Donations for Social Organizations

There are many social organizations in Pune working to improve the lives of those living in less fortunate situations.  During your event you will likely visit one or more organizations and may wish to make a contribution to their work. 

Monetary donations are appreciated over physical items as this allows staff at the organization to purchase exactly what is required. A receipt is usually issued for all donations received.  

While you are in India, we recommend that rather than giving money to beggars on the street, participants make a donation to an organisation.  Often if you give money to just one beggar, then many more will appear and will hassle you.  Beggars often work in groups and the money doesn’t necessarily end up in the hands of the child or person you might give it too.  

It is also not recommended that you bring gifts or toys to hand out on the street.  Handing out goods on the street often causes fights and commotion in the community as there will always be more children and people than you are able to give to.  If you would like to bring items, please contact Sangam for advice on what to bring but again, for many of the organisations money is by far the most useful gift as many items are now readily available here in India.  

Each organization has different financial policies dictating how they can receive foreign currency. Most however can accept personal cheques or cash donations.  These can be made in person or by sending them to the organization directly. If you wish, donations made in personal cheque format can also be sent to Sangam and we will ensure they are handed over.  Donations made in this way must be written out in the name of the organization.  Please do not write a cheque in Sangam’s name.