| Type | Governing Law / Registration | Purpose & Objectives | Key Features | Examples | 
  
    | NGOs | Can be registered as a Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company | Social, charitable, developmental, humanitarian work | Broad term; independent of government; flexible formats | Child rights NGOs, environmental NGOs | 
  
    | Section 8 Companies | Companies Act, 2013 (India) | Promote education, science, art, culture, social welfare, charity, environment | Highly regulated, transparent structure, profits reinvested for objectives, no dividends | Teach for India, Smile Foundation | 
  
    | Trusts | Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (private) + State laws (public) | Welfare, education, health, religious, charitable activities | Simple formation, governed by trust deed, trustees manage assets | Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON | 
  
    | Foundations | Usually Trust or Section 8 Company | Philanthropy, CSR, grant-making, social impact | Often set up by corporates/families, focus on funding & projects | Tata Trusts, Reliance Foundation, Azim Premji Foundation |