Top NGOs in Karnataka Creating Real Social Impact

 

Karnataka is a state in southwest India, known for its rich biodiversity. Several communities, especially the rural communities in the state, are facing climate change and severe water scarcity, which eventually affects agriculture and their primary livelihood. The region’s unpredictable rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and frequent droughts further amplify these problems. 

Several NGOs are working dedicatedly for various categories, including social welfare, environmental conservation and community development, to tackle these issues. NGOs in Karnataka develops and implements multiple initiatives to serve the community. 

However, only a few have truly impacted society and reached a certain level due to their consistent efforts. This blog will list down the top NGOs in Karnataka that have been able to create a positive impact through their exceptional efforts. 

List of Top NGOs in Karnataka:

#1 WOTR

WOTR was established in 1993 as an internationally recognised non-profit organisation and think tank that engages at the intersection of practice, knowledge and policy across scales and in collaboration with various stakeholders across sectors. They have been working with rural communities in India for 3 decades now.

The NGO expanded its footprint to Karnataka in 2022 and is actively operating in forty two villages across Bidar and Chikkabalapur districts. Their approach in Karnataka is centred on the regeneration of ecosystems and the active engagement of local communities. 

They have created a significant footprint in the state in various areas. A few of the very substantial impacts created by WOTR include:

• Water and Land Management: About 680+ hectares of land was treated through various watershed initiatives, and 270 million+ litres  of water harvesting potential has been created.
• Climate Resilient Agriculture: Over 740 farmers adopted climate-resilient agriculture practices, and around 860 hectares of land was brought under climate-resilient agriculture practices. 
• Livelihoods: More than 100 households are enabled with alternative livelihood opportunities. 
• Women Empowerment: The NGO has created about 119 Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

#2 Akshaya Patra Foundation

The NGO, launched in the year 2000 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a non-profit organisation that feeds millions of underserved children in India. They are renowned for their mid-day meal programme (PM Poshan Abhiyaan) to tackle essential issues like hunger and malnutrition among children in Government schools and Government-aided schools.

#3 Centre for Wildlife Studies

The CWS is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in various areas, including wildlife research, conservation, education, and policy. They partner with central and state governments, along with several international institutions, for the protection of wildlife and wildlands.

#4 Dream a Dream

This Indian non-profit organisation was established in 1999 to transform the experience of education for the children living in poverty in the country. The NGO mainstreamed life skills to help overcome adversity and learn to thrive. They work with a collaborative approach with volunteers, corporations, local charities, governments and various international strategic partners. 

#5 Karuna Trust:

Established in 1986, the NGO is affiliated with Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) in Karnataka. The trust works towards making healthcare accessible in rural areas. They operate on the principles of serving humanity and our planet. Apart from their innovative healthcare models in primary healthcare, this NGO provides education, sustainable livelihoods, and advocacy to address the needs of underserved communities. 

Conclusion 

Amongst the top NGOs in Karnataka, WOTR leads the way by serving the community and society in various areas of work. It is one of the rare NGO in the state that genuinely tackles the root causes of rural poverty by rejuvenating ecosystems and building the community’s resilience to climate change.