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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
