Top NGOs in Kolkata

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) help in empowering the destitute and the victims in a society. They run various initiatives to provide basic services like education, quality healthcare, vocational training and much more to help people live a life of freedom and respect. 

As of today, approximately 2000 NGOs are present in Kolkata and they constantly strive to bring a positive change in society. From empowering women and children, to offering training and counselling to the youth, they work for the welfare of people. 

In this article, we have created a list of some NGOs in Kolkata. You can also reach out to them, appreciating their noble efforts and do your share by offering donations, volunteering or partnerships. 

See also: Leading companies in Kolkata

 

NGOs in Kolkata

Make a Difference Foundation (M.A.D.)

Founded in: 1955

Make a Difference aims at improving the quality of life of poor, middle class youth. They provide foundational skills to children between the ages of 10 and 13. There is also another education support initiative for people between the ages of 14 and 16, to encourage children to pursue higher studies. For the people between the ages of 16 and 18, they have programs to help them transition smoothly into the outside world and be responsible citizens of society and also support their own selves financially. Their services do not end at adulthood, they also offer assistance and vocational training to individuals to help them get jobs and improve their living standards. Make a Difference is a noble initiative that has helped around 3500 children all over India and they have over 60 shelters, accommodating children, teenagers and adults. 

Missionaries of Charity

Founded in: 1950

Missionaries of Charity was founded by Mother Teresa in 1950 and they have been serving noble purposes ever since. The aim of this NGO in Kolkata is to help the neglected people of society, both financially and spiritually, offering them shelters in their orphanages, nursing homes and shelters. They help the poor, sick, beggars, abandoned children and old people. Missionaries of Charity is run on Mother Teresa’s ideologies and the volunteers offer selfless services and devote their lives to the betterment of people without any discrimination. The organisation has around 5000 volunteers working in more than 130 countries all over the world to help people.  They have around 19 shelters in Kolkata. 

Child Rights and You

Founded in: 1970

Child Rights and You is another NGO in Kolkata that advocates for the rights of children and runs initiatives to provide them a better standard of living and help them become informed and educated citizens of the country. The organisation works for improving the quality of education for poor children and promoting education for all. They also offer important healthcare services to underprivileged children. They also raise awareness about the importance of rights of children and advocate for newer and better policies. They have also collaborated with various governmental and non-governmental organisations to run campaigns on children safety to offer a safe environment to children. 

Hope Foundation

Founded in: 1999

Hope foundation is an NGO in Kolkata, focuses on the development of under-privileged individuals and runs initiatives to offer them better healthcare and education. They run programs to make quality healthcare accessible to the poor, set up medical camps and run awareness programs as well. Their aim is to promote better education among the poor and underprivileged by urging the government to set up more schools, offer scholarships etc; Besides this, they also offer training for the youth of India in various vocational courses, hence, promoting economic independence. 

Sanlaap

Founded in: 1987

Sanlaap is often termed as a feminist NGO in Kolkata. The organization was established in Calcutta in 1987 and it mainly focuses on preserving the rights of women and children and has played a significant role against violence, forced prostitution and sexual abuse. The organisation works in order to protect the vulnerable population from illegal trafficking and abduction. They have numerous shelters to accommodate the victims and help them live a better life by offering them legal aid and counselling. Not only does Sanlaap aim to protect women and children from exploitation, but it also empowers them while providing them a chance to build a life of dignity. 

Smile Foundation

Founded in: 2002

Smile Foundation in Kolkata offers education and healthcare services to children belonging to poor families, abandoned children and disabled children. This NGO in Kolkata works with children aged 3 to 18 years.  They make quality education accessible to these children while also providing them vocational training so they can earn their livelihoods. Till now, the organisation has helped more than 1 lakh students in receiving education and more than 20 thousand students in receiving vocational training. They have led over 261 projects in 23 Indian states. They have also covered over 15 slums in Kolkata, helping around 16 thousand people on an average basis in a year. 

Pratham

Founded in: 1994

Pratham was founded in Mumbai in the 1950s and its main aim is to make education accessible to every single child and it runs initiatives and programs to do so. The NGO has a major presence in Kolkata as well where it has helped poor children get quality education and grow up as educated individuals. One can also partner with them or choose to be a volunteer or an intern in the organisation. While they do not have an office in Kolkata, they have a significant presence in the city and have run various projects like Digital Classrooms and Read India.

 

FAQs

Which NGO in Kolkata works with underprivileged children?

There are numerous NGOs in Kolkata that work for the betterment of underprivileged kids. Some of them are, Smile foundation, Pratham, Hope foundation and Child Rights and You.

How many NGOs are there in Kolkata?

Currently there are more than 2000 NGOs working in Kolkata.

Can I register my own NGO in Kolkata?

Starting your own NGO requires a thorough legal procedure and proper documentation. If you wish to start your own NGO, you will need to get in contact with a legal professional and require approval from the necessary authorities after registration and submission of necessary documents.

Are there any NGOs in Kolkata that work for providing better healthcare to the poor?

Hope Foundation, Missionaries of Charity and Make a Difference are a few of the many NGOs that work to provide better healthcare to the poor.

How can I donate to NGOs in Kolkata?

You can donate to NGOs in Kolkata either by contacting them personally or through their websites.

Can I work as an intern in an NGO in Kolkata?

Yes, NGOs in Kolkata do offer the opportunity to work as an intern for them. One such NGO is the Pratham foundation. You can reach out to them through their website or mail.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com