Responsible giving
Before you donate: questions to ask any charity, including us
A practical checklist for giving responsibly in India — registration, tax certificates, financial reports and warning signs.
Giving is one of the most generous things a person can do. Giving well means making sure your money reaches the purpose you care about. Here are the questions we believe every donor should feel comfortable asking — of any organisation, including the Prabhat Tiwari Foundation.
1. What kind of organisation is this, legally?
Non-profits in India are usually registered as a trust, a society or a Section 8 company. Ask which one, and ask for the registration number. A genuine organisation will tell you clearly. An initiative that is not yet registered should say so openly, as we do on our transparency page.
2. Will I get a tax deduction?
A donation is only eligible for a deduction under section 80G of the Income-tax Act if the organisation holds a valid 80G approval and issues the proper receipt and certificate. Ask to see the approval and check its validity period. Never assume a deduction because an organisation "is a charity".
3. Can the organisation accept money from abroad?
Foreign contributions to Indian non-profits generally require registration or prior permission under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). If you live outside India or hold a foreign passport, ask about this before you give.
4. Where does the money go?
Look for published financial information: annual reports, how much was spent on programmes and how much on administration, and whether accounts are independently audited. Internally prepared accounts are useful, but they are not the same as audited statements, and a careful organisation will label them clearly.
5. What will my donation actually do?
Be wary of very precise promises ("₹500 changes a life forever"). Honest organisations explain how funds are pooled, what a programme costs, and how they measure results — including what did not work.
Warning signs
- Pressure to give immediately, or emotional messages designed to make you feel guilty
- Requests to pay into a personal bank account or a personal UPI ID
- No physical contact details, registration information or published reports
- Photographs of children or families used without any sign of consent or respect for privacy
- Claims of government approval or tax benefits that cannot be verified
Where we stand
The Prabhat Tiwari Foundation is at an early stage. Its legal registration and tax status are pending verification, and it is not currently accepting donations online. When that changes, we will publish the documents on this site so that you can check them yourself. You can read more on our donation page.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change; please consult a qualified professional or official sources for your situation.