Volunteer & Make A Difference With These City NGOs

Teach For India started as a nationwide movement to get the youth of today to help children who weren’t lucky enough to have the same opportunities. They need people to mentor or teach any skills they know to kids. Volunteers get the opportunity to teach kids from the most under-resourced schools and it definitely instills more responsibility in our roles towards equality in education. Their website has more details on this. 

Probably Delhi’s most famous animal rescue and shelter, Friendicoes is located in Jangpura. The shelter (and adoption centre) provides a helpline ambulance service for animals, has a mobile equine clinic for horses, and also runs a neuter/spay programme. Friendicoes even has an animal sanctuary (with over 1,000 furry fellows in residence) in Gurgaon. They’re always looking for volunteers and donations, so you know you’ll be welcome!

If you’re unsure about what you’re good at, but know you want to help then you should approach Delhi-based Smile Foundation which has been around since 2002. Their organisation covers everything from healthcare and education to empowerment and disaster response and help over 600,000 children and their families every year.

This NGO works with children who find themselves in the grips of terminal illness, and tries to make them a little happier—by granting them that one wish which they desire the most. It can range from something as simple as a Doraemon toy to being a pastry chef for a day. The volunteer programme is very flexible, so you can choose the number of days, hours, and area of work as per your liking.

Rahi focuses on creating a supportive environment for women who have been survivors of incest and child sexual abuse. One of the most important steps to creating that environment, they believe, is to create awareness around the issue, which is what they require their volunteers to help them with. Reach out to them via a call or a mail to find out how you can help.

Child Rights And You has been championing children’s rights for decades. Helping the millions of underprivileged children in India stay clothed, in school, and safe from violence is a tough task. Sometimes throwing money at a problem doesn’t solve it, but getting up off the sofa and giving a few hours of your day does.

The Robin Hood Army approaches local restaurants and donates their excess food to feed the underprivileged population. Initially a small team of volunteers, they have now grown into a national organisation spread across multiple cities, and could always use an extra set of hands. All they need is three hours per week, at least twice a month. 

With a focus on education and local development, Noida’s Om Foundation runs a variety of programmes and a school located in Sector 51. Open to NGO and corporate sponsorship, the foundation also offers individuals the chance to choose the number of days, or specifically hours, they can volunteer for. While filling their volunteering form, you can mention how many hours you're comfortable giving, and they'll handle the rest. 

With the aim to spread literacy and the importance of education, Katha has worked with over 600 writers and translators to help them publish books for children and adults. If words are your weapons, then Katha is probably the foundation suited to you. With carefully crafted programmes in publishing, social activism, and schooling, there is something for everyone, volunteer and beneficiary alike.

If you’ve ever wanted to play hero, then The Toy Bank is the NGO for you. Collecting and recycling toys for children in need, the foundation has the ability to leave both the recipient and the volunteer with silly grins on their faces. There are many ways to get involved, from donating or collecting toys, to organising camps, becoming a drop-off center and volunteering hours. 

A charity and NGO for underprivileged children, The Lotus Petal Foundation focuses on healthcare and education for the less fortunate. Based in Gurgaon, they are could always use a helping hand in teaching, storytelling or more (the list is given on their website) or a donation.

People for Animals is one of India’s largest animal welfare organisations, with a large national network of over 20 hospitals and 165 units. In Delhi, they can be found on Ashoka Road. If you love animals and want to help make a difference, we suggest you give them a call.

Goonj set out to change the mindset of donating old materials into a more dignified way of giving to the lesser fortunate. They take the discarded materials and upcycle it into resources for the development of rural areas. You can choose to volunteer your time by organising book readings, collection camps, any creative skills you may have or intern with them for longer durations as well. 

Bhumi has been running since 2006 and they're now functioning in across 12 cities. Their main aim has been to educate underprivileged children but they also fight for causes such as the environment, animal welfare and the community overall. To volunteer with them, you'll first have to submit a registration form on their website and they'll contact you to take it further. 

HelpAge India aims to help the most ignored and forgotten part of society, the elderly. Not only do they help them improve their economic and social condition, they also help the abused elderly get back to a life with respect and dignity. You can fill out the registration form on their website but their volunteer work involves active participation throughout. 

Naz Foundation not only helps in spreading awareness regarding HIV/AIDS and other sex-related issues, they also help provide support to LGBTQIA+ individuals who need emotional as well as economic support. They have been advocating for equality for LGBTQ member and you can volunteer with them by teaching kids living with HIV/AIDS things like art, dance, music or even just spending time with them.