Archive · 12 Aug 2026
How to Legally Create an NGO in Your Grandfather's Name
A woman's grandfather passed away and left her some money.
Her grandfather loved helping children learn and go to school.
He asked her to use some of the money to start a charity in his name.
A charity is a group that helps people without trying to earn money.
In India, there are three ways to start such a charity.
She can create a trust, a special company, or a society.
Each type needs a different number of people to help run it.
The charity must follow the law and register properly.
If she is not an Indian citizen, there are extra rules for the money she gives.
Starting a charity takes a lot of time and work, so she should be prepared.
A 30-year-old woman who inherited a considerable sum seeks to start an NGO in her grandfather's name to support education causes.
The available legal structures are a public charitable trust, a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013, and a charitable society.
A Section 8 Company must use its income only for charitable objects and cannot distribute dividends to members.
A charitable society requires at least seven members, while a public trust needs at least one additional trustee.
Registered charities may claim tax exemption under the Income-tax Act, 2025, and non-Indian citizens face Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 rules.
- Who
- A 30-year-old woman who recently inherited a considerable sum from her grandfather and wants to establish an NGO in his memory.
- What
- Legal guidance on creating a charitable entity — a public charitable trust, Section 8 Company, or society — to fund education causes.
- When
- Not specified in the article.
- Where
- India; the article references Indian law and states including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- Why
- To honour her grandfather's wish and ensure the inherited funds are used properly for education-related causes.
- Legal entity options
- Public charitable trust, Section 8 Company, charitable society
- Governing law
- Companies Act, 2013
- Society minimum members
- Seven
- Trust trustees
- Founder plus at least one additional trustee
- Tax exemption
- Registration under the Income-tax Act, 2025
- States with trust regulation
- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan
- Non-citizen donations
- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 applies
- Purpose
- Education-related causes in the grandfather's name and memory