The urge to help is one of the best human instincts — but generosity works best when it is paired with a little discernment. The International Day of Charity, observed each 5 September, is a chance to give, and an equally good chance to learn how to give well: to choose organisations that are genuine, effective and accountable, so your money changes lives rather than disappearing. This guide is a practical companion to giving wisely in India.
What the day is about
The United Nations marks the International Day of Charity on 5 September, the anniversary of Mother Teresa's death, to encourage charity and volunteering worldwide. Beyond the sentiment, it is a useful prompt to treat giving as something to do thoughtfully — because thoughtful giving does far more good than impulsive giving.
Start with the cause, not the appeal
Effective giving usually starts not with whichever appeal reaches you first, but with a cause you genuinely care about — a child's education, a patient's treatment, a cleaner environment, hunger, or the dignity of the elderly. Deciding your priority first puts you in control: instead of reacting to the most emotionally charged message, you go looking for the organisations doing the best, most verifiable work in the area that matters to you.
Verify before you give
Once you have a shortlist, check that each organisation is real and properly registered. The core checks are quick:
- 12A — the NGO's income is tax-exempt.
- 80G — your donation qualifies for a tax deduction.
- CSR-1 — needed if you are giving through a company's CSR.
- FCRA — required if the NGO accepts foreign funds.
- NGO Darpan Unique ID — the NITI Aayog registration you can search online.
Our step-by-step guide on how to verify an NGO before donating walks through exactly how to check each of these, and the compliance guide explains what they mean.
Look for transparency and results
Registration proves an NGO is legal; its openness proves it is trustworthy. Before giving, ask for — and actually read — the organisation's audited accounts, latest annual report, and evidence of results: people reached, outcomes measured, not just photographs. A genuine NGO is happy to share these. Be a little wary of organisations that spend heavily on fundraising and administration relative to programmes, though remember that some causes are genuinely expensive to deliver.
Give in a way that counts — and that you can claim
How you give matters as much as where:
- Give in a traceable mode — UPI, card, net-banking or cheque; donations over 2,000 in cash are not eligible for 80G.
- Collect a proper receipt with the NGO's PAN and 80G number, and ask for Form 10BE.
- Claim your 80G deduction under the old tax regime — our 80G guide explains how.
- Consider giving regularly to one or two trusted organisations — steady support helps NGOs plan far more than scattered one-off gifts.
Beyond money: time, skills and goods
Charity is not only cash. Volunteering your time, offering professional skills — accounting, design, teaching, medical care — or donating useful goods can be just as valuable, sometimes more so. Ask the organisation what it actually needs rather than assuming; well-matched help goes further than well-meant clutter.
Avoiding scams
A minority of appeals are fronts. Walk away from anyone who insists on cash, gives a receipt with no PAN or 80G number, refuses to share accounts, has no Darpan ID, or leans on urgency and guilt. Verify independently rather than trusting a forwarded message, and never share sensitive financial details in response to an unsolicited request.
Giving is one of the most meaningful things we do, and India's needs are real and many — from child nutrition to elder care. This International Day of Charity, give from the heart and choose with the head. To start, browse NGOs on NGOLists whose compliance has already been checked, pick a cause you believe in, and give with confidence.
Further reading on NGOLists
- How to Verify an NGO's Credibility Before Donating in India
- 80G Tax Exemption on Donations in India: A Complete Donor Guide (2026)
- 12A, 80G, CSR-1 & FCRA: The Complete NGO Compliance Guide
- How CSR Funding Works in India: A Guide for Companies
- Independence Day: How Far Has India Come on Social Development?