India, with a population of over 1.4 billion, is home to millions of children who face challenges like poverty, lack of education, malnutrition, and child labor. Thankfully, several dedicated NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) across the country are working tirelessly to protect the rights of children and provide them with opportunities to lead a better life. In this blog, we bring you the Top 10 NGOs in India working for children in 2025. These organizations have made significant contributions in the fields of education, healthcare, nutrition, child protection, and overall development.
NGOs in India working for children
Discover the top 10 NGOs in India working for children in 2025 and learn how they are making a difference in the lives of the next generation.
1. CRY – Child Rights and You
Founded: 1979
Headquarters: Mumbai
CRY is one of India’s most well-known NGOs working to restore children’s rights. It collaborates with grassroots organizations to ensure education, healthcare, and protection for underprivileged children. CRY’s mission is to create a society where every child gets equal opportunities.
Key Focus Areas: Education, healthcare, child protection, advocacy
Website: www.cry.org
2. Save the Children India
Founded: 2004 (India chapter)
Global Presence: Yes
Save the Children is an international NGO with a strong presence in India. It works in remote areas and urban slums to help children access education, healthcare, and protection from abuse and exploitation. Their rapid response during disasters also helps children recover from trauma and displacement.
Key Focus Areas: Child rights, education, emergency response, child protection
Website: www.savethechildren.in
3. Smile Foundation
Founded: 2002
Headquarters: New Delhi
Smile Foundation works extensively in the areas of child education, healthcare, and livelihood. Its flagship program, “Mission Education,” has helped thousands of children receive quality schooling. They operate through a model of social venture philanthropy.
Key Focus Areas: Education, healthcare, skill development
Website: www.smilefoundationindia.org
4. Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA)
Founded: 1980
Founder: Kailash Satyarthi (Nobel Peace Laureate)
BBA is a pioneering movement dedicated to eradicating child labor and trafficking in India. The organization has rescued over 100,000 children from hazardous industries and rehabilitated them through education and vocational training.
Key Focus Areas: Child labor, trafficking, rescue operations, rehabilitation
Website: www.bba.org.in
5. Pratham
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Mumbai
Pratham is a leading NGO focused on improving the quality of education in India. Their “Read India” campaign has helped millions of children achieve basic literacy and numeracy. The organization also runs vocational training programs for youth.
Key Focus Areas: Education, skill development, research
Website: www.pratham.org
6. Childline India Foundation
Founded: 1996
Supported by: Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
Childline runs the 1098 helpline—India’s first 24×7 emergency phone service for children in distress. It helps children facing abuse, neglect, trafficking, and exploitation by connecting them to rescue services and shelter homes.
Key Focus Areas: Child protection, rescue, emergency support
Website: www.childlineindia.org
7. Nanhi Kali
Founded: 1996
Initiative By: K.C. Mahindra Education Trust
Project Nanhi Kali supports the education of underprivileged girls across India. The program provides material support, tuition classes, and digital learning tools to help girls stay in school and break the cycle of poverty.
Key Focus Areas: Girl child education
Website: www.nanhikali.org
8. Deepalaya
Founded: 1979
Headquarters: New Delhi
Deepalaya focuses on education, health, and skill development in urban slums and rural areas. Their child-centric programs target out-of-school children and provide remedial education and healthcare support.
Key Focus Areas: Education, healthcare, women and child empowerment
Website: www.deepalaya.org
9. Uday Foundation
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: Delhi
Uday Foundation provides food, healthcare, and shelter to children and their families, especially during medical emergencies. They also run education programs for children from underprivileged backgrounds and work on health rights and dignity for the homeless.
Key Focus Areas: Health, food distribution, education
Website: www.udayfoundation.org
10. Butterflies India
Founded: 1989
Headquarters: New Delhi
Butterflies works with street and working children, helping them build life skills through education, counseling, and participation in decision-making. Their unique programs like “Children’s Development Khazana” (a life skills and financial literacy initiative) empower children to take charge of their lives.
Key Focus Areas: Street children, life skills, education, child protection
Website: www.butterflieschildrights.org
The Importance of NGOs in India
NGOs, or non-governmental organizations, play a vital role in addressing social issues and providing support to marginalized communities. In a country as diverse and complex as India, NGOs have become a lifeline for many children who face challenges such as poverty, lack of access to education, and healthcare. These organizations work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Final Thoughts
The work these top 10 NGOs in India for children are doing is vital to building a better future for the country. By focusing on education, healthcare, child protection, and empowerment, they are transforming lives and breaking the cycle of poverty. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or just learn more, these NGOs offer meaningful ways to make a difference.
