What does the future of Indian family philanthropy look like? Season 4 of ‘Catalyzing Change: The Power of Philanthropy’, a series that runs on the Unusual Suspects podcast, by Moneycontrol in collaboration with GivingPi, dives into this very question, tracing the bold new shifts families are making. From institutional giving and next-gen leadership to the rise of powerful networks, this season explores how family philanthropy is moving from the margins to the mainstream of systems change. Featuring candid conversations with changemakers including Geetika Dadlani, Tara Singh Vachani, Prasad Baji, Swati Apte, Andy Kalambi and Anupama and Sumana Dalmia, the season unpacks what it really takes to fund differently, collaborate deeply, and lead with intention. In the opening episode, Geetika Dadlani, Associate Director at Dasra and Head of GivingPi, reflects on the rise of philanthropy networks and how they’re turning what was once a solitary pursuit into a shared journey of learning, alignment, and trust. To listen to episode 1, click here.
At the 2025 WIN Lounge in Cannes, GivingPi was part of a powerful panel titled “The Purpose Playbook: Philanthropic Families and the Art of Giving Big”, bringing together global voices on how families, institutions, and changemakers are grounding their work in deeper purpose. Representing GivingPi, Geetika Dadlani, Associate Director at Dasra and Head of GivingPi, shared how India’s philanthropic families are moving beyond siloed giving to embrace long-term systems change, drawing on learnings from initiatives like the Pride Fund and the power of trust-based philanthropy led by communities. She was joined by Stacey O. Orsat, President for Europe, South Asia and ANZ at Masimo, who spoke about centering healthcare in dignity and compassion; Michelle Sybil Melendez, Managing Director for Strategic Partnerships at Lever for Change; and Kim Dabbs, Global VP of Impact at Steelcase. The conversation, moderated by Annisha Taylor, Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Ofcom and curated by WIN Founder Stuti Jalan, explored what it means to lead with intention, build resilient ecosystems, and give in ways that are rooted in equity, empathy, and lasting impact.
GivingPi Founders Circle Member Rohini Nilekani, through Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), is driving bold, systems-level solutions to one of India’s most pressing conservation challenges, human-elephant conflict. In close partnership with WWF - India, RNP has supported a suite of interventions in Tamil Nadu and Kerala that blend grassroots engagement, scientific research, and policy advocacy to foster long-term coexistence between communities and wildlife. In 2022, WWFIndia and Project Elephant (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) launched India’s first-ever Human-Wildlife Conflict Manual. With RNP’s backing, this critical resource is now being translated and regionally adapted to improve accessibility and implementation on the ground. In Coimbatore, identified as a key conflict hotspot, WWF - India has piloted a data-driven response: from GPScollaring of elephants and introducing non-contact high-voltage detectors to prevent electrocutions, to retrofitting grain storage facilities and preventing damage by elephants and removing invasive lantana to produce green energy briquettes. These efforts are complemented by extensive community sensitization, school-based awareness campaigns, and partnerships with district administrations. Crucially, the program has also influenced policy by working with the State Board for Wildlife to institutionalize long-term conflict mitigation strategies and elephant corridor conservation measures. With plans now underway to expand into Gudalur, Hosur, Dharmapuri, and Wayanad, RNP’s work is creating a replicable, inclusive model for coexistence, anchored in empathy, evidence, and systemic change. To learn more, write to Ritika Bhalla Whig at [email protected] or check out the latest WWF - India newsletter here.
GivingPi Members Dr. Sunita Maheshwari and Dr. Arjun Kalyanpur, Founders of The Telerad Group and RxDx Healthcare have made a generous philanthropic donation to The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL). Their support has been instrumental in enabling LLL’s Rural Community Mental Health Program to expand its reach in 2024–25, benefiting 18,765 individuals living with mental illness in rural India. It is helping bridge a critical gap in mental health care across some of the country’s most underserved and remote communities. LLL launched its Rural Community Mental Health Program in 2016 in Davangere, Karnataka to improve the health and quality of life of Persons with Mental Illness (PWMI) and their caregivers. Today, the program spans 16 districts across 6 states (MP, AP, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Karnataka), supporting rural and tribal communities with critical mental health support. Founded in 2015 by Deepika Padukone, LLL is a charitable trust committed to supporting individuals experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. The Foundation works to raise awareness and enhance both the affordability and accessibility of mental health services across India. Over the past decade, The Live Love Laugh Foundation has emerged as a cornerstone in India’s mental health ecosystem. From pioneering public awareness campaigns and launching a new corporate mental health and well-being program, to shaping national discourse on mental health, LLL remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming lives and communities across the country.
GivingPi Member Sanjay Palsamudram, Founder of the Palsamudram Family Trust, has played a pivotal role in launching the Research Science Institute (RSI) India, bringing one of the world’s most prestigious STEM research programs to Indian students for the first time. Modelled on the renowned MIT RSI, which has shaped scientific talent globally for over 42 years, RSI India is sponsored by the Adani Group and supported by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). In June 2025, the inaugural cohort welcomed 30+ exceptional secondary school students from across India to IISc, where they participated in intensive, hands-on research under leading scientists, attended lectures by global STEM leaders through the Palsamudram Lecture Series, and joined a thriving international alumni network. Fully funded, the program is designed to eliminate financial and geographic barriers, ensuring access is driven by talent, not privilege. Inspired by his daughter’s transformative education experience, Sanjay’s vision for RSI India is clear, to create a national launchpad for young scientific minds, nurturing brilliance, curiosity, and purpose at scale. To know more, click here.
GivingPi Member Ritu Prakash Chhabria, Co-Founder and Managing Trustee of Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF), has led the organization through 26 years of dignity-driven, community-focused development. Established in 1999 with a focus on education and healthcare, MMF now operates across 27 states, addressing all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. MMF’s impact spans classrooms, toilets, medical units, menstrual hygiene, clean water, solar lighting, digital access, and assistive technologies - always shaped by the needs of the communities it serves. The Foundation works to uplift and upgrade institutions across rural and urban settings, as well as in remote areas where access is limited. Education remains at MMF’s core, with 6,000+ scholarships awarded from pre-primary to postgraduate levels, including international studies in nursing, STEM, and agriculture. The Foundation has built a healthcare network of 100+ hospitals, improved sanitation through 1,000+ household toilets, and equipped underserved schools with benches, sweaters, and stationery. A key initiative includes the creation of 24 period-positive holiday homes, offering a safe and dignified space for menstruating girls in rural India. Over 6,000 women farmers have been trained in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship, alongside vocational training for women, youth, and persons with disabilities - including jail inmates and mental health institution residents. MMF’s next chapter focuses on sustainability, blended finance, local leadership, and dataled impact. To explore collaboration, please write to: [email protected]
GivingPi Member Neha Bagaria, Founder of HerKey and Managing Trustee of the JobsForHer Foundation, is advancing women’s workforce participation through HerShakti, the Foundation’s flagship upskilling initiative that enables women to start, restart or rise in their careers with clarity and confidence. Launched in 2018, the JobsForHer Foundation supports women’s career journeys through skill development, professional training, and access to meaningful opportunities. HerShakti, backed by partners such as Infosys Springboard, Wipro, UiPath, and Broadridge, equips over 500 women per cohort with in-demand skills in AI/ML, Big Data, Cybersecurity, and more. The program combines expert-led sessions, selfpaced modules, mentorship, and certification, enabling women, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, to return to the workforce with confidence and credibility. With strategic partnerships like the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission and the Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK), the program continues to expand across India, serving as a bridge between aspiration and opportunity for women and the companies eager to hire them.
GivingPi Member Andy Kalambi supports the work of Aspire Institute’s national affiliate, Aspire Leaders India Foundation (ALIF), a fast-growing, high-impact platform dedicated to nurturing first-generation youth into confident, capable leaders. Led by Nithyambika Gurukumar and Sashi Gundala, ALIF delivers worldclass, fully funded leadership education to young people from underserved communities across India. Since 2022, over 62,000 learners have gone through the flagship Aspire Leaders Program, which includes masterclasses with global faculty, cross-cultural peer learning, and certification signed by Harvard Business School professors. With partnerships spanning PhysicsWallah Foundation, Mahindra Group, Porter, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, ALIF is on track to reach over 1 million learners by 2027. The program also offers seed funding, internships, and mentorship, bridging the gap between untapped talent and transformative opportunity. Andy plays a pivotal role as a mentor and strategic advisor, shaping program design, guiding partnerships, and inspiring learners through naturecentered leadership and high-impact masterclasses. His continued involvement is helping scale a movement that’s redefining what leadership looks like in India.
GivingPi Member Gool Udwadia, Hon. Chairperson of Women’s India Trust (WIT), has long championed the economic and social empowerment of women through dignity-led development. For over 50 years, WIT has enabled women from lowincome communities to gain vocational skills, financial independence, and selfconfidence, true to its founding motto: Helping Women Help Themselves. Today, WIT supports around 400 women annually through training in tailoring, embroidery, toy-making, and nursing, with every student in its Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery program placed in jobs upon graduation. Under Gool’s stewardship and through the vision and dedication of a committed team including Neepa Joshipura, Yasmin Divecha, and Yasmin Sarkari, the Trust continues to evolve to meet emerging needs. WIT is now planning a new education building in Panvel that will expand its offerings in healthcare education. The upcoming facility will include training in palliative care, geriatric care, and lab technology, as well as hostel accommodations for nursing students, strengthening the healthcare workforce and addressing critical care needs across India.
GivingPi Members Anupama Dalmia and her daughter Sumana Dalmia are forging an inter-generational partnership for community-led change. At the helm of Seekho Sikhao Foundation, Anupama leads as Founder and Director, while Sumana serves as Project Manager, exemplifying how values, leadership, and vision can be passed down and evolved across generations. Their work spans two transformative initiatives, the Rural Youth Fellowship, a fellowship designed exclusively for rural youth, and Nav Bharat Uday, a digital learning program. The Fellowship equips young changemakers, deeply rooted in their communities, to work across schools and panchayats, strengthening governance and improving learning outcomes from within the system. Today, over 70% of graduates have gone on to launch grassroots efforts or join leading social impact organizations. With Nav Bharat Uday, the Foundation has distributed 501 Smart TVs with curated content to government schools across 13 districts in Uttar Pradesh bringing joyful, tech-enabled learning to classrooms. The initiative includes robust teacher training and community engagement to ensure meaningful, lasting gains. Together, Anupama and Sumana are building a bold model of education reform, one grounded in trust, shaped by technology, and led by the communities it serves.
GivingPi Members Govind Iyer, All-India Chairperson, Social Venture Partners (SVP) India, Rati Forbes, SVP India Board Member, and Amita Chauhan, SVP India Board Member, along with the SVP India team, successfully concluded the 2025 edition of SVP’s marquee event, Fast Pitch. This dynamic platform spotlighted 10 exceptional NGOs driving change across disability inclusion, education, water security, and livelihoods. Over three months, these organizations received expert-led storytelling training and one-on-one coaching from SVP Partners to craft a compelling, highimpact 5 min pitch about their work. The final showcase, streamed live to over 4,400 attendees, featured an eminent jury - Namita Thapar, Reshma Anand, and Sridhar N.E. - and successfully mobilized ₹5.5+ crore in funding, unlocking long-term collaboration and growth for the finalists. In parallel, SVP deepened its commitment to capacity building with a tailored program for the 2024 cohort, delivered in partnership with Dasra and Forbes Marshall Foundation, equipping NGO leaders with tools in fundraising, impact measurement, and leadership. Fast Pitch 2025 reaffirmed SVP India’s core belief that with the right support, grassroots innovation can be scaled to ensure transformative change. To learn more about SVP India and Fast Pitch 2025, click here.
GivingPi Member Ganesh Natarajan, Chair of Lighthouse Communities Foundation, continues to scale access to dignified livelihoods with the recent launch of the Lighthouse: Skilling and Sustainable Livelihood Program in Rajasthan. Through a landmark partnership with the Balotra District Administration, Lighthouse Communities has inaugurated its first center in the state bringing employability training, career guidance, and personal development support to underserved youth in Balotra. The initiative was formalized through a signed MoU with District Collector Shri Sushil Kumar and is built on a public-private model that has already impacted thousands across other Indian cities. At the heart of the Lighthouse model is the belief that every young person has untapped potential. The program empowers youth - most of whom are women, school dropouts, or first-time jobseekers - with the skills, confidence, and mentorship to chart new futures for themselves and their communities. With each new center, Ganesh and the Lighthouse team move closer to their mission of transforming one million lives - one opportunity at a time.
Ami Mishra and Prachi Paul
This opinion piece talks about how family philanthropy in India is evolving to invest not just in what is funded, but in how giving is enabled. It highlights a growing focus on philanthropy infrastructure from collaboratives and data systems to narrative change and capacity building, as families work to build a stronger, more resilient giving ecosystem.
Karen Kardos & T. Alexander Puutio
This article talks about how philanthropy must move from a model of patronage to one of partnership, treating funding as catalytic capital that enables innovation, risk-taking, and shared accountability. It calls on both funders and grantees to embrace transparency, rigor, and co-creation to build a more resilient and impactful development sector.
Megha Chaturvedi
This article talks about how Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and GivingPi Founders Circle Member) and UNICEF are partnering to support youth-led climate action in India by spotlighting grassroots leaders, scaling civic engagement, and launching tools like the Pathways workbook to empower young people as climate champions.
