Top NGOs in Mumbai: In a city that never sleeps, where dreams fly higher than its skyline, some heroes work behind the scenes—not for profit, but for purpose. Meet Mumbai’s top 10 NGOs, the change-makers rewriting destinies, one life at a time. From empowering underprivileged kids to fighting hunger and advocating for women’s rights, these organizations are turning compassion into action. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or simply get inspired, this list will introduce you to the heart of Mumbai’s social revolution. Let’s dive into the impact they’re making!
Table of Contents
Top NGOs in Mumbai (Brief Overview)
Mumbai is home to incredible NGOs that are making a real impact in areas like education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, child welfare, environmental sustainability, and more. These organizations work tirelessly to bring positive change to society, tackling some of the city’s most pressing issues with dedication and innovation. We believe in spotlighting those who truly make a difference. After thorough research, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 NGOs in Mumbai that are genuinely transforming lives and creating a better future.
| S. No. | Famous NGO In Mumbai | Establishment |
| 1. | Pratham | 1995 |
| 2. | Magic Bus Foundation | 1999 |
| 3. | Akanksha Foundation | 1991 |
| 4. | Swades Foundation | 2013 |
| 5. | United Way Mumbai | 2002 |
| 6. | Cuddles Foundation | 2013 |
| 7. | Apnalaya | 1973 |
| 8. | Majlis Manch | 1991 |
| 9. | Prerana | 1888 |
| 10. | Catalysts for Social Action | 2002 |
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Top NGOs in Mumbai (Detailed Explained)
This section features a comprehensive overview of the Best NGOs in Mumbai. It includes a well-structured table highlighting key details about each organization—such as their mission, areas of operation, founding year, and notable initiatives. Additionally, we’ve included impactful statistics that illustrate how these nonprofits in India have positively influenced the lives of individuals and communities across the country.
10. Catalysts for Social Action
Catalysts for Social Action (CSA), established in 2002, is a Mumbai-based non-profit organization dedicated to the holistic development of children in need of care and protection. Operating across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and Odisha, CSA focuses on enhancing various aspects of underprivileged children’s lives, including health, nutrition, education, life skills, and emotional well-being.
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Their comprehensive programs aim to provide family-like care to vulnerable children in well-managed institutions and support young adults transitioning out of institutional care through aftercare and livelihood initiatives. Over the past two decades, CSA has been instrumental in transforming the lives of numerous children, ensuring they are equipped to build fulfilling futures. Their unwavering commitment to child welfare and rehabilitation has established CSA as a leading NGO in Mumabi.
| Name | Catalysts for Social Action |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Area of Work | Holistic development of underprivileged children, focusing on health, nutrition, education, life skills, and emotional well-being. |
| Founders | Vipul Jain and Shibani Dasgupta Jain. |
| Official Website | www.csa.org.in |
| Address | 711 & 712, Bhaveshwar Arcade Annex, Nityanand Nagar, LBS Marg, Near Shreyas Cinema, Ghatkopar (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400086 |
| Contact Details | info@csa.org.in |
9. Prerana
Prerana, founded in 1986 by Dr. Pravin Patkar and Priti Patkar, is a Mumbai-based non-profit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and providing comprehensive support to women and children in red-light areas. Recognizing the vulnerability of children born to women in prostitution, Prerana pioneered the world’s first Night Care Center, offering a safe haven for these children during nocturnal hours.
Their holistic approach encompasses education, healthcare, and legal aid, aiming to prevent second-generation trafficking and promote the rights and dignity of victims. Over the past three decades, Prerana has assisted approximately 11,000 children and their mothers in Mumbai’s red-light districts. Their innovative interventions and unwavering commitment to vulnerable populations have established Prerana as a leading NGO in anti-trafficking efforts in India.
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| Name | Prerana |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Area of Work | Protection and rehabilitation of children and women in red-light districts, aiming to prevent second-generation trafficking and uphold their rights and dignity. |
| Founder | Dr. Pravin Patkar and Mrs. Priti Patkar |
| Official Website | www.preranaantitrafficking.org |
| Address | Opposite Shreyas Cinema, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai 400086 |
| Contact Details | contactprerana@gmail.com |
8. Majlis Manch
Majlis Manch, established in 1991 by renowned advocate and women’s rights activist Flavia Agnes, is a Mumbai-based non-profit organization dedicated to defending women’s and children’s rights through legal representation, advocacy, and training. Comprising an all-women team of lawyers and social activists, Majlis provides socio-legal support to victims of sexual and domestic violence, ensuring access to justice for marginalized communities.
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Their flagship program, ‘Rahat,’ offers comprehensive assistance to survivors, including legal counseling and representation. Beyond individual casework, Majlis engages in public interest litigation to challenge regressive policies and raise awareness about women’s legal rights. Their holistic approach has empowered over 50,000 women and children, establishing Majlis Manch as a leading NGO in promoting gender justice in India.
| Name | Majlis Manch |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Area of Work | Providing socio-legal support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, training state and non-state stakeholders, and promoting gender-just ideologies through campaigns and interventions. |
| Founder | Flavia Agnes |
| Official Website | www.majlislaw.com |
| Address | 4A/2, Golden Valley, Kalina Kurla Road, Santacruz East, Mumbai 400098 |
| Contact Details | majlislaw@gmail.com |
7. Apnalaya
Apnalaya, founded in 1973, is a Mumbai-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the urban poor by facilitating access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and livelihoods. Operating primarily in the underserved slums of Mumbai’s M East Ward, particularly Shivaji Nagar, Apnalaya employs an integrated community development approach to break the intergenerational cycles of ill-health, poor education, and unemployment.
Their initiatives encompass health and disability support, gender equality, and citizenship education, aiming to transform residents into active, informed citizens. Apnalaya’s comprehensive and rights-based methodology has established it as a leading NGO in urban community development.
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| Name | Apnalaya |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Area of Work | Apnalaya focuses on enabling access to basic services, healthcare, education, and livelihoods for underprivileged communities. The organization empowers individuals |
| Founder | Tom Holland |
| Official Website | www.apnalaya.org |
| Address | B/9103, New Jaiphalwadi SRA CoOp. Housing Society, Behind Armed Police Quarters, Tardeo, Mumbai – 400036 |
| Contact Details | admin@apnalaya.org |
6. Cuddles Foundation
Cuddles Foundation, established in 2012, is India’s only non-profit organization dedicated to providing holistic nutritional support to underprivileged children battling cancer. Recognizing that malnutrition significantly diminishes the efficacy of cancer treatments, the foundation collaborates with over 40 government and charity-funded hospitals across 24 cities to implement its FoodHeals® program.
This initiative offers personalized nutritional counseling, supplements, hot meals, and monthly ration baskets to young patients, ensuring they receive the necessary nourishment to withstand rigorous treatments. Additionally, through the Cuddles Institute for Clinical Nutrition, the foundation educates healthcare professionals on pediatric oncology nutrition, further enhancing patient care. Cuddles Foundation’s unique focus on integrating nutrition into pediatric cancer care has significantly improved treatment outcomes, establishing it as a leading NGO in the healthcare sector.
| Name | Cuddles Foundation |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Area of Work | uddles Foundation focuses on bridging the nutrition gap in pediatric cancer care by partnering with government and charity-funded hospitals. Through their FoodHeals™ program, they provide trained clinical pediatric nutritionists, dietary counseling, nutritional supplements, hot meals, and monthly ration baskets to children undergoing cancer treatment. |
| Founder | Purnota Dutta Bahl |
| Official Website | www.cuddlesfoundation.org |
| Address | Unit No 5, 2nd Floor, Brady Gladys Plaza, 1/447, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, India, Maharashtra |
| Contact Details | team@cuddlesfoundation.com |
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5. United Way Mumbai
United Way Mumbai is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving community conditions in education, health, income, public safety, and the environment. As the official philanthropy partner of the Tata Mumbai Marathon, it manages corporate social responsibility grants, social audits, and employee volunteering programs. United Way Mumbai collaborates with a network of over 500 NGOs across India, ensuring last-mile reach and program efficiency. Its comprehensive approach and extensive partnerships have established it as a leading NGO in community development.
| Name | United Way Mumbai |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Area of Work | United Way Mumbai focuses on education, health, income stability, public safety, and environmental sustainability. The organization collaborates with NGOs, corporations, individuals, and government agencies to implement impactful community development projects. |
| Founder | – |
| Official Website | www.unitedwaymumbai.org |
| Address | 6th Floor, Mumbai Educational Trust, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (West), Mumbai 400050 |
| Contact Details | contact@unitedwaymumbai.org |
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4. Swades Foundation
The Swades Foundation, established by Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala, is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering rural India through a holistic 360-degree development model. Operating primarily in Maharashtra, the foundation focuses on four key areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, Water & Sanitation, and Economic Development. By integrating these sectors, Swades aims to create sustainable and self-reliant communities.
Their mission is to transform one million rural lives every five years through scalable and replicable models of development. The foundation’s unique approach involves engaging with village communities, executing multiple programs on the ground, and working towards an exit strategy, ensuring that the communities continue to thrive independently. This comprehensive and community-centric methodology has positioned Swades Foundation as a leading NGO in rural development in India.
| Name | Swades Foundation |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Area of Work | Swades Foundation operates a 360-degree development model focusing on four key areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, Water & Sanitation, and Economic Development. |
| Founder | Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala |
| Official Website | www.swadesfoundation.org |
| Address | Swades Foundation, Raheja Plaza, A Wing, 8th Floor, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai – 400086 |
| Contact Details | info@swadesfoundation.org |
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3. Akanksha Foundation
The Akanksha Foundation, established in 1991 by Shaheen Mistri, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality education to children from low-income communities in India. Initially focusing on after-school programs, Akanksha has evolved to operate 26 innovative schools across Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, serving approximately 14,000 students.
Their educational model emphasizes academic excellence and life skills development, aiming to empower students to maximize their potential. In 2022, Akanksha partnered with municipal corporations in Nagpur and Pimpri Chinchwad through ‘Project Setu’ to extend their educational practices to nearly 200 public schools, with a goal to impact 500 schools, 5,000 educators, and 80,000 students in the next five years. Akanksha’s commitment to systemic reform and scalable impact has established it as a leading NGO in the education sector.
| Name | Akanksha Foundation |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Area of Work | The Akanksha Foundation provides quality education to children from low-income communities through 26 innovative schools in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur |
| Founder | Shaheen Mistri |
| Official Website | www.akanksha.org |
| Address | Voltas House C, T. B. Kadam Marg, Chinchpokli, Mumbai – 400 033 |
| Contact Details | info@akanksha.org |
2. Magic Bus Foundation
Magic Bus India Foundation, established in 1999, is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering children and youth with life skills and employability training. Operating across 24 states in India, Magic Bus has impacted 1.8 million adolescents in the 2023-24 period alone, equipping them to complete secondary education and secure sustainable livelihoods.
Their unique ‘Childhood to Livelihood’ approach focuses on life skills education and employability skills, ensuring that young individuals are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Over the past 25 years, Magic Bus has expanded its reach, engaging with numerous communities and forming partnerships with state governments to implement life skills education in schools. The organization’s commitment to transforming lives has earned it recognition as one of India’s top NGOs in the education and skilling space. Magic Bus consistently ranks among the top NGOs in Mumbai due to its innovative and scalable approach to eradicating poverty through education and skill development.
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| Name | Magic Bus Foundation |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Area of Work | Magic Bus focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty by guiding young individuals from childhood to gainful employment. Through life skills education and employability training, the organization ensures adolescents complete their secondary education and are prepared for sustainable livelihoods |
| Founder | Matthew Spacie |
| Official Website | www.magicbus.org |
| Address | 3rd floor, Reliable plaza, Thane Belapur Road, Airoli, Navi Mumbai – 400708 |
| Contact Details | info@magicbusindia.org |
1. Pratham
Pratham, one of India’s leading NGOs, has been transforming education since its inception in 1995. Founded by Madhav Chavan and Farida Lambay, it started in Mumbai’s slums and has expanded to 23 states, impacting millions of children through its innovative learning programs. Key initiatives like the Read India Program, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), and Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) have redefined literacy and skill-building, making education more accessible to underprivileged children.
Pratham’s vocational training programs also empower youth with employable skills. Recognized globally with awards like the Yidan Prize (2021) and WISE Prize (2012), its scalable, data-driven approach ensures measurable impact. Pratham consistently ranks among the Top NGOs in Mumbai due to its pioneering role in bridging educational gaps and improving learning outcomes at a massive scale.
| Name | Pratham |
| Types of Registration | Non-Governmental Organization |
| Tax Exemption Certificate | 80G, 12A, FCRA |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Area of Work | Pratham works to ensure “Every Child in School and Learning Well.” It focuses on improving education quality for underprivileged children in India through innovative programs, including early childhood education, remedial learning, and vocational training. |
| Founder | Madhav Chavan, Farida Lambay |
| Official Website | www.pratham.org |
| Address | Delhi Registered Office B- 4/58, Safdarjung Enclave 2nd Floor, New Delhi – 110 029 |
| Contact Details | info@pratham.org |
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How you can help?
It’s not just about the stories that inspired but the ways to contribute to society. Here are some ways for you to be part of these NGOs.
- Every penny counts! Financial aid helps NGOs sustain and expand their reach.
- Along with donations your skills and time also matter. NGOs always need passionate individuals to grow their networks.
- You can participate in fundraising events or organize crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds for the cause in which you are interested. in
- Awareness is a powerful tool. Sharing genuine information about these NGOs through different channels not only encourages others but also helps NGOs to grow their network.
Conclusion
We all know Mumbai as the city of dreams but like every other thing, it also has two sides – extreme wealth and deep-rooted poverty. However, with NGOs like this, thousands of lives are being transformed daily. Whether it’s education, healthcare, or advocacy, the efforts can be seen. Remember, together we can so if you want to be part of this change, then consider donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. With these Top NGOs in Mumbai be a part of hope and opportunity.
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