Traditionally reliant on in-person fundraising events and face-to-face interactions, NGOs are now harnessing the capabilities of online platforms to reach a global audience. The advent of secure and user-friendly online donation platforms has not only simplified the process for donors but has also expanded the reach of charitable organisations beyond geographical boundaries. Interestingly, it is in perfect alignment with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Digital India.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation has always leveraged technology to keep up with the pace of the world for the welfare of children.

Benefits of Donating Online to Akshaya Patra

1. Accessibility and Convenience
   Online platforms break down barriers by providing a convenient and accessible way for donors to contribute towards the Mid-Day Meal Programme (MDM Scheme). Anyone with an internet connection can support the feeding of school children—a cause they believe in, regardless of their location or time zone.
   
2. Transparency and Accountability
   Digital platforms enable NGOs to maintain a high level of transparency in their operations. Donors can easily track how their contributions are utilised to nourish children with meals, fostering trust and accountability.
   
3. Global Reach
   The internet erases geographical constraints, allowing NGOs to connect with a global audience. This expanded reach enables Akshaya Patra to garner support from individuals across the world.
   
4. Cost-Effectiveness
   Online fundraising is often more cost-effective than traditional methods. NGOs can save on the expenses associated with organising physical events, printing materials and other logistical requirements.
   
5. Eligible for Tax Exemption
   For most of the NGOs that operate on a large scale, donors get the added advantage of gaining tax exemption for their online donations. This is applicable only to organisations that are registered as NGOs under the Income Tax (IT) Act.

Akshaya Patra has been providing nutritious school meals to children in India for the past 23 years. It is one of the oldest mid-day meal NGO in India and is registered under:

• The Indian Trusts Act 1882 as a non-profit organisation.
• Section 12A (a) of the Income Tax Act 1961 and Section 6 (1) (a) of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010.

Currently, Akshaya Patra is nourishing over 2 million children studying in government and government-aided schools and Anganwadis across 67 locations of 15 states and 2 union territories. Apart from its core initiative of implementing the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (formerly called the MDM Programme), the Foundation has also initiated child-centric programmes for the overall development of its beneficiaries under the National Endeavour for Student Transformation (NEST) vertical. These include:

• Digital Education Programme to address the digital divide and provide children from backgrounds with limited opportunities the access to quality education.

• Scholarship Programme to provide financial aid to children to pursue their higher education.

• School Rejuvenation Programme to provide a conducive environment for children at schools through a series of infrastructural interventions.

Additionally, Akshaya Patra has time and again endeavoured to undertake food assistance as a part of humanitarian relief efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Foundation would not have been able to reach millions of children with the comfort of food had it not been for the support of every single donor.

Akshaya Patra invites its supporters and well-wishers to make online donations in the form of net banking, digital wallets, online transfer and debit or credit cards. Your donations will be eligible for tax exemption under Section 80G. Upon completion of a successful transaction, you will receive a donation receipt and a tax exemption certificate.

Together, let’s recognise the power of contributions in fostering positive change and continue to innovate and leverage technology to create a lasting impact in the lives of people who need support.

In this era of connectivity, the synergy between NGOs and online platforms exemplifies the potential for positive change when technology and philanthropy unite for the common purpose of providing mid-day meals (MDM).

The journey towards a better world is now just a click away.

Christmas is almost here! A holiday celebrated by all; some for its cultural significance and some for the religious. Christmas celebration often revolves around gift giving, Christmas tree decoration, baking cakes and other treats, stringing lights, etc. However, the true spirit of Christmas is in the joyful gathering of friends and family to share delicious food, nostalgic tales, hearty laugh and loads of love.

The reason we celebrate Christmas is to spread love and happiness. This Christmas, spread the cheer of the festival by sharing the invaluable gift of love with those in need. You can choose to support a cause that resonates the most with you.

Gift a healthy start to the day
Breakfast kick-starts metabolism and helps in burning calories through the day. It gives the energy needed to get things done and focus on learning. This Christmas, you can give the gift of breakfast to children in government schools with our Breakfast Feeding Programme. Since the first meal of the day is so important for a child’s physical development and for keeping them active, alert and focused in the classroom, this effort has a significant positive impact on young children.

Gift the joy of school lunch
Through the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan or Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Programme, Akshaya Patra has endeavoured to alleviate classroom hunger, encouraging underprivileged children to get an education and aspire to a brighter future since 22 years. This Christmas, support our programme with your generosity and gift children a healthy future. Your gift of healthy mid-day meals will support their nutrition and education and pave way for them to carve a bright future for themselves and their families.

Gift ageless joy to the aged
Mothers are the ultimate embodiment of love, care and compassion. As a part of your Christmas celebrations, you can gift health, dignity and respect to senior mothers living at ashrams by contributing to Akshaya Patra’s Homeless Mothers Feeding Programme. Under this programme, we ensure that aged mothers are eat well and lead a dignified life.

Gift happiness beyond meals
Gift ‘learning for all’ to children from backgrounds with limited opportunities. Celebrate the season of merriment, by supporting our National Endeavour for Student Transformation (NEST), a set of initiatives that go beyond the meals to facilitate overall development of children. We cater to thousands of children through our three NEST initiatives: Digital Education Programme, AVSAR Scholarship Programme and the School Rejuvenation Programme. Your collective support will help us keep the momentum going. Lend your helping hand to ensure our future generation is educated.

Christmas is a celebration of love and joyfulness. It is also a reminder of the importance of giving back. As we immerse ourselves into Christmas celebrations, let us not forget the joy that comes from helping others. This festive season, let’s spread joy and kindness.

Donate for children. No matter how big or small, every act of kindness matters! You can claim a tax deduction on your donation under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, of 1961.

Help others this Christmas. Share the joy of this festive season!