India has a large number of non-governmental organisations involved in various areas of development such as education, health care and other welfare activities. These agencies are mainly funded by private individuals or institutions and also receive governmental aid. The Indian has in recent months taken active measures to increase awareness among private corporations regarding corporate social responsibility.
This research note describes the possible routes for investment in social welfare organisations in India. While social investment in India is constrained in the current regulatory environment, this guide clearly illustrates the available opportunities to structure investments in a manner that meet the objective of the investor within a narrow regulatory framework.
This guide provides a summary of Indian regulations that impact social investment into India; the form of entities commonly used for social entrepreneurs; and forms of investment, along with a handy directory of acronyms and definitions.