OUR CHARITY
We are a close-knit team of unpaid Trustees, with a small group of volunteers who help us, and some very loyal supporters and sponsors. We aim to give something real and lasting to some of India’s poor. We mainly work with children, and 100% of donations go to the projects in India.
Our principal activity is the running of two Children’s Homes for around 135 destitute children: Bethel and Joy. Our aim is to give them a proper childhood in a happy family-style environment, enabling them to overcome poverty and to achieve a financially independent future. We also support widows in the community and a variety of other small projects.
We work in partnership with the Love and Care Charitable Trust (LCCT), a registered Indian charity based in Chennai. LCCT is run by three Indian Trustees (who are also volunteers), Annie, Pastor Martin and Omega. They understand the local needs, culture and bureaucracy, and work tirelessly on the projects in India. Their input is essential to ensure that our projects are effective, properly managed and fully accountable. All money donated to us goes directly to the point of need in India, as agreed in consultation with our Indian partners.
“India Direct is probably the most special charity I support. The level of commitment from the team is beyond anything I have ever come across in a charity.
The clue is in the name – that every red cent is sent to do good & afford opportunities to children who otherwise would have nothing. It is amazing – please support this unique & wonderful charity”
OUR ETHOS
Our underlying principle is that 100% of the money you donate will go towards those in India who need it most.
Trustees and volunteers give their time, talents and resources freely. Our Indian partners understand how difficult it is to raise money in today’s financial climate, and they spend the donations wisely. Items bought for the homes are chosen for durability and with the safety of the children in mind. We aim to make the homes more self-sufficient by investing in vegetable gardens and livestock; providing fresh food and minimising costs.
Audited annual accounts are submitted to the Charities Commission for scrutiny, and we receive annual audited accounts from LCCT. All UK administrative costs are kept to a minimum, and these are recouped from the Gift Aid claimed from HMRC.
We receive no other funding from either Indian or UK Government sources.
UK Trustees make personal visits to India, which are not funded by India Direct. During visits, we check that the homes are well run and properly maintained, and the children are educated, healthy and well-cared for. We also consider suggestions for new projects, and support LCCT in assessing these. We check on accountability, ensure money is well spent, and nurture positive relationships with our partners. Trustees usually pay their own costs to visit India, however, on occasion private donations have been made specifically for this purpose.
A SECURE HOME
Our children’s homes Joy & Bethel provide some of India’s poorest children with a safe & secure environment.
BASIC NEEDS
We are able to provide basic healthcare, a balanced diet, clothing and essentials. In addition, we aim to provide the odd luxury: toys, books and some sparkly saris!
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Key to our efforts is ensuring each of the children in our care has a good standard of education & training, including University courses to open up their career opportunities.
A BETTER FUTURE
Through these efforts, we aim to ensure all children we support leave with a chance for a better future: giving them the necessary skills and qualifications to escape poverty.
Every penny, changing lives.
Our underlying principle is that 100% of the money you donate will go towards those in India who need it most. 100% of your donation goes directly to our projects in India.
All UK administrative costs are kept to a minimum, and these are recouped from the Gift Aid claimed from HMRC.