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Noteworthy Philanthropic Foundation

A Dasra report says that India will witness one of the largest transfers of wealth, close to INR 12,800 crore, in the coming decade. Likewise, philanthropy in India is going through a generational shift. The Next Generation Philanthropists are not just inheriting their families’ wealth but also the legacy of their families’ philanthropy. While there are many international and national organisations doing revolutionary work, this year, we take a look at some of the Foundations with next generation philanthropists and also some individuals doing commendable work and who believe it is their responsibility to make social investments thoughtfully and intentionally.

Sukanya Sudarson




1. CK-12 Foundation | ck12

The CK-12 Foundation, where Neeru Khosla is executive director, creates both customizable content and tools – from textbooks to videos to interactive simulations – and gives them away for free to millions of students. The organization hires teachers to develop materials that fit state standards, and districts can also use the platform to produce their own digital resources. Khosla and his wife are also donors to the Wikimedia Foundation, in the amount of $600,000.


2. Harish and Bina Shah Foundation | avpn.asia

The HBS Foundation was registered in 2010; however, charitable work by the family has been underway since early 2000’s through Signet Foundation, an arm of the family’s pharmaceutical raw materials business, Signet Chemical Corporation Pvt. Ltd. The HBS Foundation supports a diverse range of non-profits with varying degrees of financial and advisory support. Among other causes, the Foundation supports betterment of public education, malnutrition, sanitation, sex trafficking, child marriage and governance matters in India.


3. Hemendra Kothari Foundation & Wildlife Conservation Trust | wild life coneservation trust

Hemendra Kothari Foundation is a philanthropic foundation set up through endowment by Hemendra Kothari, a leader in the Indian investment market. The core areas of interest of the Foundation are Education, Health, Wildlife Conservation, Culture and Heritage. HKF and WCT together have donated substantially for the uplifting of living conditions of poor communities near 128 tiger reserves, parks and sanctuaries across the country. The three social initiatives of education, skills development and health complement the massive assistance for protection of vulnerable forest tracts in collaboration with forest department.


4. Mariwala Health Initiative | mhi

Mariwala Health Initiative is a funding agency for innovative mental health initiatives, with a particular focus on making mental health accessible to marginalized persons and communities. MHI is dedicated to bringing together several mental health services to a wider audience, through funding, dialogue, advocacy and destigmatisation. They work with Non-Profit organisations, Researchers, Collectives, Activists, Government and Law and Policy Makers.


5. Mukul Madhav Foundation | mmpc

Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF) was established in 1999 as a Public Charitable Trust, and is well known today for its charitable activities in the fields of healthcare, social welfare and education. Since 1999, they have been instrumental in providing assistance for the medical treatment of the economically weaker sections of society and educational assistance for the underprivileged.


6. Omidyar Network | omidyar

At Omidyar Network, the fundamental belief is: People are inherently capable, but they often lack opportunity. They believe if they invest in people, through opportunity, they will create positive returns for themselves, their families, and the world at large. Omidyar Network invests in entrepreneurs who share their commitment to advancing social good at the pace and scale the world needs today. They are focused on six key areas we believe are building blocks for prosperous, stable, and open societies: Digital Identity, Education, Emerging Tech, Financial Inclusion, Governance & Citizen Engagement, and Property Rights.


7. Pratiksha Trust | news.ncbs

Kris Gopalakrishnan, the executive vice chairman of Infosys and his wife Sudha founded the Pratiksha Trust to pursue philanthropic interests in fields such as education and healthcare. One focal area has been the field of brain research, to address issues related to ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. Gopalakrishnan made the largest private investment in neurological research in India’s history, when he established the Centre for Brain Research in Bengaluru. With his commitment of INR 255 crores (USD 38.5 million) over 10 years, he aims to dramatically advance the field of Indian-based neuroscience research and help develop treatment strategies for the millions of Indians suffering from dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.


8. Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies | Rohini Nilekani

Through her philanthropy, Rohini Nilekani looks to support ideas, individuals and institutions that enable a strong samaaj (society), and that have integrity, ethical leadership, clarity of ideas and accelerated impact. She believes, ‘in the continuum of samaaj, bazaar (market) and sarkaar (government), only a strong society can keep markets and state accountable to the public good. We cannot be mere consumers of good governance; we have to co-create it.’ She is the Founder of Arghyam Foundation and has also co-founded EkStep and Pratham books.


9. Rosy Blue Foundation | rosy blue foundation

Rosy Blue Foundation strongly believes that education is instrumental for empowering individuals and helping them unlock and achieve their true potential. Their goal is to bring together businesses, philanthropists, NGOs, and individuals in their efforts to improve the quality and reach of educational opportunities, especially within India. The Foundation has been associated with a number of projects and associations, working with and for children.


10. The Vijay Amritraj Foundation | Vijaya Amritraj Foundation

The Vijay Amritraj Foundation brings hope, help and healing to the defenseless and innocent victims of disease, tragedy and circumstance in India. The foundation pledges to make a real difference for those who are most in need of the helping hand of humanity. The focus areas of the foundation are charities serving children and adults who face extreme challenges in life; HIV/AIDS, family abandonment, and individuals ostracized by society for their illness are supported by the Foundation.


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