Indeed, supporting a social cause is a selfless act and purely an individual choice. Most often, it is an inner voice urging us to do something good. We tend to extend our support to that particular social issue or concern with which we identify with the most. Say for example, if we are concerned about the situation of children belonging to low socio-economic strata then we will most likely support a children charity. Similarly, if we are a pro-environmentalist, then we will be more inclined towards a charity working to preserve the environment.
Social issues, though appear to be affecting a segment of the society, in reality, seeps deep down impacting the entire ecosystem; and all social issues are interconnected with each other. Let’s take hunger as one of the social issues that countries across the globe is struggling with and how it gives rise to other issues. A family belonging to low socio-economic strata and unsure of where their next meal will come from will more often than not engage all its members to earn for a square meal, including children. This obstructs children from attending school resulting in illiteracy. An illiterate individual does not qualify to get a well-paying job and returns back to the vicious cycle of poverty-hunger-illiteracy. It also becomes difficult for them to comprehend the concept and methods of healthy, sanitation, and hygiene resulting in more complex issues.
The interconnectedness of social issues makes it a prerequisite that global organisations, governments, NGOs, and the civil society work in tandem with each other and in equal quantum. Hence, government of several countries including India has made the provision of tax deductions on donations towards charitable organisations. So, as you extend a helping hand in support of a social cause, you get rewarded with tax benefits.
For instance, if you support The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a children charity in India working in the field of providing daily school meals to government school children, you will be eligible for tax benefits under Section 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act. The tax exemption donation will be on your total donation contributed to the Foundation.
The tax exemption donation makes way for a win-win situation – benefitting the NGO and you. Continuing with the same example of Akshaya Patra, when you donate for this charity, this is how your contribution makes an impact:
So, basically by contributing to feed school children, you are also saving tax.
In conclusion, so many causes can be supported, if we choose to make use of the provision made by government of tax deductions on our contribution to social causes. Well then, let’s make a choice today!
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an Indian NGO implementing the Mid-Day Meal Programme along with several child-centric initiatives. Your support to Akshaya Patra can potentially improve lives of millions of children with health and education.
