Help & Information

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most, from donors, companies, volunteers, and the young people and families we serve. If you do not find what you need, write to us at ankit@touchonelife.org.

General

General

What is Touching Lives Welfare Trust?

Touching Lives is a Mumbai-based non-profit, working since 2003, that makes education, emotional well-being and art accessible to children, youth and women from humble backgrounds. Our work brings together learning, healing and long-term relationships rather than one-off charity.

Where do you work?

Our Learning Center and community work are based in Mumbai. Through our online Youth Development Program and Dream Project, we now also support young people across India.

Is Touching Lives a registered organisation?

Yes. We are registered as a public charitable trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act. We hold 80G certification for tax-exempt giving, FCRA registration for receiving foreign contributions, and CSR-1 registration to receive corporate CSR funds.

How can I stay updated on your work?

The simplest way is our monthly newsletter, which carries stories from the ground, learning highlights and updates from across our programs. You can subscribe on our Newsletter page, or follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

What can you do to support Touching Lives?

We welcome support that is thoughtful, consistent and guided by the real needs of the children, families and programs. There are many ways to help:

  • Mentor or teach children and young people
  • Share a professional skill or run a workshop
  • Help with events, drives and campaigns
  • Contribute online, from anywhere
  • Fund a child, a scholarship or a program
  • Partner with us as a company or an NGO
What does Touching Lives not do?

To protect the safety, dignity and continuity of each child’s learning journey, we do not encourage:

  • One-time or ad hoc interactions with children
  • Unsupervised engagement or direct personal contact with children
  • Birthday celebrations or private events at the Learning Centre
  • Distribution of gifts, money or materials directly to children
  • Donations of clothes, food, medicines or other items
  • Photography, filming or sharing children’s stories without prior consent
  • Short-term engagement that creates expectations without follow-through

We welcome support that is thoughtful, consistent and guided by the actual needs of the children, families and programs.

For Donors

For Donors

How can I donate?

You can give securely online through our Donate page, which supports one-time and monthly giving in Indian Rupees and other currencies. You can choose to support a child, a program, or wherever the need is greatest.

Will I get a tax exemption?

Yes. Touching Lives is registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, so donations from Indian taxpayers are eligible for tax exemption. You will receive a receipt for your records.

Can I give from outside India?

Yes. We hold FCRA registration, which allows us to receive foreign contributions in keeping with Indian law. Our Donate page accepts international giving.

How is my donation used, and how do you stay transparent?

Your contribution goes toward learning, healing and support for the children, youth and women in our programs. We publish our financial and FCRA disclosures on the site, and our monthly newsletter shows where support goes in practice.

Can I sponsor a specific child or program?

Yes. Many supporters choose to fund a child's journey, a scholarship, or a specific program. Write to us at ankit@touchonelife.org and we will help you find the right fit.

For Corporates

For Corporates

Can our company partner with Touching Lives for CSR?

Yes. We are registered with CSR-1 (Form CSR-1 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs), which allows companies to route CSR funds to us. We also hold 80G and FCRA registration.

What kinds of corporate partnerships are possible?

Companies partner with us through CSR grants, employee volunteering and mentoring, skills-based support, fundraising events such as the Tata Mumbai Marathon, and sponsorship of scholarships and programs. We are happy to shape a partnership around your goals.

Do you provide reports and documentation?

Yes. We share utilisation reports, statutory documents and impact updates as part of every corporate partnership. To begin a conversation, write to ankit@touchonelife.org.

For Volunteers

For Volunteers

How can I volunteer?

Start by filling in our Volunteer Interest form, linked from the Volunteer page. We will understand your interests, skills and availability, and find a meaningful way for you to contribute.

What can volunteers do?

Volunteers mentor and teach, support learning activities, share professional skills, help with events, or contribute online from anywhere. There is room for both regular commitments and occasional, flexible involvement.

Do I need special qualifications or experience?

Not always. What matters most is commitment, empathy and reliability. Some roles, such as counselling or specialised teaching, benefit from a relevant background, and we will guide you based on your interests.

Can I volunteer remotely?

Yes. Several roles, including online mentoring, content and skills-based support, can be done remotely.

For Students & Families

For Students & Families

Who can join our programs?

Our afterschool and Learning Center programs support school-going children from the communities we work in. Our Youth Development Program and Dream Project support young people aged 16 to 25 from humble backgrounds across India.

Is there any fee?

No. Our programs for children and young people are free. Touching Lives is supported by donors, and participation costs nothing for the children and families we serve.

How can a young person join the Youth Development Program?

Young people aged 16 to 25 can join the free online Youth Development Program by writing to ydp@touchonelife.org. NGOs and community organisations can also partner with us to reach young people in their area.

Can I visit the Learning Center?

Yes. We welcome visitors on our Visitors' Day. You can register your interest through the form on our Contact page, and we will share the details.

Still have a question?

We would love to hear from you. Reach out and a member of our team will get back to you.