Resource Guide and Toolkit for Organizing Events for a Successful India Giving Day in Your Community

Overview 

The fourth annual INDIA GIVING DAY (IGD), an initiative of the India Philanthropy Alliance, is being held on March 13, 2026. We are partnering with 40+ carefully vetted charities that are driving meaningful change across education, health, livelihoods, agriculture, climate action, and other key areas of development in India. 

IGD encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to join this movement of collective generosity. The steering committee invites participation through in-person and online events, mobilizing diaspora and donor support nationwide. From 2023 to 2025, we witnessed a remarkable increase in the number and scale of community events, with the total number growing from 4 to 50+. This year, we expect 60+ events to be held nationwide in celebration of IGD 2026.

This guide and toolkit are for organizations and individuals interested in hosting events for awareness and fundraising for IGD 2026, including local chapters of national organizations, small groups, and individuals engaged in philanthropy and volunteering for India. Events can involve youth, young professionals, and anyone inspired to contribute.

Key Details

  • India Giving Day runs from 6 PM, March 12, to 11:59 PM PT, March 13.
  • Early giving starts March 1, 2026.

Why India Giving Day
This initiative highlights impactful giving for India, fostering collaboration among nonprofits and supporters. It encourages moving from a scarcity mindset to creating a bigger collective impact, amplifying nonprofit efforts through partnerships with the Indian government and U.S.-based fundraising.

Participation Guidelines
India Giving Day is open to all, including those unaffiliated with the 40+ participating organizations. Anyone can organize an event to celebrate India Giving Day. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Inform us of your event plans if using the India Giving Day brand or logo.
  • Do not invoke religion or politics inappropriately or criticize any nonprofit organisation. Maintain inclusivity and positivity.
  • Share photos and summaries of your events with the us.

Events can be scheduled anytime in February and March, but the best period for hosting an IGD event is between March 1 and March 14. This window offers the greatest opportunity for participation and ensures an enhanced experience. Make the most of these key weeks to ensure your event’s success! For more details, see Appendix 1 and Appendix 2. 

Resources and Toolkit:

  • Appendix 1: India Giving Day Policies Related to Holding Events and Suggested Format for Applying to Have an IGD Affiliated Event.
  • Appendix 2: Activities that can be undertaken by Individuals or Groups for IGD Events.
  • Appendix 3: Videos that Can be Shown at India Giving Day-Affiliated In-Person and Online Events.
  • Appendix 4: Articles and Videos about High-Impact Philanthropy.
  • Social Media Templates, the India Giving Day logo, and more to be shared soon.

Examples of Previous Events held by Organizations and Individuals for IGD are given below. To see more suggestions for activities that can be undertaken, visit undertaken, visit Appendix 2.

Host

Event

Ek Kadam Aur

Organized a lunch event at Harvard ALI with the founder spoke about addressing critical social issues in India, and asking for in person donations to IGD

Sehgal Foundation

Organized a fundraising dinner at the Iowa Culinary Institute to raise awareness about its work at a gathering for senior citizens.

Board Member 

A board member, Akanksha Education Fund (AEF), hosted a casual gathering for potential supporters to come together, learn more about AEF, and contribute towards the IGD Campaign.

Drishtee Foundation

Organized a musical walk and fundraiser at a public park.

Pratham 

Organized an online dance party featuring Masala Bhangra dancers. Participants engaged in 25-minute dance tutorial influenced by modern Bhangra and Bollywood styles, and ended with a call to action to support Pratham’s IGD fundraiser.

Children’s Hope India

Hosted a charity Basketball tournament organized by high school students

H2H

Hosted a lunch led by one of its Medical Advisors to rally support in celebration of H2H and IGD.

High School Student

A high school student held an awareness event at their high school to raise awareness and funds for education in India and IGD.

Volunteer/ College Student

A volunteer for VFF held an event at Rutgers University to generate awareness and funds to VFF USA's cause to make a meaningful impact on the occasion of IGD.

Prepared by the India Giving Day Secretariat


For any questions about the India Giving Day national effort, please contact Alex Counts, Executive Director at India Philanthropy Alliance at alex@indiaphilanthropyalliance.org.

For any questions about India Giving Day efforts and for organizing events, please email Meenakshi Mahajan, Deputy Director at meenakshi@indiaphilanthropyalliance.org