Why donations are important for non-profits?

Alike any organisation, non-profit organisations too need funds to run their operations. For most NPOs, the only source of their income is donations that come from various donors and corporate partners. Even if an NPO receives subsidies from Government, major portions of their funds are dependent on the donations received from supporters. There are donors who donate in cash, make online donations on a monthly basis, quarterly basis or annually. These donations help organisations work towards their cause, expand their reach and increase their operations.

One such NGO in India is The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which serves mid-day meals to school children studying in Government schools and Government-aided schools.

Raise more funds

Regular donors contribute more than one-time donors. For example, a donor who donates ₹500 monthly is going to be contributing more than a donor who donates ₹5000 at one shot.

Forms strong relationships

Donors who regularly donate towards the cause of providing unlimited food for education to children, either on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis feel more connected to Akshaya Patra’s cause. Such donors are valued for their regular contribution.

Lowers fundraising costs

Fundraising is an expensive task in itself. Acquiring new donors cost more than the cost of retainin

g existing donors. The amount saved in retaining customers can be used in other processes like recruiting, catering to a larger audience of children, expanding Akshaya Patra kitchen operations, etc.

When you become a regular contributor towards The Akshaya Patra Foundation, you are directly helping in expanding its operations across the country. As of today, 1.8 million children are fed regularly with healthy school meals. The Foundation is present in 52 locations and serves from centralised and decentralised kitchens spread across 12 States and 2 Union Territories in India. 20 of these kitchens are ISO 22000:2005 certified and the remaining are in the process of certification. Strict safety and hygiene methods are topmost priorities in each and every kitchen.

Akshaya Patra caters to the local palate

Akshaya Patra serves mid-day meals in a cyclic manner by preparing local cuisines. For example, Bisibelebhath is served in Karnataka, Sukhdi is served in Gujarat and Aloo Matar is served in Odisha, and so on. Adopting a cyclical approach helps in ensuring inclusion of all nutrients, variety of food items, and providing children tasty food every day.

You can serve locally palatable meals to children by contributing here.

How can you take part in Akshaya Patra’s cause?

•         You can donate online

•         You can conduct an online fundraising campaign

•         You can become an online ambassador of Akshaya Patra

•         You can take part in Volunteering opportunities

Your support is essential for Akshaya Patra at every stage to make sure that children benefit from the Mid-Day Meal Programme.