The feeling of philanthropy has been present in the hearts of Indians since time immemorial. However, after overcoming a global pandemic, people have started considering giving as more than an option. In the post-COVID world, people have had an awakening where small pleasures of life have become a priority. Now, more than ever, people want to donate money to charity. They have understood the importance of giving and the satisfaction it brings to their lives.
This is why there has been a surge of queries from people looking for smarter and more efficient ways to make online donation in India. People want to explore the different ways to contribute to a charity. Thus, this article explores the top five ways to donate money to charity and how it makes a difference in the lives of children.
Points to Keep in Mind Before Making a Contribution
When it comes to making a charitable contribution, an abundance of conflicting information often confuses people. This section will focus on five important factors to consider when making an online donation India. These steps will serve as a guiding light to help you make a decision:
1. Create a Giving Plan
Every new habit starts with making a plan – charity is no different. Set a monthly or yearly charitable plan and stick to it. You do not have to pledge a huge amount to make a difference. Starting with something small, such as 2-5% of your salary, could also help in the long run.
Your journey to starting this plan could begin with writing a mission statement for your contribution. Pen a few motivating lines to begin the practice of donation and stick to the habit every month or year.
2. Understand Your Intent
Before deciding to donate, it is important to understand and explore the causes you feel passionate about. Whether it is climate change, women’s empowerment, children’s well-being, or any other cause, reading more about these causes on credible platforms will help make a decision.
If you feel passionate about children’s well-being, consider donating to Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children). This organisation has worked in India for the past 15 years and has helped over 10 million children. Save the Children India utilises the contributions made by donors to support children’s education, healthcare, nutrition, and more.
3. Do Your Research
It is important to do your due diligence before you donate money to charity. This research could start with scouting organisations aligned with your charity goals. Here are some tips to help you understand if an NGO is credible or not:
- Vision: Make sure the NGOs’ long-term vision aligns with your values.
- Transparency: Check the NGOs’ websites thoroughly to ensure a transparent structure that helps you understand where your money is being spent.
- Programmes: Ensure the NGO has successful programmes in their portfolio where on-ground work has been done.
- Collaborations: It is always a good idea to check the sources the NGO chooses to collaborate with. Ensure they have long-term partnerships with different government bodies.
Visit Bal Raksha Bharat’s website to learn about their vision, programmes, and collaborations.
4. Enjoy Tax Exemptions
The act of charity offers more than the satisfaction of making a difference in the world. Under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, you can claim deductions on all donations to a certified nonprofit organisation. This act encourages people to donate more and get exemptions while filing tax returns. Read more about smart tax saving here and get tax rebates as this financial year ends.
5. Explore Volunteering Opportunities
Apart from making a direct donation, you can explore other avenues, such as volunteering. Nonprofit organisations often seek talented people who can volunteer their time or skills. This can be a fruitful opportunity for you to learn more about how NGOs work, gain some on-the-ground experience, and get the satisfaction of helping others.
The Way Forward!
Contributing to a charity is one of the most fulfilling experiences of one’s life. It is empowering to make a conscious decision to impact somebody’s life and to make a concrete difference in the world. Your contributions, whether donations or volunteering, could help organisations such as Bal Raksha Bharat further their mission of providing the children of India with a brighter future.
