Magic Bus India Foundation Press Release – Individual Giving and Social Impact

Magic Bus India Foundation released a press statement highlighting the growing role of individual donors in India’s social sector, emphasizing that sustained, small‑scale contributions can drive significant change for youth education, skilling and livelihood programmes.

The How India Gives 2025‑26 study cited in the release estimates that 68 % of Indians make some form of charitable contribution, amounting to approximately Rs 54,000 crore in household giving each year. Leveraging this generosity, Magic Bus illustrates a concrete scenario: a monthly donation of Rs 500 (equivalent to Rs 6,000 per year) from 10,000 individuals would generate Rs 6 crore annually to support its programmes.

Key quotation – Preity Karandikar, Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Individual Giving at Magic Bus, stated: “The future of giving is not just about making a donation. It is about creating a sense of participation. When people understand the journey their contribution supports and can see how their support makes a difference, giving becomes more meaningful.” She added that “when many people contribute consistently, even smaller amounts can come together to create meaningful impact,” underscoring the shift from one‑time gifts to ongoing relationships.

The release stresses that donors increasingly demand transparency, trust and regular communication about how their funds are used and the outcomes achieved. For Magic Bus, the objective extends beyond donor acquisition to building a community of supporters who are invested in the long‑term development of young people.

Organisation Overview and Programme Reach

  • Founded: 1999; Impact: Over 5 million young people across India.
  • Adolescent Programme: Targets ages 12‑18, delivered in 22 states and Union Territories, reaching over 40 lakh adolescents (girls constitute 52 %). Implemented in partnership with 10 state governments and NITI Aayog.
  • Livelihood Programme: Serves ages 18‑25, reaching over 3.5 lakh youth annually; 84 % secure sustainable employment; young women represent 60 % of participants.
  • Rural Livelihood Programme: Supports entrepreneurship in peri‑urban and rural areas, having created over 2,500 entrepreneurs, of whom 96 % are women.

The statement concludes that a broader shift toward regular individual giving could enable the entire NGO sector to move beyond transactional donations, fostering deeper, longer‑term engagement with supporters and amplifying social impact.

For further information, visit: www.magicbus.org