Why Donations Should be Made?

Some surveys like the “World Giving Index” as well as Bain Consultancy’s report on philanthropy  point out that per-capita, Indians are amongst the least likely  to make a contribution or donation to charities .

Numerous factors are also cited for this   unwillingness.  . For several people, the trust worthiness of a charity organization is in question. India has a very large number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and transparency and accountability are not all the time on the agenda for some of these. Another factor cited is that Indians prefer to make a contribution to religious shrines. Even in the case of Business groups, the preference may lie in   donating heavily to religious institutions.  However, there is a sure method of assessing a trustworthy Charity or NGO; the Government recognizes these by granting them the power to provide Donors with tax exemptions for donation under 80 g and Section 35 ac of the Income Tax Act These are the NGOs deserving of the Indian donor’s generous donations.

In India, a major concern is the welfare of the needy and the underprivileged elderly. They often do not have the support of their families or the society and are therefore in dire need of help.  There are few NGOs in India which are working for destitute elderly and these trustworthy ones need every support in the form of donations.

If you are thinking of contributing your money for a cause with an expectation of claiming income tax exemption, keep these facts in mind. Only  donations made in cash or cheque are entitled for tax deduction, which means, if you are offering support by any other method like clothes, medicine, utensils, food, etc., you are not entitled to claim for the costs incurred over the same. Contributions made to overseas charitable organizations or Non Profit Organisations are not authorized for any tax deduction. Donations made for political parties against their various expenses like advertising material, mementoes or brochures cannot be claimed, too.