“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” – Hank Rosso

In India, the concept of giving has deep roots, with communities traditionally supporting social and religious causes through donations. This spirit of “chanda” has evolved into the modern phenomenon of crowdfunding, a powerful tool for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to connect with a wider audience and fuel their impactful work.

A Brief History of Crowdfunding in India

While the term “crowdfunding” is relatively new, the underlying principle of collective giving is not. In India, this practice dates back centuries, with communities pooling resources for various social and cultural endeavors. The online form of crowdfunding gained traction in the early 2000s, with platforms like Kickstarter emerging. However, donation-based crowdfunding has seen significant growth in India, particularly for social causes and medical emergencies. By the end of 2023, the transaction volume in the Indian crowdfunding market is expected to reach $5.04 million, indicating its increasing importance.

Why Crowdfunding Matters for NGOs

Traditional fundraising methods often rely on grants or large donations from a limited number of sources. Crowdfunding democratizes this process, allowing NGOs to reach a broader audience and tap into the collective generosity of individuals. This approach offers several advantages:

• Increased Access to Capital: Crowdfunding provides an alternative funding source, enabling NGOs to launch projects and initiatives that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.
• Enhanced Visibility and Awareness: A well-executed crowdfunding campaign can raise not only funds but also awareness for the NGO’s mission and the causes it supports.
• Community Building: Crowdfunding fosters a sense of shared purpose and connection between the NGO and its supporters, creating a community invested in the organization’s success.
• Transparency and Accountability: Crowdfunding platforms often provide tools for NGOs to transparently report on how funds are used, building trust with donors.

Leading Crowdfunding Platforms in India

Several platforms have emerged as key players in the Indian crowdfunding landscape, connecting NGOs with potential donors:

• Ketto: Founded in 2012, Ketto is one of Asia’s largest crowdfunding platforms, supporting a wide range of causes, including education, animal welfare, and healthcare. Ketto
• ImpactGuru: Launched in 2014, ImpactGuru focuses on raising funds for medical emergencies and social causes, offering tools to create compelling campaign stories. ImpactGuru
• Milaap: Established in 2010, Milaap was India’s first crowdfunding platform, initially focusing on rural projects and micro-entrepreneurs but now supporting various sectors.
• Fueladream: Founded in 2016, Fueladream is a reward-based crowdfunding platform in India. Fueladream

UDAAN Society: Empowering Communities Through Crowdfunding

UDAAN Society, an NGO working in Uttar Pradesh, exemplifies how crowdfunding can drive impactful change. They utilize crowdfunding to support various initiatives, including:

• Education: Providing computer education to students in rural areas.
• Health: Raising funds for medical emergencies and healthcare projects.
• Poverty Alleviation: Supporting underprivileged communities through diverse fundraising campaigns. UDAAN Society

Conclusion

Crowdfunding has revolutionized how NGOs in India raise funds and connect with supporters. By leveraging the power of online platforms and the generosity of individuals, NGOs can achieve their missions and create a positive impact on communities across the country.