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Data Protection Compliance for Non-profits Making data protection compliance practical, contextual, and meaningful Non-profit organisations routinely collect, store, and process personal data in the course of delivering programmes, conducting research, engaging with beneficiaries, managing donors, and coordinating with partners. This data often includes sensitive personal information, and its responsible handling is critical not only for legal compliance but also for maintaining the trust and dignity of the communities they serve. From policy to practice — is your data protection framework aligned? How prepared is your organisation for data protection compliance? Find out with our data privacy self-assessment tool! * * Pacta’s privacy self-assessment tool helps organisations review their current privacy practices and offers indicative personalised recommendations Pacta's Legal and Strategic Support for Navigating the DPDP Act While India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) and Rules (2025) applies across sectors, its implications for non-profit organisations are distinct. The introduction of new compliance obligations necessitates accessible, sector-specific guidance to help non-profits understand and implement the law effectively. Pacta works with social impact organisations to navigate DPDP compliance in ways that are legally sound, ethically grounded, and proportionate to risk, without diverting energy away from mission. Schedule a DPDP 101 session DPDP Compliance for Dalgo and Partners (2026) Read more Pacta held "An introduction to DPDP practices and data protection measures" session at Dalgo's 'Data Dialogues' hosted in collaboration with CDSSI at Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) Priority on stakeholder co-creation over consultant imposition Stakeholder Co-creation Policies, SOPs, and templates tailored for practical, real-world implementation Practical and Implementable Focused efforts on high-priority compliance gaps and significant threats Risk- Proportionate Alignment between global organizational standards and India's regulatory requirements Industry Good Practices Building internal capacity for sustained compliance beyond external consultants. Fostering Self-r eliance Five foundational principles of Pacta's non-profit-first approach to data protection Pacta’s DPDP Engagement Framework Data Privacy Audits DPDP Advisory Capacity Building Under our Learning Spaces initiative, Pacta routinely conducts capacity and awareness building sessions focusing on practical DPDP compliance for non-profits, addressing common misconceptions, risks of over-compliance, and approaches to making informed decisions under uncertainty. Some of our notable clients and partners include: Dalgo, Indus Action, Agami, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, Civis, Citizen Digital Foundation, CIFF-Dalberg, Central Square Foundation and Space2Grow. Pacta supports non-profit and social impact organisations in setting up DPDP-compliant systems and processes. We lead legal and ethical data risk mitigation through drafting and advising on: Tailored department SOPs for teams handling personal data. Data privacy governance Data lifecycle protocols for data collection, use, storage, and retention Compliant notice and consent frameworks Third-party safeguards Future-ready compliance including DPO roles, breach response, and audits. Our audits have helped clients to identify compliance gaps and initiate necessary processes, appointments, and documentation to comply with the DPDP Act. Pacta’s services has aided non-profits to demonstrate the legal compliance of their products and processes, enabling to scale their programs as a government partner. Some of our notable clients include: The Azim Premji Foundation, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Piramal Swasthya Foundation, Armman, British Asian Trust Featured Engagements Through primers, policy analyses, and sector-focused studies, Pacta examines how emerging privacy regulations affect non-profits, research institutions, and programmes handling sensitive personal data, while identifying practical pathways for compliance, governance, and ethical data use. By translating complex regulatory developments into actionable insights, these open resources support organisations, policymakers, and ecosystem actors in building responsible, transparent, and rights-respecting data practices. DPDP Primer for Non-profits A primer offering a consolidated and practical introduction to the law for NPOs AI Governance Primer A primer offering with implementable strategies to mitigate legal and ethical risks from using AI. Data Privacy research Advancing inclusive and rights-based approaches to consent and data protection. Pulse by Pacta- Newsletter A series of blogs unpacking DPDP compliance for non-profits Our Research Where Are You in Your DPDP Compliance Journey? Select the stage that best reflects your current position, and explore relevant engagement options Beginning Your DPDP Journey LEARN Assessing Your Current Readiness ASSESS Seeking Strategic Compliance Measures CONTACT

Research on bridging gaps between intent and implementation of gender equity laws and policies in India. GENDER & SEXUALITY Pacta helps to catalyze movement towards gender and sexual equality through primary and secondary socio-legal research, policy analysis and legislative drafting assistance. Supporting gender and sexual equality through inter-disciplinary legal and policy research. How does Pacta help? We document, and advance nuanced perspectives on critical gender and sexuality issues in India. Previously, Pacta has engaged in projects dedicated to understanding gender representation, implementation/adoption of gender minority communities. Acknowledging the inter-disciplinary impact of gender studies, we also ensure that our research across fields carries a gender sensitive perspective. RESEARCH OUTPUTS & PUBLICATIONS Anchor 1 SEE ALL PUBLICATIONS CLIENTS & PARTNERS

Legal, policy and research consulting for think-tanks and research initiative THINK TANKS & RESEARCH INITIATIVES How does Pacta serve Think Tanks and Research Initiatives? We provide comprehensive legal and research support for think tanks, including advisory on setup, funding, and compliance. We undertake collaborative research projects, provide training in research ethics and data privacy, and support the archiving of initiatives for the public good. CASE STUDY WADHWANI CENTER FOR GOVERNMENT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Leveraging Leaps in Generative AI Technology for Government A White Paper Series for MEITY, Ministry of Education and State Governments Read More CASE STUDY AZIM PREMJI UNIVERSITY & NATIONAL LAW SCHOOL OF INDIA UNIVERSITY Open Sourcing of Educational Resources - Through Open Libraries and Archives CLIENTS & PARTNERS

Legal capacity building towards organisational development. Democratising legal knowledge for fearless compliance. CAPACITY BUILDING Pacta empowers NGOs and changemakers through targeted training and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Our capacity building efforts are designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of organizations. LEARNING SPACES To assist organizations in the social sector navigate the complexities of legal compliance GENDER RIGHTS Initiatives that promote awareness and understanding of gender rights, empowering organizations to advocate for equality ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT Training programs aimed at preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, ensuring a safe environment for all employees Workshops and resources focused on compliance with data privacy laws and best practices for safeguarding sensitive information DATA PROTECTION DISABILITY RIGHTS Initiatives that focus on bridging the gap between intent and implementation of disability rights Programs dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of children within various organizational contexts CHILD SAFETY Anchor 1 PRIMERS VIEW MORE

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Research to create data insights and tool kits for institutions in philanthropy and social impact. Pacta is now a WINGS Member! PHILANTHROPY Pacta's research in philanthropy is centered around building a resilient civil society in India Devising policies, legal frameworks and practices that allow civil society to thrive. How does Pacta help? We study philanthropic funding landscapes across impact areas, and identify trends and patterns in how the social sector is funded. We also provide commentary on evolving changes in legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to India's social sector, such as the social stock exchange, corporate social responsibility and crypto currency in financing philanthropy. RESEARCH OUTPUTS & PUBLICATIONS Anchor 1 SEE ALL PUBLICATIONS CLIENTS & PARTNERS

Employment agreement and labour law compliances for NGOs EMPLOYMENT & LABOUR LAW As social enterprises grow in workforce size, Pacta helps organizations navigate various employment structures and compliance tailored to suit each organization’s needs and operations. Labour law registrations and compliance - Provident Fund, Employee Social Insurance, Gratuity, Holidays and Leave, Maternity Benefit, Professional Tax Internal policies - Leave policies, employee handbooks Hiring and separation documentation and advisory for diverse engagement models - full-time, part-time, consultant, volunteer, fellowship Formation of committees and policies for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act

legal, research, strategy, consulting, theory of change for family philanthropies, philanthropies, , HNIs & PHILANTHROPIES How does Pacta serve HNIs and Philanthropies? We offer tailored legal and research support for HNIs and philanthropies, including setting up family trusts, charitable endowments and philanthropic initiatives. Our services cover legal due diligence for philanthropic funding and impact investments, legal structuring of incubators and accelerators and funding under diverse funding structures. We undertake research to guide funding decisions, create metrics for monitoring and evaluation and by analysing trends in the social sector. Learning Spaces is our flagship initiative to build the collective legal capacity of the social sector. CASE STUDY Anchor 1 AZIM PREMJI PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES Documentation Architecture for India's first Corpus Grant Programmes CASE STUDY Anchor 1 HARISH & BINA SHAH FOUNDATION Structuring Social Investments for Family Philanthropies & Independent Philanthropists CASE STUDY Anchor 1 ACT GRANTS Enabling ACT Grants to Realise their Vision of Improved Access to Quality and Affordable Healthcare and Crafting an Investment Program for Deployment-Ready Digital/MedTech/DeepTech Innovations and Solutions CLIENTS & PARTNERS

< Back Primer for Non-profit Organisations on the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 A primer to guide NPOs in understanding and complying with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. DOWNLOAD Previous Next