New Delhi, Nov. 3 -- It's the season of giving, so why not consider supporting those less fortunate than you?

Giving Diwali gifts to your house-help, driver and office staff is often routine. But for many people, the desire to give extends beyond festive gifts to supporting meaningful causes.

"It just feels nice to share," said Jyoti Khare-Pandey, a 51-year-old Mumbai resident who grew up watching her mother give to others and now tries to inculcate the same spirit in her daughters.

If you decide to donate, however, knowing where to start can be daunting. More than 6 lakh non-profit organisations are registered on the government's Darpan portal, with lakhs more operating outside it. Some people hesitate to give because they are unsure ...