Giving in India

India is experiencing high levels of economic growth and is the world’s largest democracy.

But beneath its huge market and entrepreneurial potential, India continues to face serious social challenges.

The statistics are disturbing:

•  455 million people in India live on less than $1.40 a day

•  India is more than 30 years behind China in terms of the proportion of the population with completed secondary and post-secondary schooling

•  45% of children under three are malnourished

Increasingly, Australians confronted by the poverty and Indian nationals living in Australia are looking to donate to causes that aim to alleviate the suffering of the Indian population.

Organisations like GiveIndia are facilitat ing this process by creating an online presence that makes the donation process simple.

But what is the b est way to direct funds there? According to a new report fro m New Philanthropy Capital and Copal Partners, philanthropy in India needs to be more strategic to be successful.

Those giving should consider how their money can make the most impact and should encourage India’s non-government al organisations (NGOs) to measure their results and be more transparent.

Chris Mathias, philanthropist and Chair of CMG Partners, has been involved in giving in India for many years.

“ The nice thing about philanthropy in India is that when it works, the results are dramatic … Now is the time to get it right. Philanthropists giving in India need to have a higher aim. ”

Neelima Khetan , from Seva Mandir , a major Indian organisation supporting rural development in Rajasthan, believes that things need to change.

“ We have large allocations for poverty alleviation and a vibrant democracy, yet the needs of the poor are ill-served. Further research is needed to guide philanthropy on what kinds of interventions are most effective in dealing with the deep-seated constraints to building a better society. ”

NPC and Copal’s research has found that one way major donors can make a big difference is by paying for central costs and lending skills to build the capacity of NGOs, as well as investing in impact measurement .