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How to verify an NGO before donating

A practical checklist for donors to ensure their contributions reach trusted organizations.

Priya Ramesh, Head of Trust — Anudaan 5 min readPublished 12 July 2025

Before you donate to any NGO in India, a five-minute verification can save your money and confirm that your contribution reaches a real, compliant organisation.

1. Confirm legal registration

Ask for the Trust / Society / Section 8 registration number. Cross-check the number on the state charity commissioner or MCA portal.

2. Check 80G and 12A status

Only NGOs with a valid 80G certificate can issue tax-exempt receipts. Anudaan verifies this centrally for every partner.

3. Look at audited financials

Any credible NGO publishes annual reports and audited statements. Look for programme-vs-admin cost ratios above 75%.

4. Verify FCRA if funding is foreign

For overseas donors, an FCRA number is mandatory. Without it, foreign contributions are illegal.

5. Ask for last three months of impact updates

Trustworthy NGOs share cadenced updates. On Anudaan, every partner posts updates directly on their profile.

NGOs featured in this article

Mobile healthcare for India's last-mile villages.

Nagpur, Maharashtra

Livelihoods, land rights and dignity for the Vasava tribe.

Jhagadia, Gujarat

Digital-first classrooms for first-generation learners.

Dharavi, Mumbai

Contribute to a cause from this article

These three partners cleared every check on this list. Support them directly.

Mobile health camps for underserved rural communities

Bharuch, Gujarat · Healthcare

₹18,50,000 raised · 92% funded

Contribute
Bamboo craft training for tribal women self-help groups

Jhagadia, Gujarat · Tribal Development

₹2,40,000 raised · 60% funded

Contribute
Equip a village classroom with tablets and digital learning

Satara, Maharashtra · Education

₹4,20,000 raised · 70% funded

Contribute

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