The role of the Internet in today’s society as an agent of change is unparalleled. For civil society and concerned citizens, it is a powerful tool to educate, involve, and garner support and resources. With its free and open nature, it is a perfect friend to charitable institutions. Along with online activism, NGOs also use it for fundraising purposes. It is easy to safely transfer large sums, or make small, incremental donations over time on the Internet.

Here is how can safely and effectively donate online, and instantly join a movement to empower fellow Indians, now matter which cause you support

Going cashless via online donations
With the government’s push for cashless transactions to end corruption and the reign of businesses that are exploitative in nature, you must donate online, using net banking or via your credit/debit card.

Using encrypted gateways, online transactions are secure and instant. Detailed transaction information can be accessed online, as banks and credit card providers send detailed online records and maintain real-time records. Further, a credit card online transaction can further be disputed in the case of discrepancies. This creates a virtual paper-trail that is useful when dealing with an audit.

Donating for tax purposes
Under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, you can avail a tax rebate for donations to charitable organisations with formal registration (Societies Registration Act 1860, or Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956).

Documentation required to file for tax deduction:

i. Stamped Receipt: A receipt citing the name, address and PAN number of the trust. As a receipt, it should also mention your name, and amount donated.
ii . Form 58: For 100% deduction for charitable donations.
The organisation’s Registration number: A valid registration number, with validity dates, must be mentioned on the receipt
iii. 80-G Certificate

Using the Internet for fundraising
Along with donating yourself, you can use the Internet to encourage others to contribute. NGOs like Save the Children require constant fundraising for multiple projects that run concurrently, and also aggressively create a supply chain of resources in disaster situations.

i. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms allow the use of micro-funding like Bitcoin, collecting donation as small as a few cents. These donations can quickly add up to large volumes of financial support. Crowdfunding sites set up fundraising targets to sponsor schools, healthcare centres, and other deliverables for social good.

ii. On-ground activism
Concerts, dinners, telethons to drive visibility towards a noble cause can be promoted online through word-of-mouth on social media. This public support can, in turn, drive brands, philanthropists and the common public to donate and pledge large support.

A list of documentation for filing income tax returns (ITR) to claim tax rebate:
i. Receipt with name, address and PAN of the trust/organisation
ii.Form 58: Applicable for donations which provide 100% deduction.
iii. The organisation’s Registration number with validity dates
iv. An 80-G Certificate

Conclusion
One of the leading International NGOs in India, Save the Children spends aggressively on programmes to fight child exploitation across the country. It is known for transparency in channelizing citizen fundraising and corporate social responsibility investments towards impressive projects of social change. When you donate online, you are instantly contributing towards a cause that has united lakhs of citizens from all walks of life. After you donate, you must stay tuned in to see the impressive return on investment on the NGO’s Facebook page and website, as Save the Children proudly showcases its projects across slums, cities and villages.