Best NGO in Delhi, Check List and Trusted Names

Best NGO in Delhi: India’s Capital, Delhi, is not only a hub of political and economic activity but also a thriving center for social change, thanks to its many impactful Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). As the city grapples with issues like poverty, education gaps, pollution, women’s safety, and child welfare, NGOs play a crucial role in filling the gaps left by government initiatives. In 2025, several Delhi-based NGOs have emerged as frontrunners in driving grassroots transformation, empowering marginalized communities, and creating sustainable development models.

From working in urban slums to advocating policy changes at the national level, these NGOs have shown resilience, innovation, and commitment. Whether it’s providing free education, healthcare services, legal aid, or environmental solutions, the best NGOs in Delhi are making a measurable difference in the lives of thousands. Their work not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens the fabric of society by promoting equality, justice, and compassion.

This article highlights some of the most respected and effective NGOs in Delhi in 2025, based on their transparency, impact, volunteer engagement, and long-term vision. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or partner, these organizations represent the best of civil society’s efforts in India’s capital.

Best NGO in Delhi 2025

A curated list of the top NGOs in Delhi in 2025, spanning diverse fields—from child welfare and education to healthcare, elder care, women empowerment, environmental action, and palliative care:

Children & Street Youth

• Salaam Baalak Trust (est. 1988, Delhi-NCR): Offers 24/7 shelters, education, healthcare, vocational training, and city-based ―City Walks‖ guided by former street children—impacting ~10,000 kids annually.

• Butterflies India (est. 1989): Focused on street and working children, delivering education and life-skills through a participatory, rights-based model.

• Prayas (Juvenile Aid Centre) (est. 1988): Founded by Amod Kanth, it supports rescued children with legal aid, vocational training, education, and advocacy.

Education & Youth Empowerment

• Teach For India: A leading fellowship that places young professionals in underserved schools; fosters leadership and educational equity.

• Katha (est. 1988): Publishes translated folklore, runs schools in slums (e.g., Govindpuri), enriching children’s literacy and cultural engagement.

• CRY – Child Rights and You (est. 1979): Works to ensure education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation for children.

• Smile Foundation (since 2002): Covers education, healthcare, livelihood support via initiatives like “Smile on Wheels,” touching millions across India.

Health, Palliative Care & Elder Support

• CanSupport (since 1996): Delhi-headquartered palliative-care NGO for cancer patients—offering home and outpatient care. Recognized as “Public Health Champion” by WHO.

• HelpAge India (since 1978): Champions senior citizens’ welfare—healthcare, elder abuse campaigns, pensions, and self-help groups. Recipient of the UN Population Award.

Disaster Relief & Material Recycling

• Goonj (est. 1999): Award-winning social enterprise focusing on rural–urban equity-driven disaster relief (cloth recycling through “Cloth for Work,” menstrual hygiene).

Niche & Emerging Focus Areas

• Butterflies: See above under the children’s category.

• Centre for Social Security Action & Research (CSSAR): Focuses on social entitlements, governance, and education in slums.

• SEWA Delhi: Organizes informal women workers across 11 vital support dimensions—legal, economic, health, and housing.

• Maitri: Human rights NGO (since 2005)—supports survivors of violence, the abandoned elderly, and women’s health.

• Rahi Foundation: Leading trauma‑informed support and legal aid for survivors of child sexual abuse.

Summary Table

Choosing the Right NGO

• For volunteering with street children → Salaam Baalak Trust, Butterflies

• For teaching/time at under-resourced schools → Teach For India, Katha

• For elderly/palliative care involvement → HelpAge India, CanSupport

• For social entrepreneurship or sustainable relief → Goonj

• For women’s rights & empowerment → SEWA Delhi, Maitri

Trusted NGO of Delhi

Some of the most trusted and impactful NGOs in Delhi (2025) across various fields:

Child Welfare & Education

• Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) – Since 1988, SBT supports street and working children with shelters, education, healthcare, vocational training, and operates its renowned “City Walk” program that sensitizes the public.

• Butterflies India – Established in 1989 in Delhi, it focuses on children’s rights, empowerment through participatory methods, and life-skills training.

• Prayas JAC Society – Founded in 1988 by Amod Kanth, it supports slum children through education, rehabilitation, and anti-trafficking programs recognized by the U.S. State Department.

• Teach For India – A fellows‑based teacher leadership program active in Delhi since 2009, battling educational inequity in low-income schools.

• Pratham – One of India’s largest education NGOs, with a Delhi office, known for its ASER assessments and improving literacy/numeracy uptake across states.

Health & Palliative Care

• CanSupport – Offers pioneering palliative home, daycare, and outpatient care for cancer patients in North India; recognized as a “Public Health Champion” by WHO.

Governance & Rights Awareness

• Common Cause – Delhi‑based NGO (est. 1980) working on public accountability, anti-corruption, and public interest litigation.

Disability & Elder Care

• Narayan Seva Sansthan – With multiple Delhi locations, this 80G-certified NGO (established 1985) focuses on empowering persons with disabilities (“divyangs”) through surgeries, education, vocational training, and monthly ration kits.

Environment & Cleanliness

• Vrikshit Foundation – Highlighted by Delhi Reddit users for impactful local clean‑up work (e.g., Shalimar Bagh canal), praised for honesty and effective community action.

Other Notable Mentions

• Asha Foundation, YEF (Youth Empowerment Foundation), Bibharte NGO – Recognized in local directories as effective, though with less publicly available verification.

• Katha, Care India, Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, Smile Foundation, Uday Foundation, Sk Vision Foundation – Included in various rankings for their transparency and grassroots outreach.

Choosing a Reliable NGO

If you’re planning to donate or volunteer, consider verifying through:

1. Certifications: Check for 80G, 12A, FCRA on Give. Do listings.

2. Transparency: Look for published financials and impact reports.

3. On-ground presence: Avoid street solicitation; encourage verified funds or volunteering at office locations.

   • Reddit users warn about rogue street fundraisers—always verify legitimacy.

Quick Snapshot

What You Can Do Next

• Donate or volunteer directly via official websites or offices.

• Support transparency by choosing NGOs with clear financial and impact reporting.

• Engage locally: volunteer in clean‑ups or education drives—on-ground action often makes the biggest difference.

FAQs based on the Best NGO in Delhi

1. What is the best NGO in Delhi?

There are several reputable NGOs in Delhi, each known for different areas of impact such as education, women’s empowerment, healthcare, and the environment. Some top names include Goonj, Smile Foundation, Teach For India (Delhi chapter), CRY (Delhi), and Deepalaya.

2. What criteria are used to determine the best NGO?

The best NGOs are usually evaluated based on:

• Impact and reach

• Transparency and accountability

• Years of service

• Recognition and awards

• Community involvement

• Sustainable projects

3. Which NGO in Delhi focuses on education for underprivileged children?

Organizations like Smile Foundation, Deepalaya, and Teach For India focus on providing quality education to underprivileged children in Delhi.

4. How can I volunteer with the best NGOs in Delhi?

Most leading NGOs have volunteer programs listed on their official websites. You can apply online by filling out a form or emailing your interest along with your CV.

5. Can I donate to these NGOs online?

Yes, most reputed NGOs offer secure online donation facilities. They also provide tax exemption receipts under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

6. Are the best NGOs in Delhi government-certified or registered?

Yes, top NGOs are usually registered under Societies Registration Act, Section 12A/80G of the Income Tax Act, or FCRA if they receive foreign donations.

7. Do NGOs in Delhi offer internships for students?

Many NGOs such as CRY, Goonj, and Smile Foundation offer internships for college students, often in areas like social work, communication, and field research.

8. How do I check the credibility of an NGO?

You can:

• Visit their official website

• Check for certifications (12A, 80G, FCRA)

• Review annual reports

• Look for third-party ratings on platforms like GiveIndia or GuideStar

9. Which NGO in Delhi works on women empowerment?

SEWA Bharat, Jagori, and Action India are prominent NGOs in Delhi focused on empowering women through education, skill development, and legal aid.

10. How can corporates collaborate with NGOs in Delhi?

Corporates can partner with NGOs under CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives. NGOs often have CSR partnership proposals and models available on their websites or upon request.