The billions given to charity by ordinary Indians every year
A new report argues that India’s biggest force in philanthropy is not billionaire pledges or corporate budgets, it is households. Drawing on more than 7,000 interviews across 20 states, the How India Gives 2025 report estimates household giving at about 540 billion rupees a year, spanning cash, in-kind support, and volunteering. Much of this generosity is local, faith-shaped, and driven by everyday obligation rather than formal fundraising systems.