Help & Support
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the questions people ask us most — about who we support, our 80G donations, how to apply, and how our scholarships work. If yours is not here, it costs nothing to ask.
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Good to know
We support adolescent girls and women aged 18 and above — we do not fund minors. Browse a category, or jump straight to your question. If you cannot find it, message us on WhatsApp and a real person will answer.
Trust and verification
Is Vedicology Foundation a registered organisation?
Yes. Vedicology Foundation is a registered Section 8 non-profit. We hold 12A and 80G registration and are listed on the Government of India's NITI Aayog Darpan portal. You can read our full registration details on our Legal and Registration page.
Is my donation eligible for 80G tax benefit?
Yes. We hold 80G registration, so your gift is eligible for a 50% tax deduction under Section 80G. You receive a donation receipt by email to keep for your records. See our Donate page for more.
How can I verify that Vedicology Foundation is a registered non-profit?
You can check our registration details in full on our Legal and Registration page — our Section 8 status, PAN, 12A, 80G, and Darpan ID. Our support is always free, and we never ask anyone for a fee. If you ever have a doubt, contact us directly at . Read why we never charge a fee.
Is Vedicology Foundation the same as Vedicology Advisors?
No. Vedicology Foundation is a separate, registered Section 8 non-profit. Other businesses share the Vedicology name, but the Foundation is its own legal entity. We work only to support the education and livelihoods of women. You can read our story to learn more.
Who we support
Who does Vedicology Foundation support?
We support adolescent girls and women aged 18 and above, across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They come from orphaned and single-parent homes, and include women rebuilding their lives. They are capable, deserving students held back by the circumstances of their lives — studying for degrees, training for professions, or learning a skill. See who we support.
What age groups do you support?
We support adolescent girls and women aged 18 and above. We do not fund minors. Our support begins at 18.
Which states do you work in?
We work across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
How our support works
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Our support is completely free. We never charge any application fee, processing fee, registration fee, or documentation fee. If anyone asks you for money in our name, please report it to .
How much of the cost do you fund?
For most scholarships we fund a large share of the cost — usually between 50% and 75%. We carry most of it, and sharing what remains lets us reach more students who need us. The exact share is worked out for your own situation, after we understand it. There is one exception. A girl who grew up in a registered children's home, with no family to return to, has her whole education funded under the Care Leaver Scholarship. Read how we work.
Do you pay students directly, or the institution?
We pay the institution directly, on the student's behalf. We never give cash to students or their families. Tuition, hostel, exam, coaching, and vocational fees go straight to the verified institution. Read how direct payment works.
Applying and referring
How do I apply?
It is simpler than you might expect. There is no long form to fill in to begin. Send us one message on WhatsApp, or , and tell us your situation in your own words. We will guide you from there. See how to apply.
Can someone refer a student on her behalf?
Yes. A college, a children's home, an NGO, or a social worker can refer a student to us. If you know a deserving student who needs support, you can start that conversation for her. See how to refer a student.
What documents do I need?
Please do not worry about paperwork at this stage. When you reach out, we will tell you simply what helps, and we keep the list short. Missing a document never stops you from starting a conversation with us. Tell us your situation honestly, and we will guide you through the rest. See how to apply.
Donating and getting involved
Can a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) donate to Vedicology Foundation?
In many cases, yes. An NRI who still holds Indian citizenship can give from their own funds through normal banking channels, such as an NRO account. Under the law this is not foreign contribution, and we welcome it. Gifts from foreign nationals or OCI/PIO card holders need FCRA registration, which we can apply for after three full years of work. Unsure which applies to you? Write to us and we will guide you. Donate here.
Where does my donation actually go?
Straight to a student's education. We pay tuition, hostel, exam, coaching, and vocational fees directly to verified institutions on a student's behalf — never as cash to students or families. You can see our reach and how we account for every rupee on our Impact page.
Can I get a refund?
A donation is a voluntary gift and is final once it is complete, because your 80G receipt is issued the moment it is processed. We do refund a small set of clear cases — a duplicate charge, a wrong amount entered by mistake, an unauthorised transaction, or a technical error at the payment stage — if you notify us within 7 days. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
How can I help if I don't want to donate money?
You can give your time or skills as a volunteer — for example, by mentoring a student or teaching a skill. See how to volunteer.
Our programmes
What kinds of support does Vedicology Foundation offer?
We run eight programmes across Tamil Nadu and Kerala:
- Scholarships for college and professional study — including full funding for girls leaving a children's home.
- Competitive-exam coaching for NEET, JEE, CA, CMA, UPSC, and CAT.
- Vocational training to learn a skill and earn from it.
- Education Continuity Grant for a student who suddenly cannot afford to continue.
- Emergency Assistance for a sudden crisis that threatens her place.
- Exam Fee Support for registration and sitting fees.
- Study Material and Device Support for books, and a device to study on.
See all programmes to find the one that fits.
Important
Vedicology Foundation never charges any application fee, processing fee, registration fee, or documentation fee. Our support is completely free. If anyone asks you for money claiming to represent us, please report it immediately:
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Still have a question?
Message us on WhatsApp or email us. It costs nothing to ask, and a real person will answer.