helped them
launch and implement multiple programmes.
When you donate to Akshaya Patra, you can also claim 80G
deductions as the NGO is registered under Section 12A (a)
of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
So, become a part of their change-maker community on
this World NGO Day. Contribute and help secure the lives
of millions of people in need!