Maitri Trust’s Post

I've just delved into the latest India Philanthropy Report for 2024 by Bain & Company , and it's brimming with insights on the evolving landscape of giving in India. Here are some promising highlights that caught my attention: 1. Tech Integration: The report highlights the growing integration of technology in philanthropy, empowering donors with efficient, transparent giving platforms. 2. Focus on Impact: There's a notable shift towards impact measurement, ensuring philanthropic efforts yield meaningful and sustainable outcomes for communities across India. 3. Innovation in Giving: The report showcases a surge in innovative giving models, from crowdfunding to social entrepreneurship, amplifying the reach and effectiveness of philanthropic initiatives. On the other hand some barriers worth noting: 1. Access Gap: Despite tech advancements, the digital divide persists, limiting access to philanthropic opportunities for marginalized communities. 2. Regulatory Complexity: Complex regulations pose hurdles for philanthropic and social impact organizations, slowing down fund deployment/access and impeding sector growth. 3. Sustainability Concerns: Ensuring the sustainability of philanthropic efforts remains a challenge, requiring strategic planning and collaboration to address long-term societal needs. As we navigate the realm of Indian philanthropy, striving for funding equity, we can capitalize on promising trends while simultaneously addressing some of the existing barriers to amplify the sector's impact. #Philanthropy #India #SocialImpact #TechForGood #fundingequality Thanks for the insightful read Arpan Sheth Neera Nundy Radhika Sridharan Ami Misra Prachi https://lnkd.in/ghxxVXKm

𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐭 30 | 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Ashish Dhawan's journey from private equity to philanthropy exemplifies bold leadership rooted in purpose. Raised in Kolkata, he pursued higher education in the United States, earning a bachelor's degree from Yale University. Dhawan began his career in 1992 working on Wall Street with prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs, Wasserstein Perella, and McCown DeLeeuw. He also ended up pursuing an MBA at Harvard University Business School around this time. After completing his MBA, Dhawan returned to India and co-founded ChrysCapital, one of the country's leading private equity firms. In his early forties, he transitioned from a successful investment career to focus on philanthropy, particularly in the education sector. He established the Central Square Foundation in 2012, aiming to provide equal learning opportunities to India's 250 million children. He also played a pivotal role in founding Ashoka University, bringing together over 170 philanthropists to create a world-class, interdisciplinary educational institution. Dhawan's philanthropic approach mirrors his business mindset—structured, scalable, and sustainable. He believes in institution-building rather than merely writing cheques, ensuring lasting social impact. His ventures emphasise collaboration with the government, educators, and nonprofit organisations, reflecting his deep commitment to reshaping India's future. For a deeper insight into Ashish Dhawan's journey and impact, do watch his interview with Reuben Mistry.  🎙️About Qunba: Qunba is a first-of-its-kind platform designed to help the leaders of today empower the leaders of tomorrow. Join us every week as we engage with the titans of the industry to help build a culturally rich narrative, tools, and vocabulary around leadership in India. 🔗Head over to Qunba's YouTube channel and join the community passionate about leadership, empowerment, and the stories that shape our future. Let's connect! * Youtube: https://lnkd.in/d9SxVaZm * Instagram: https://lnkd.in/dBtVcKra

#Why Philanthropists Should Rise in India: A Call for Impactful Giving 🌍💡 India stands at the cusp of remarkable growth, but challenges like poverty, education inequality, healthcare gaps, and environmental issues still cast a shadow on its progress. This is where *philanthropy* comes in, playing a crucial role in bridging these gaps. Here’s why philanthropists need to rise in India, and how their contributions can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future. 🌱✨ #1. **Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities** 🤝 India is home to the world's second-largest population, yet many struggle with basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. By investing in grassroots initiatives, philanthropists can uplift marginalized communities and ensure equal opportunities for all. #2. **Boosting Education & Skill Development** 🎓📚 Education is the cornerstone of any prosperous society. Despite strides made in literacy, millions of children in India still lack access to quality education. Philanthropists can make a lasting impact by funding schools, scholarships, and vocational programs to help India build a skilled workforce. #3. **Tackling Healthcare Challenges** 🏥 India's healthcare system is overburdened, especially in rural areas. Philanthropic initiatives can enhance access to healthcare facilities, provide medical equipment, and support preventive health programs. The rise of philanthropists in this sector could be the game-changer India needs to ensure healthcare for all. # 4. **Fostering Innovation & Sustainability** 🌿 Supporting social enterprises and sustainable businesses can lead to innovative solutions for India’s pressing problems. Philanthropists can drive change by funding startups that focus on renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. #5. **Empowering Women & Children** 👩👧👦 Women and children are often the most vulnerable segments of society. Through targeted programs in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, philanthropists can unlock the potential of millions and contribute to a more inclusive and fair India. #Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility 🤲🌏 Philanthropy is not just about donating money—it's about creating systems that enable long-term societal benefits. The rise of philanthropists in India is essential to ensure that the country’s growth is inclusive, sustainable, and equitable. --- **#IndiaPhilanthropy #SocialImpact #GivingBack #CharityForChange #PhilanthropyInIndia #CSRIndia #ImpactInvesting #NonProfitOrganizations #WealthForGood #Empowerment #SustainableDevelopment #HealthcareForAll #EducationForAll #DigitalInclusion #WomenEmpowerment #TechForGood #InnovativeSolutions #SkillIndia #RuralDevelopment #EqualityForAll #IndiaGrowthStory #InclusiveGrowth #PovertyEradication #EnvironmentCare #ChildWelfare**

🌟 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 🌟 Philanthropy isn't just about giving, it's a strategic investment in creating positive change. Philanthropy operates much like a strategic business venture. It involves identifying social challenges, investing resources (both financial and intellectual) and measuring outcomes to maximize impact and sustainability. This approach ensures that every contribution serves as a catalyst for enduring change. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬: • 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐭𝐚 has significantly contributed to healthcare, education, and rural development through the Tata Trusts, impacting millions with initiatives like Tata Medical Centre and Tata Institute of Social Sciences. • 𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐳𝐮𝐦𝐝𝐚𝐫-𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐰 has championed healthcare and research promoting affordable healthcare and supporting innovation through the Mazumdar-Shaw Medical Foundation. • 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐢 is involved in governance and technology initiatives, notably leading Aadhaar, India's biometric identification system, to improve government service delivery and financial inclusion. • 𝐀𝐳𝐢𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐣𝐢 has committed billions to education through the Azim Premji Foundation, focusing on improving the quality of education in rural India. • 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐯 𝐍𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐫 focuses on education and skill development through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, transforming lives with institutions like the SSN College of Engineering and Vidya Gyan Schools. 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Philanthropy extends beyond financial donations Philanthropists also contribute through mentorship, advocacy, and leverage their expertise to drive systemic change. Their initiatives not only address immediate needs but also empower communities for sustainable growth.

The Women in Innovation Fund (WiNFUND), a non-profit initiative is calling upon women health innovators across Africa who are tackling some of the continent's health challenges to apply for its latest funding cycle.

I’ve noticed that there is a huge double standard between how we view business investments versus our social investments. In business, we accept the risk that is associated with every investment and we may even accept a higher risk option if we also see an upside opportunity. However with charitable giving, we often demand perfection. We want guarantees that every dollar will be used exactly as intended, with no overhead and no waste. It's an unrealistic standard we'd never apply to our business investments but we see our giving as an altruistic gesture and somehow expect that everyone else should treat it with reverence and perfection. The challenge with this approach to philanthropy is this creates a paralysis with many donors who fear the “wasting” of their hard earned capital on an imperfect charity. It also creates an unrealistic bar for non profits who are already grappling with lack of resources and limited access to talent to jump through the hoops and only take on programs that are proven but leaves almost no room for innovation which comes with risk. What the social sector in India needs today is not the tried and tested models of the past but the potential to harness new technology and innovations that will shape the future. Corporate leaders managing CSR can make a big difference to approach a social challenge collaboratively with the NGO, to look for innovative solutions rather than just rely on the safety of established models. While our social sector lags behind most peer countries, we have an opportunity to leapfrog a few generations and unleash the power of breakthrough but affordable innovation to lift millions to a life of dignity! #social #investment

[https://lnkd.in/gPEYu6Zc] This piece by Mr Ashish Dhawan is particularly relevant and critical for Punjab due to several pressing reasons. Nearly every scholar in Punjab accepts that the state faces significant socio-economic challenges that impede its progress. These challenges necessitate comprehensive and sustainable solutions. System Support Organizations (SSOs) offer a critical means to address these issues effectively. SSOs bring specialized technical and administrative expertise essential for tackling Punjab's deeply rooted problems. The efficiency of government initiatives in Punjab often suffers due to limited capacity and resources. SSOs can bridge this gap by partnering with government bodies, enhancing policy design, and ensuring effective implementation. This collaboration leads to informed decision-making and optimal use of public funds, significantly boosting the impact of developmental programs. One of the most notable advantages of SSOs is their focus on creating 'sustainable and scalable solutions'. There is an urgent need for Punjab's philanthropists to support systemic change by investing in SSOs. Such investments can yield high social returns, significantly influencing the state's development trajectory. By funding SSOs philanthropists can amplify the efforts of these organizations, ensuring that impactful projects receive the necessary support. Traditional approaches have often been inadequate in delivering sustainable solutions. SSOs, with their expert-driven methodologies, offer a promising pathway to comprehensive development. By aligning their efforts with governmental goals and leveraging philanthropic investments, SSOs can catalyze significant improvements in public welfare and economic resilience. Their specialized knowledge, ability to enhance government functions, and focus on sustainable solutions make them crucial to the state's development. Supporting SSOs can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Punjab, addressing its current challenges and unlocking its full potential. At PANJ (Policy Advisory and Network for Joint Progress) we, as a System Support Organisation we are committed to fostering an intellectual renaissance in Punjab by reviving a culture of data-driven and evidence-based policymaking, and establishing a knowledge-based economy that drives sustainable growth. Our aim is to find permanent, systemic solutions to Punjab's challenges, ensuring long-term progress and resilience. Dr. Rajwant Singh | Harjeet Singh | Jalnidh Kaur | Dr Madan M Singh AULAKH | Prakarsh Singh | Gauravdeep Singh | Tejpreet Chopra | Manmohan (Mac) Sarin | Navkaran Singh | Dr. Harmeet Singh | Narain Batra | Satinder Grover | Amarjit Singh | Vikram R Singh | Sehaj Singh | Karan Avtar Singh | Surinder S. Jodhka | Khushwant Singh | DP Singh | Reuben Singh | Lakhwinder Singh

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐢𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐲 🙏 𝐒𝐢𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐭𝐚 (28 December 1937 – 9 October 2024), one of India’s most respected business icons, didn't only transform the corporate world but also 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐲. His approach goes far beyond the usual charity work—it was about making a real, lasting impact. 𝐁𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲, 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 : The 𝐓𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥. Under his leadership, Tata Trusts became a force for good. The funds support education, healthcare, rural development, and more, ensuring that Tata’s wealth benefits society on a massive scale. 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐬; he looked for ways to solve them at the root. Whether it’s building cancer hospitals across India, providing scholarships to students, or developing affordable products, his approach was all about sustainable impact. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 : Sir Ratan Tata always had a soft spot for rural communities. Through many initiatives and partnerships with the Indian government on projects, his work has transformed the lives of millions. He helped improve access to clean water, boosted agricultural productivity, and improved health outcomes in some of India’s most under-served areas. He also believed in using technology to solve social challenges. Projects and affordable healthcare innovations reflect his commitment to making life easier for people. He also invested in startups that focus on healthcare and environment, showing that entrepreneurship and philanthropy can go hand-in-hand. It’s not just India that has benefited from his generosity. He has supported education and research projects all over the world, funding programs at top universities and investing in global initiatives to tackle issues like climate change and inequality. 𝐀 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 : What makes Sir Ratan Tata’s philanthropy stand out is how he’s made it a central part of the Tata Group’s mission. He proved that businesses can be successful while still making a huge difference in the world. His focus on long-term, meaningful change inspired countless other business leaders to rethink their approach to giving back. All hail to Sir Ratan Tata. We hope you are sitting on a higher throne now, beyond this mortal world and deceptions of this world. Rest in peace King. 🙇♂️ Tata Group

LET US OWN THIS CHANGE TOGETHER FOR LONG TERM GROWTH OF NON-PROFIT SOCIAL ENTERPRISES It was a proud moment for me to be invited yesterday in the listing ceremony of five more social projects worth about 8 crore Rupees raised through Zero Coupon Zero Principal bonds by five Not-for-Profit Organizations (NPOs) at National Stock Exchange (NSE) to create impact in the field of education, skill development, livelihoods, agriculture and women empowerment. This is the most welcome breakthrough after the first listing of one social project at NSE in December 2023. This has been a long learning journey since 2015 when mainstreaming of Social Enterprise agenda in the Government was handled by me as Joint Secretary in the ‘National Policy of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015’ that had clearly spelled out the need for ‘fostering a social capital market place’ in para 5.9.2 of the policy. It is heart-warming that the flagship announcement made by Hon Finance Minister in 2019 to take capital markets closer to the masses and meet various social welfare objectives related to inclusive growth and financial inclusion has in fact turned into a reality now.     Civil Society Organisations do great work on the ground to serve the humanity but mostly find it difficult to create this narrative effectively in the social marketplace which is very essential for mobilising resources for their growth. It is amazing to see now how social marketplace is emerging in India like the capital marketplace through this regulated platform symbolising the mark of trust and transparency to establish social marketability of NPOs that could help them grow by leaps and bounds to serve the humanity. There is no denying of the fact that this instrument will get more traction in philanthropic transactions in the coming years.   The six NPOs who got listed, so far, have proven their mettle that they can be as efficient as corporates to deal with the instruments and processes which a regulated marketplace demands. They have pioneered in creating the changed narrative of NPOs which the world can see.   Thus, although the process seems to be hard at first for many NPOs who are trying to get registered and listed, I urge the NPO fraternity to come forward and own this platform for your long-term growth. #socialimpact #msde #socialenterprise #sebi #civilsociety #nseindia #impacteconomy #bseindia #socialstockexchange #bioeconomy #nonprofitleadership

India's Social Sector Spending Reaches $280 billion The Indian social sector spending over the last five years experienced a robust annual growth of 13% and currently stands at approximately INR 23 lakh crore ($280 billion) in FY2023 (8.3% of GDP). Public spending constitutes most of the social expenditure (95%), per the India Philanthropy Report 2024 from Bain & Company. To read the rest click on https://lnkd.in/gqwtqKav