Shillong, the hill capital of Meghalaya, is the cultural heart of a state with a strong civil society and distinctive tribal, matrilineal communities. Its NGOs are notably strong in anti-trafficking and safe migration, disability support, child rights and indigenous youth empowerment — work that matters in a region where unsafe migration and trafficking are real risks. If you live here and want to give, volunteer or run a corporate social-responsibility programme, this guide is a useful starting point. It lists ten respected NGOs in and around Shillong, what each does, and the checks every donor and CSR team should run first.
How we chose these NGOs
We looked for organisations with a real presence in Shillong and Meghalaya, programmes on the ground and public information about their work. Preference went to NGOs that are clear about their compliance — 12A, 80G, CSR-1 and FCRA — and that put services to people first. Treat this as a shortlist to research, and confirm an NGO's current status before you give.
Impulse NGO Network
Impulse NGO Network, based in Shillong, is a globally recognised organisation working to end human trafficking and unsafe migration through its Impulse Model, which links rescue, rehabilitation and prevention with safe livelihoods, including for indigenous artisans. Its founder's work has been honoured internationally. For donors and CSR teams focused on anti-trafficking and safe migration, Impulse is an experienced, influential partner. Ask about the survivors it supports and its prevention work, and confirm its registrations before funding.
Bethany Society
Established in 1981, Bethany Society works across Meghalaya as a disability-support organisation, creating opportunities for persons with disabilities through education, therapy and environmentally friendly livelihoods, alongside inclusive community work. Its long experience makes it a trusted name in disability in the North East. For donors and CSR teams interested in disability and inclusion, Bethany is a credible, well-governed choice. Ask about the people in its programmes and their outcomes, and confirm its registrations before funding.
Bosco Reach Out
Bosco Reach Out, the development arm of the Salesians in the North East, works from Shillong on tribal and rural development, youth skilling, education and livelihoods across Meghalaya and neighbouring states. Its deep network in tribal communities lets it reach remote areas. For donors and CSR teams interested in youth, skilling and tribal development, it is an experienced regional organisation. Ask about the young people and communities it supports, and confirm its registrations before giving.
FAITH
FAITH is a Shillong child-rights organisation working for the rights, protection and welfare of children in Meghalaya. In a region where children can be exposed to trafficking and unsafe migration, dedicated child-protection work is valuable. For donors focused on child rights, FAITH addresses an important local need. Ask about the children it protects and supports and its outcomes, and confirm its 80G status before donating.
Grassroot
Grassroot works in Meghalaya on youth empowerment and the rights of indigenous people, through capacity building, skills development and sustainable-livelihood programmes. By backing indigenous youth and their livelihoods, it strengthens communities from within. For donors interested in youth empowerment and indigenous rights, Grassroot offers locally led work. Ask about the young people and communities it reaches and its outcomes, and confirm its registrations before giving.
North East Network (NEN) Meghalaya
North East Network is a respected women's-rights organisation with a presence in Meghalaya, working on gender justice, women's livelihoods, food security and addressing violence against women. Its long regional experience and advocacy give it weight beyond direct services. For donors who care about women's rights in the North East, NEN is an established voice. Ask about its current Meghalaya programmes and how support is used, and confirm its compliance before funding.
Pratham (North East)
Pratham, one of India's largest education NGOs, runs programmes in the North East to help children master reading and basic arithmetic, working with communities and schools. Its widely cited learning assessments keep its work measurable. For CSR teams that want learning outcomes with a national partner, Pratham is reliable. Ask for its coverage in the region and learning data, and confirm its compliance before funding.
Goonj (North East)
Goonj is a national organisation known for turning urban material into a resource for rural development and for major relief work, with activity in the North East including flood- and landslide-affected areas. It links everyday giving to dignity-based development rather than charity. For donors and CSR teams interested in disaster response and rural development, Goonj has a strong record. Ask about its current work in the region and how contributions are used, and confirm its registrations before giving.
SOS Children's Villages (North East)
SOS Children's Villages provides family-based care, education and a stable home for orphaned and abandoned children, with programmes in the North East. The family-style model gives children long-term security rather than only institutional care. For donors who want to fund a child's whole upbringing, it offers a well-established structure. Ask about the children in care in the region and their education and outcomes, and confirm its registrations before giving.
HelpAge India (Shillong)
HelpAge India works for the care, health and dignity of older people, running mobile healthcare, helplines and support programmes in Shillong and across the North East. As families change and younger members migrate for work, support for the elderly is increasingly needed. For donors and CSR teams focused on older people, HelpAge is an experienced national partner. Ask about its local programmes and the elders it serves, and confirm its compliance before funding.
How to verify any NGO before you donate in Shillong
Run the same short checklist before you give, whatever the cause:
- 12A — confirms registration for income-tax exemption as a charity.
- 80G — makes your donation eligible for a tax deduction; collect a valid receipt.
- CSR-1 — required before a company can route CSR funds to the NGO.
- FCRA — needed if the NGO accepts foreign contributions; confirm it is active.
- Reporting — read the latest annual report and audited accounts, and ask for concrete results.
You can browse NGOs whose compliance has been checked on NGOLists, and the compliance guide explains each registration in plain language.
Shillong's NGOs carry the North East's spirit of community, from stopping a trafficker to opening opportunities for an indigenous young person. Choose the cause that matters to you, run the checks above, and give with confidence — and for the wider region, see our guide to the top NGOs in Guwahati.
Find verified NGOs in Shillong on NGOLists
Every NGO listed on NGOLists is checked for 12A, 80G, CSR-1 and FCRA before it appears, so donors and CSR teams can give with confidence. List your NGO or fund a cause today.