Powered by GivingPi : What We’re Unlocking
Celebrating leadership in philanthropy
Over the past two and a half years, GivingPi’s journey has been profoundly shaped by the unwavering support of our Founders Circle Members. We are privileged to have the guidance of H.S.H. Prince Max von und zu Liechtenstein, Nikhil Kamath, Nisaba Godrej, Rajan Navani, Rohini Nilekani, Sunny Gurpreet Singh, and Tara Singh Vachani, whose transformative contributions have played a pivotal role in defining our vision and amplifying our impact. These leaders have not only championed impactful philanthropy but have also opened new avenues for change, empowering us to address pressing social challenges with sustainable, inclusive, and community-led solutions. Their dedication has established a strong foundation for growth and collaboration, fostering a legacy of resilience and impactful giving that will inspire future generations. As we look ahead, we are energized by the opportunity to deepen our impact alongside these philanthropic leaders. Together, we aim to drive bold initiatives that prioritize equity, resilience, and sustainable development, paving the way for a thriving philanthropy ecosystem in India. With their partnership, we aspire to empower more families to become changemakers, shaping an India where transformative change is not just envisioned but realized.
Updates from the Community
Harish & Bina Shah: Advancing Responsive, Multi-Sector Philanthropy Across 21 States
GivingPi Members, Harish and Bina Shah, of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation (HBSF), with advisory and grant management support from Dasra, are marking the completion of the first year of their three - year strategic partnership with 10 non-profit organizations. This cohort is addressing a wide array of critical needs, spanning core sectors like Education, Livelihood, and Health to areas often underfunded—such as Social Empowerment, Arts & Culture, and Sports- as well as global priorities like Clean Water far, the grant program has directly reached 2.1 million people. including women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, and tribal communities. Thus and Mental Health. Operating across 21 states, these organizations serve diverse groups, investment across people, processes, and programs. Reflecting on the value of this Rooted in HBSF's giving philosophy, this grant emphasizes goal-oriented support and initiatives, we have been fortunate to find partners like Harish and Bina Shah who truly partnership with HBSF in enhancing the sustainability of grassroots work, Dr. Abhay Bang, Founder and Director of SEARCH, shared “In my years leading grassroots grasp the power of responsive philanthropy. Their willingness to understand some of our unique challenges - from fencing to protect our staff and patients from wildlife, to the need for mobile medical units in tribal areas, youth leadership, and care and rehabilitation need-based and equal partnership.” for stroke patients - and to provide flexible support, reflects a deep commitment to a need-based and equal partnership.”
Abhishek & Vinti Lodha Announce Historic ₹20,000 Cr Commitment to Transformational Philanthropy
Our heartfelt congratulations to GivingPi Members Abhishek and Vinti Lodha for their extraordinary pledge of ₹20,000 crores ($2.5 billion) to the Lodha Philanthropy Foundation (LPF) - a historic commitment that stands as one of the largest philanthropic pledges in India’s history. This landmark contribution exemplifies their unwavering dedication to empowering communities and driving systemic change. In their roles as CEO and Advisor to the Lodha Group, Abhishek and Vinti have been instrumental in advancing LPF’s mission of transformative impact across education, women empowerment, sustainable urbanization, and nation-building. Founded in 2013, LPF leads flagship initiatives like Lodha Unnati, which empowers India’s female workforce by fostering supportive environments and offering upskilling opportunities. The Lodha Genius Programme, in partnership with Ashoka University, provides fully funded education and mentorship to gifted children, nurturing them as future leaders, while the Lodha Institute of Mathematics fosters cutting-edge research to position India as a global leader in mathematical innovation. Other notable LPF initiatives include the Lodha-RMI Net Zero Urban Accelerator, the Justice Gumanmal Lodha Scholars Programme, Chandresh Lodha Memorial Schools, and the Sitaben Shah Temples. To learn more about their inspiring work, click here.
Prashanth Prakash Powers AI-Driven Learning Through Shiksha Copilot in Karnataka Schools
GivingPi Member, Prashanth Prakash, Chairperson and Trustee of Sikshana Foundation, which has been instrumental in the launch of Shiksha Copilot, an innovative AI-powered digital assistant aimed at empowering teachers and improving learning outcomes across Karnataka. Shiksha Copilot is a collaboration between Sikshana Foundation and Microsoft Research India, designed to support 1,000 government school teachers. This initiative, backed by Microsoft India, provides teachers with personalized, high-quality teaching resources, including dynamic lesson plans, activities, assessments, and a chatbot for interactive content generation. By offering these tools, Shiksha Copilot helps save valuable time while enhancing the quality of education in both urban and rural NGOs, and the private sector can work together to create impactful educational solutions. districts of Karnataka. The collaboration reflects a shared vision of how governments, NGOs, and the private sector can work together to create impactful educational solutions.
Deepak Chopra’s FEA Advances Economic Mobility for Youth Across North India
GivingPi Member Deepak Chopra is the Founder of Freedom Employability Academy (FEA), an organization dedicated to supporting the UN’s SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. With a mission to uplift 5 million individuals from low-income to middle-income status, FEA has already impacted over 250,000 students across North India’s Hindi belt. FEA’s comprehensive program focuses on building ethical and productive mindsets, teaching core employability skills such as English and digital literacy and providing career guidance and mentorship. By equipping students with essential skills and mindsets, FEA is fostering a more prosperous and equitable future for individuals and communities alike.
Ajay & Brinda Upadhyaya Partner with Ek Saath Foundation and WSD to Transform Stray Dog Welfare on Elephanta Island
GivingPi Members Ajay and Brinda Upadhyaya, Founders of Upadhyaya Foundation, are spearheading an initiative in collaboration with GivingPi Member, Pragya Kapoor’s Ek Saath Foundation and Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD). This impactful partnership aims to address the welfare of street dogs on Elephanta Island by tackling overpopulation at its root while ensuring their health and safety. The first phase of the sterilization drive is already underway. WSD’s team has successfully sterilized a number of dogs, who were cared for at the WSD Centre in Sewri before being safely returned to the island. Building on this progress, more dogs are now under their care, marking the start of a sustainable, long-term solution for the island’s stray dog population.
V.R. Ferose Leads 12th India Inclusion Summit, Advancing a Movement for Equity & Accessibility
GivingPi Member, V.R. Ferose, continues to redefine the landscape of inclusivity in India through the India Inclusion Summit, a pioneering initiative he founded to build a more equitable society. The 12th edition of this summit brought together an assembly of leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to driving systemic change in how society approaches inclusion. It featured trailblazers such as Rajesh Agarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Paralympic medalists Nishad Kumar and Manisha Ramdass; Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta, the Wheelchair Warrior of India; renowned disability advocate Mugdha Kalra; and actor-director Prakash Belawadi. Each shared personal stories of resilience and actionable frameworks to advance inclusion in education, employment, and community engagement. The summit prioritized accessibility with sign language interpretation, wheelchair-friendly facilities, sensory-friendly environments, and assistive technologies, creating a space where individuals with diverse abilities could fully participate and contribute. Beyond an event, the India Inclusion Summit stood as a movement that challenged systemic inequities, celebrated human potential, and fostered dialogue that drives real-world solutions.
The crucial role of family philanthropy in shaping India’s future
By Rajan Navani and Neera Nundy
This piece authored by GivingPi Founders Circle Member Rajan Navani and Co-Founder & Partner, Dasra, Neera Nundy, highlights the pivotal role of family philanthropy in shaping India's future and discusses how strategic, data-driven approaches can bridge crucial gaps in the philanthropic ecosystem, driving long-term, sustainable change across the nation.
Spotlight on India
By DBS & Bloomberg | Bloomberg Media Studios
Dasra’s insights featured in Bloomberg Media Studios’ new white paper, 'Global Indian Family Offices: Evolution of the Indian Diaspora', created in partnership with DBS Private Bank. The paper delves into the evolving attitudes of ultra-high-net-worth Indian and Indian-origin leaders worldwide towards philanthropy, impact investing, and legacy planning.
Exploring localisation in India’s philanthropy and civil society ecosystem
By Ami Misra and Prachi Pal | Wings
India’s philanthropy landscape is shifting toward localized giving, driven by rising inequality and stagnant global funding. This article highlights the growing role of family philanthropy, collaborative platforms, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) laws in positioning India as a model for global solutions.
