Online Donations for NGOs and Trusts: 80G Receipts, FCRA and Payment Setup

On this page

1. A donation form that works
2. Payment options
3. 80G receipts
4. Foreign donations and FCRA
5. Build trust and transparency
6. Thank donors properly

A donation page can bring steady support for an NGO, trust or temple, but only if giving is easy, donors trust you, and the paperwork is handled correctly. This guide covers the website side. For tax and legal requirements, always confirm with your chartered accountant.

A donation form that works

• Suggested amounts with a custom amount option
• One-time and monthly giving
• Name, email and phone
• PAN and address, needed for donors who want an 80G tax receipt
• An option to dedicate the donation (in memory of, on behalf of)
• A clear note on how the money will be used

Keep the form short; ask for PAN and address only from donors who want the tax benefit.

Payment options

• UPI, cards, net banking and wallets through a payment gateway that supports non-profits
• Recurring donations through card mandates or UPI AutoPay
• Bank transfer details for large donors

See accepting online payments in India.

80G receipts

If your organisation has 80G registration, donors can claim a tax deduction. Your website should:

• Clearly state your 80G status and registration details
• Collect the donor details your CA says are required, typically name, address and PAN
• Send an automatic acknowledgement email with transaction details

Organisations are also required to report donations to the Income Tax Department, after which donors receive their official certificate. Your CA will guide the exact process and timelines. Note that large cash donations aren't eligible for the deduction, which is another reason to encourage online payment.

Foreign donations and FCRA

Indian NGOs generally need FCRA registration to accept donations from foreign sources, and foreign contributions must be received in the designated FCRA bank account. If you don't have FCRA registration, make it clear that you can only accept donations from Indian citizens and residents, and add a nationality check to the form. Take professional advice on FCRA compliance.

Build trust and transparency

• Registration details: trust or society registration, 12A, 80G and FCRA (if applicable)
• Annual reports and audited financials
• Impact stories with photos, with consent
• How donations are used, such as "₹500 provides…" only if accurate
• Trustees and team

Thank donors properly

A thank-you page, an immediate email receipt and regular updates on impact encourage repeat giving; see thank-you pages.

For the wider website, see temple and NGO websites.