World NGO Day | 9 organisations in Lucknow making a difference

While most of us go about our daily lives, the quiet efforts of those working for the greater good often go unnoticed. Local NGOs, despite their courageous efforts, rarely receive the recognition they deserve. Yet, they persist -- driven not by accolades but by a deep commitment to creating meaningful change.

On this World NGO Day, February 27, we shine a light on 9 inspiring organisations in Lucknow that are working selflessly to uplift communities:

Founded in 2013, Innovation for Change (IFC) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged children by providing access to education, food security, and skill development programs. With a strong belief that every child deserves a chance to build a better future, IFC works at the grassroots level to bridge gaps in opportunity and uplift marginalised communities.

Beyond direct support, the organisation actively engages in awareness initiatives through Nukkad Nataks (street plays), workshops, and community campaigns, shedding light on critical social issues such as child labor, gender equality, and the importance of education. The NGO earned national recognition after a video featuring slum children recreating a bridal fashion shoot, inspired by renowned Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, went viral.

Go for Gomti is an environmental NGO committed to restoring and preserving the Gomti River, a crucial waterway for Lucknow and surrounding areas. The organisation conducts regular cleanliness drives at different ghats every Sunday, involving residents in their mission to reduce pollution and maintain the river’s ecological health. Their consistent efforts contribute to creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations.

As of February 23, 2025, they have completed 95 consecutive cleanliness drives, demonstrating their consistent commitment to the cause. The NGO believes in the power of collective efforts to bring lasting change. As co-founder Prateek Bharadwaj puts it, “When you work to bring any sort of change, it might not become evident instantly, but gradually, it does impact society. We believe the river will certainly become cleaner with our efforts.”

Jeev Ashray is a leading animal welfare organisation in Lucknow, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray animals. Since its establishment in 2011, the NGO has handled over 138,000 rescue cases, providing emergency medical treatment, foster care, and adoption support for injured and abandoned animals. Jeev Ashray plays a crucial role in advocating for animal rights and ensuring the humane treatment of strays in the city.

Sathee Foundation which is although headquartered in Ghaziabad but functions actively in Lucknow is dedicated to social awareness, healthcare, education and empowerment. The NGO focuses particularly in underprivileged communities such as slums and rural areas. The organisation runs various initiatives, including educational programs, healthcare awareness campaigns, women's hygiene projects and a food bank.

Swatantra Talim is another NGO dedicated to fostering creativity and critical thinking among children, aged 6 to 16, in rural Uttar Pradesh. The NGO operates after-school learning centres in Lucknow and Sitapur districts, providing an environment where children can engage in experiential learning and explore their interests beyond the conventional curriculum.

Co-founded by Ridhi Aggarwal and Rahul Aggarwal, Swatantra Talim emphasises the importance of granting children the freedom to choose their learning paths, thereby enhancing motivation and effective learning. Talim's programs, such as KhojYan, focus on hands-on, contextual learning, aiming to transform villages into centres of innovation, and children into innovators driving social change.

Alisha Asif, a member from the NGO states, "We focus on skill-based development for children in government schools, aiming to make their education more hands-on and practical. Our goal is to enhance their skills so they can actively find solutions to challenges in their communities."

She adds, "Education goes beyond textbooks--it includes hands-on learning, skill development, and overall well-being. It should truly resonate with children and their experiences."

Project KHEL is an innovative NGO dedicated to empowering children through interactive learning methods. Recognised for its unique approach to education, the organisation received the India Education Awards in 2017 for innovation in education. Its founder, Akshai Abraham, has been honoured as an Acumen Fellow and awarded the Karamveer Chakra as well.

The NGO further trains children from local slums and marginalised communities in sports like Frisbee to participate in national and international level tournaments. Several trained children from the NGO have earned medals at different competitions. The NGO continues to engage children through sports, life skills training, and experiential learning programs.

Angana Prasad, the Head of Gender and Social Inclusion at Project KHEL, reflects on the organisation's core values, "As an organisation that works entirely with children through sports and activity-based learning, we constantly strive to normalise love, warmth, and kindness in everything we do!"

Aasra – The Helping Hands Foundation is a dedicated animal welfare in Lucknow. The foundation is committed to rescuing, feeding, sterilising, fostering and finding loving homes for stray animals. Serving as a safe haven for over 200 voiceless souls, the foundation provides care, medical attention, and shelter to animals in need.

Founded by sister duo, Charu Khare and Purna Khare, Aasra has been tirelessly working for the past five years to improve the lives of strays, despite the challenges that come with animal welfare.

Beyond direct care, Aasra advocates for responsible coexistence between humans and animals, urging people to be more compassionate toward the environment and the creatures that rely on them.

As co-founder Charu Khare emphasises, “We are dedicated to helping the voiceless and stray animals. The journey has been difficult yet rewarding, and we urge everyone to be responsible not just toward society but also toward the environment and the animals that depend on us.”

The Robin Hood Army is a volunteer-driven, zero-funds organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between surplus food and those in need. Well-renowned across Asia, the foundation has an active presence in Lucknow, where volunteers work tirelessly to serve the underprivileged.

By partnering with restaurants, local businesses and communities, the organisation ensures that excess food is redirected to homeless families, orphanages, patients in public hospitals, and elderly residents in old age homes instead of going to waste.

Operating on a hyperlocal model, the Robin Hood Army empowers volunteers, known as 'Robins', to collect and distribute food within their own neighbourhoods.

Raghavendra, a long-time member of the Lucknow chapter of RHA, states, "We believe that no one should go to bed hungry, so we strive to feed as many people in the city as possible. While people in Lucknow can volunteer and donate, those outside the city can also contribute by ordering food through any means; every bit counts!"

The Adarsh Kusht Ashram is Lucknow’s oldest organisation dedicated to providing medical care, shelter and support to those affected by leprosy. Established in 1973, the ashram has been a refuge for thousands of patients who continue to suffer from the debilitating effects of this disease, often facing social exclusion and extreme hardship. Through decades of unwavering service, the foundation has remained a pillar of hope for those in desperate need.

Located in the Kanpur Road area, the ashram welcomes donations from those willing to support its mission. People can voluntarily contribute food, rations, clothing and financial aid, ensuring that patients not only receive treatment but also dignity and care.

Vikas from the management team of the Aashram says, "Many elderly patients find refuge in our Aashram, who would otherwise go untreated. We encourage the people of Lucknow to visit and support us by donating rations and funds to help feed them."