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YOUR QUESTIONS ON SIRUTHULIGAL FOUNDATION ANSWERED.

We understand that you may have questions about our foundation, our initiatives, and how you can get involved. This FAQ page is designed to provide you with clear and concise answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you need further information or have any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
About the Foundation

What inspired the creation of the Siruthuligal Foundation?

Service-minded friends, and friends of friends, who until then were doing voluntary servicing individually or joining hands with other forums and groups, struck upon the idea of forming a group to carry their own banner – while carrying out first-hand relief works during Chennai Floods 2015.

What is the mission and vision of the Siruthuligal Foundation?

Our vision at Siruthuligal Foundation is to create a world where education knows no bounds – where every student’s potential is unlocked, and dreams are not hindered by socio-economic limitations.

At Siruthuligal Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering underprivileged students through education, guiding them towards a brighter future.

We believe every student deserves the opportunity to overcome barriers and realize their dreams. Our unwavering commitment is to empower, uplift, and provide the essential support needed for each student to script their own tale of triumph.

Who are the key members and founders of the Siruthuligal Foundation?

  • C.S.M. Rajeshkumar - Founder & Managing Trustee
  • V. Ramesh - Co Founder& Managing Trustee
  • S. Vedhanayagam - Co Founder& Managing Trustee
  • M. Ganesa Pandian - Trustee
  • C.K. Vivekanandan - Trustee

What are the core values that guide the foundation’s work?

At Siruthuligal Foundation, our core values act as a compass, steering our actions, decisions and collective commitment toward our mission of nurturing dreams and breaking barriers through education and are Compassion: We approach every individual with empathy and understanding, ensuring that our support is not only effective but also delivered with kindness and respect.

Empowerment: We believe in providing the tools and resources necessary for individuals to take control of their own lives, fostering self-reliance and confidence.

Community: We build strong, supportive networks that connect individuals and organizations, creating a united effort to address challenges and achieve shared goals.

Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that our programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of background, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Resilience: We instill the strength to overcome adversity, encouraging perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Hope: We inspire optimism and a positive outlook, nurturing the belief that a better future is possible through education and collective effort.

Programs and Initiatives

What are the main programs and initiatives undertaken by the foundation?

  • Academics Support for deserving College Students.
  • Learning Centres for Rural Students.
  • 2 years DMLT Course (Collaborative initiative).
  • Students Learning & Development.
  • Students Volunteering – Scribing / Audiobooks Recording.

How do you identify the communities and individuals that need support?

  • On receiving any interest from a community or individuals, we employ our own checklist / methodology to start with.
  • Credentials and processes / procedures of the requesters are sought for evaluation.
  • SiFo Education Support Leads invite for a face-to-face in the case of an individual or visit the location in the case of a community before deciding on the support.

Can you share some success stories or case studies from your projects?

  • About 120+ students supported so far, all funded from regular contributions from friends and well-wishers.
  • Nalvidhaigal concept being followed – students taking care of students by way of regular contribution after they pass out & take up a job. Refer Nalvidhaigal page for success stories.

How does the foundation measure the impact of its programs?

  • Number of students who continue to work with us (Nalvithaigal).
  • Number of scribing & Number of scribing hours.
  • Number of Audiobooks & Number of Volunteer hours.
Education and Financial Aid

What kind of educational support does the foundation provide?

Initial support starts with paying the academic fees during the support period, and if a student is found promising (subject to score card evaluation) they are provided for Laptops / Mobiles / Academic Coaching where required.

How can students apply for financial aid or scholarships through the foundation?

SiFo calls for application from students usually from July when majority of the academic year start, application can be made through Google Forms posted in Facebook or relevant WhatsApp groups; we also entertain any applications referred by any individual or other NGOs.

What criteria do you use to select beneficiaries for financial aid?

  • Students should be from Govt. / Govt. aided schools.
  • Single Parent / No Parents / Under Guardian care.
  • Family Income less than RS 10000 per month.

Are there any specific requirements or documentation needed for aid applications?

  • Proof of Academic Achievements – Curricular and Co-curricular – until the point of application.
  • Proof of Parental Employment / Income – to ascertain the income status
  • Proof of Governmental IDs – Aadhaar / Ration – for Address verification.
Volunteering and Donations

How can individuals volunteer with the Siruthuligal Foundation?

Interested Individuals can contact any of the SiFo Members, but depends on the outcome of subsequent background check on the individual’s interest and history of any such social service activities.

What are the different ways to donate to the foundation?

Bank Transfer – Cheque / Online - Regular / UPI / Ad-hoc contributions

Are there any specific items or services that the foundation needs more than others?

  • As an item, Laptops could be more useful to the students
  • As a service, volunteering is welcome for Scribing / Audiobooks recording / Mentoring / Skill Development support to the students.

How are donations utilized, and can donors specify where their money goes?

  • Donors have a say as to where their donation should go to.
  • Contributions / Donations are utilized directly to the student / event that the donor wishes to be employed, and the proof of the same is communicated back to the donor the moment the utilization is done.
Tax Benefits and Donation Incentives

What tax benefits are available for donations to the Siruthuligal Foundation?

Foundation is compliant with Income Tax Schemes and 80G tax benefits are available to the donors towards proper accounting.

How can I, as a donor, avail these tax benefits?

Complete account details for fund transfer will be communicated by the Foundation to the donor; once the transfer is done, proper receipt will be forwarded for tax purposes.
What documentation is required to claim tax deductions on my donations? During end of Financial year, we will provide 10BE form for income tax returns filing.

How much of my donation is eligible for tax deduction?

For individuals, the deduction under Section 80G can be claimed on the amount donated to eligible institutions or funds up to a maximum of 50% or 100% of the donated amount, depending on the institution or fund to which the donation has been made.

Are there any caps or limits on the amount I can donate for tax benefits?

No cap / No limits for Donation for Tax benefits

Can corporates also avail tax benefits on donations?

Yes

How do I know if my donation is eligible for tax deductions?

All the Donations are eligible for 80G Tax claims.

How soon after donating will I receive my donation receipt?

Receipt will be mailed to the Donor within a weeks time.

Merchandising and Fundraising

What types of merchandise are available for purchase to support the foundation?

Merchandising not in practice as of now.

Are there any upcoming fundraising events or campaigns?

Not in practice as of now.

How can businesses or organizations collaborate with the foundation on fundraising?

Please contact CSM Rajeshkumar, Managing Trustee to discuss this topic.

Community Involvement and Awareness

How does the foundation engage with the local community?

As per guidelines set in Theruvilakku Learning Center for Rural Students.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Who are your current partners and collaborators?

We collaborate with another NGO by name FEMA (Forum for Environmental Awareness) since 2023, for supporting students enrolled for Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technician (DMLT) 2 years course.

How can organizations or corporations partner with the Siruthuligal Foundation?

Organizations and Corporations can contact out Foundation detailing their collaboration area; foundation would consider and evaluate the same before chalking out the Memorandum.

What benefits do partners receive from collaborating with the foundation?

Depends on the collaborated programme .

Are there any specific partnership opportunities or projects in the pipeline?

We are looking for Coordinators / partners for establishing Theruvilakku Learning centers in Rural areas.

General Inquiries

How can someone get in touch with the foundation for more information?

Call us at +91 7823 9995 01 / +91 7823 9995 02. or

E-Mail us at support@siruthuligalfoundation.org

What are the foundation’s office hours and location?

Siruthuligal Foundation is at present located at Ambattur, Chennai; since our activities are predominantly carried out by working professionals and students, the foundation doesn’t boast of any dedicated office yet.

What should I do if I have a complaint or concern about the foundation’s activities?

Should there be an untoward concern or inconvenience in the conduct of the business by the affected, the same can be taken up to the Managing Trustee of the foundation, and a resolution may be achieved.