Top NGOs in Chennai

Non-Governmental Organizations in Chennai

Tamil Nadu as a state has always been known for its social progressiveness and Chennai being its capital is no exemption to it. The City and state’s social progressiveness has resulted in a social environment that always looks to uplift society. This social environment is what made the city home to many NGOs who want to make a difference in the community. The combination of Chennai’s character and its domiciles’ urge to help those who need have made the city attract a number of Non-Governmental Organisations.

Chennai houses many NGOs managed by samaritans who act as the perfect liaison between those who need help and various altruistic do-gooders who would like to help them. All these organizations work on the ground level to listen to the voice of the voiceless and manage to create a massive impact. We have managed to make a list of top NGOs in Chennai that have been creating a positive impact on those who seek them for help over the years.

Top Non Profit Organizations in Chennai

1. The Banyan

The Banyan is a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating a world where mental health is a priority, and mental illness is understood and treated with the same urgency as physical illness. The organisation was founded in 1993 to provide comprehensive mental health care to marginalised communities in India. Their team of trained professionals offers various services, including counselling, therapy, medication management, and rehabilitation support.

Type of NGO : Trust (Non-Government)
Date of Registration: 27-08-1993
Issues Addressed: Health & Family Welfare, Housing, Legal Awareness & Aid, Prisoner’s Issues, Women’s Development & Empowerment
FCRA Number: 75900624
Address: The Banyan, 6th Main Road, Mogappair Eri Scheme, Mogappair West, Chennai 600 037
Phone Number: 044-26530504 / 9840775912
Website: thebanyan.org
Email: ashok.kumar@thebanyan.org

2. Life Help Centre For The Handicapped

Life Help Centre for the Handicapped is a non-profit organisation that aims to empower and support individuals with disabilities- established to create a better future for those facing physical and mental challenges and to provide them with the resources and tools necessary to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Type of NGO: Registered Societies (Non-Government)
Date of Registration: 16-06-1978
Issues Addressed: Accommodation, education, workshops, and job facilities for both mentally and physically challenged persons
FCRA Number: 75820013
Address: #2/546, East Coast Road, Neelangarai Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600115, India.
Phone Number: 9940661177
Website: lifehelp.org
Email: info@lifehelp.org

3. Bhumi

Bhumi Registered Societies is a non-governmental organisation promoting social welfare and community development. The organisation is committed to positively impacting the lives of individuals and communities in need by providing education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Bhumi Registered Societies believes in the power of collective action and works closely with local communities, government bodies, and other NGOs to achieve its goals.

Type of NGO: Registered Societies (Non-Government)
Date of Registration: 15-08-2006
Issues Addressed: Education & Literacy
FCRA Number: 75901351
Address: 13/1 Cenotaph Road First Lane Teynampet Chennai 600 018
Phone Number: 044-22391014 / 9840091634
Website: bhumi.ngo
Email: contact@bhumi.ngo

4. Nice Foundation

The Nice Foundation Trust is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged individuals and communities. The trust provides access to education, healthcare, and necessities to those in need.

The trust runs several educational programs, including tuition centres and scholarship programs, to help children from low-income families access quality education.

Type of NGO: Trust (Non-Government)
Date of Registration: 26-12-2005
Issues Addressed: Aged/Elderly, Agriculture, Art & Culture, Children, Disaster Management, Dalit Upliftment, Drinking Water, Education & Literacy, Environment & Forests, Health & Family Welfare, Housing, Human Rights, Information & Communication Technology, Legal Awareness & Aid, Labour & Employment, Micro Finance (SHGs), Micro Small & Medium Enterprises, New & Renewable Energy, Nutrition, Prisoner’s Issues, Rural Development & Poverty Alleviation, Science & Technology, Tribal Affairs
FCRA Number: 75901196
Address: No.198, 2nd Floor, Purasawalkam High Road, Purasawalkam, Chennai 600 010
Phone Number: 044-43539636 / 9444145253
Website: nicefoundation.org.in
Email: nicefoundation@yahoo.com

5. Mudhra

Mudhra, A non-governmental organisation, is dedicated to advancing social welfare and neighbourhood development. The company conducts business throughout India and has registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act.

Mudhra is committed to enabling people and communities to create a sustainable society. They operate in various fields, such as education, health care, the environment, and women’s empowerment. To carry out projects that significantly impact and respond to the most urgent needs of the populace, we work in partnership with regional communities, governmental institutions, and other organisations.

Type of NGO: Registered Societies (Non-Government)
Date of Registration: 09-09-1996
Issues Addressed: Art & Culture
Address: Mudhra, 26, Rama Street, Nungambakkam Chennai -600 034
Phone Number: 044-28264493 / 09382163330
Website: mudhra.org
Email: radha@mudhra.org

6. Ekam

EKAM Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation in India that aims to provide quality healthcare to underprivileged children and mothers. Their vision is to contribute to the reduction of infant, childhood, adolescent, and maternal mortality rates.

EKAM focuses on the reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCHA) sector, collaborating with the public health system. They provide training to nurses, support in maintaining critical equipment, transportation for sick infants, and medical supplies in select government hospitals.

Over the years, EKAM has reached out to more than 1.08 million children and their families through various initiatives. Their approach involves partnerships with community organisations, civil society, and public and private sectors to empower communities and improve healthcare delivery. EKAM’s goal is to ensure every child receives life-saving healthcare and to address the gaps in the existing healthcare system.

Type of NGO: Trust (Non-Government)
Date of Registration: 13-11-2006
Issues Addressed: Healthcare for underprivileged mothers and children
FCRA Number: N/A
Address: Old No. 1A / New No.3, Jayalakshmipuram 2nd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600034
Phone Number: 044-35011773
Website: ekamoneness.org
Email: info@ekamoneness.org

7. Akshaya Trust

Akshaya Trust, a non-profit organisation based in Chennai, is a beacon of hope for abandoned senior citizens with nowhere else to turn. For the past two decades, they have run free nursing homes across the city, providing a haven for 300 destitute seniors. These homes in various locations offer more than just shelter; they provide a sense of belonging and family to those abandoned.

The dedicated staff of Akshaya Trust care for the residents with love and compassion. They go above and beyond to ensure the well-being and happiness of the seniors, creating an environment where they feel safe and cared for. Regular activities and outings are organised to keep them engaged and entertained, bringing joy and excitement to their lives.

Akshaya Trust takes pride in witnessing the transformation of its residents. Through their support, the seniors regain their health, forge new friendships, and rediscover their zest for life. The organisation is immensely grateful to its donors, whose contributions significantly impact the lives of these abandoned individuals.

Type of NGO: Trust (Non-Governmental)
Date of Registration: N/A
Issues Addressed: Nurturing abandoned elderly people
FCRA Number: N/A
Address: B3, Kumaravijayam, Royapettah High Road, Mylapore, Chennai – 600028
Phone Number: 99529 32806
Website: akshayachennai.org
Email: akshayatrust2001@gmail.com

8. India Vision Institute

India Vision Institute (IVI) is a non-profit NGO enhancing India’s primary eye care capacity. They focus on providing eye care access for underprivileged and rural communities and advancing the optometry sector through various initiatives.

IVI conducts vision screenings and distributes free spectacles in disadvantaged areas to prevent avoidable blindness. They have performed over 2000 vision screening programs, benefiting over 700,000 individuals and distributing free spectacles to 150,000 individuals.

IVI also works to upgrade the skills and capacity of optometrists through workshops, seminars, research grants, travel grants, and scholarships, benefiting around 10,000 optometry professionals. Their collaborations with institutes across India have covered 20 states and three union territories, furthering their advocacy, education, and leadership development programs.

Type of NGO: Trust (Non-Government)
Date of Registration: 24-12-2012
Issues Addressed: Healthcare(eye)
FCRA Number: N/A
Address: Plot No: 212, New No.45, Palkalai Nagar, 7th Link Road, Palavakkam, Chennai - 600 041 Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone Number: +91-4424515353
Website: indiavisioninstitute.org
Email: ivi@indiavisioninstitute.org

9. Sri Arunodayam

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an Indian NGO headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with a mission to combat classroom hunger and support the education rights of children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Implementing the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) in government and government-aided schools, Akshaya Patra addresses malnutrition and ensures children receive fresh and nutritious meals every school day.

Since its establishment in 2000, Akshaya Patra has utilised technology to expand its reach and impact. Its state-of-the-art kitchens have gained recognition worldwide and serve as a subject of study. Collaborations with the Government of India, state governments, corporates, individual donors, and well-wishers have been instrumental in its growth.

From initially serving 1,500 children in five schools, Akshaya Patra now provides wholesome meals to over 2 million children from 22,367 schools across 15 states and two union territories in India.

Type of NGO: Trust (Non-Government)
Date of Registration: N/A
Issues Addressed: Home for mentally challenged destitute
FCRA Number: N/A
Address: 45, Sivananda Nagar, Kolathur, Chennai - 600099
Phone Number: 044 - 26511450 / 91 - 9962280037 / 91 9962280140
Website: sriarunodayam.org
Email: iyyappan@sriarunodayam.org

10. Dean Foundation

DEAN Foundation is a compassionate organisation that serves the vulnerable and marginalised populations in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. They focus on providing palliative care to those suffering from terminal, incurable diseases like cancer and AIDS, particularly those with limited access to such care.

Their mission is driven by a deep desire to positively impact people’s lives, offering support, relief from pain and suffering, and assistance in finding meaning during difficult times. DEAN Foundation values person-centred care, compassion, professionalism, respect, dignity, accountability, and social responsibility.

They aim to enhance the quality of life for patients, provide support to their families, and promote equity, diversity, and teamwork. The foundation welcomes volunteers of all ages, offering various opportunities to contribute their time, skills, and unique talents to support patients and their families, administration tasks, awareness campaigns, and fundraising initiatives.

Type of NGO: Trust (Non-Governmental)
Date of Registration: 09-03-1998
Issues Addressed: Healthcare (palliative care)
FCRA Number: 075900984
Address: Old No.73 / New No. 59, 2nd Street, Aspiran Garden Colony, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600010, Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone Number: +91-44-26602112
Website: deanfoundation.org
Email: deanfoundation@gmail.com