Learn more about & Donate to our Masks of HOPE Initiative

WE INSPIRE WOMEN & CHILDREN
TO DREAM BEYOND

We empower women and children through community programs
to elevate health, livelihood, & education in India & the US.

Donate Now

WE'VE IMPACTED 682,000 LIVES

HEALTH + HYGIENE

Alleviating health issues that prevent women from working and children from attending school enables the community to thrive and focus their attention elsewhere.

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LIVELIHOOD

Vocational training provides the ability to increase household income and an elevated sense of dignity, which improves quality of life.

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EDUCATION

Quality education and enrichment programs to equip children with the knowledge to meet the many challenges shaping our world today.

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WOMEN

Empowering women has the power to not only change the economic circumstances of individual families but entire villages.

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CHILDREN

Educating and providing children with the building blocks to future advancement allows families to transcend their circumstances.

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Our Pledge

Every rupee raised goes directly to programs that change lives.

Our staff and infrastructure is supported by the founding endowment from the Desai Family and its board members.

Now, as a public foundation, your support helps expand our life-changing programs in India

100% Of Your Donations Go Toward Our Programme Expenses

How You Can Help

Donate to our Masks of HOPEHope, Opportunity, Perseverance & Empowerment

Bal Health MelasHealth Screenings, Vaccinations & Education

Asani Sanitary Napkin Project1 Year Supply of Sanitary Napkins

The Desai Foundation

Desai Foundation

Thursday September 24th

The Lotus Festival is coming up on October 3rd, but you don’t have to wait until then to start bidding on our amazing auction items! You would win a week at the beautiful Papaya House in St. John, 4 club seats to the Patriots’ 2021 theme opening game, dinner for up to 10 people with Chef Palak Patel — and more. Follow the link below to register and start bidding now!
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#DFlotus2020 #IndianMatchmaking #netflix #fundraising #charity #virtualconference #socialgood #socialchange #india #womenshealth #livelihood #sanitarynapkins #facemasks #covidresponse ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Wednesday September 23rd

Did you know that when you sign up as a sponsor for the Lotus Festival, you can have delicious food & drinks delivered to your door to enjoy during the event? But you must purchase your sponsorship and place your food order by TOMORROW! Purchase your sponsorship now, or if you have already done so, please refer to your email for ordering instructions.
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#DFlotus2020 #IndianMatchmaking #netflix #fundraising #charity #virtualconference #socialgood #socialchange #india #womenshealth #livelihood #sanitarynapkins #facemasks #covidresponse ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Wednesday September 16th

With just 2 weeks remaining for the big day of our Virtual Lotus Festival, we are absolutely buzzing with excitement! We hope you’re just as excited to join us on Saturday, October 3rd for a chance to connect with our amazing guests from the Netflix hit show Indian Matchmaking. Have questions for Jay Wadhan, Manisha Dass, Vinay Chadha, Ravi Guru Singh, and Rashi Gupta? Don’t forget to leave them in the comments below!
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Jill Ellis, Avanti Nagral, DJ Rekha, Ari Afsar, Monica Sharma Dogra, Indian Matchmaking Netflix TV, Revolution Catering, Thirstie, Desi Galli - Lexington Avenue, South Asian Art Gallery

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#DFlotus2020 #IndianMatchmaking #netflix #fundraising #charity #virtualconference #socialgood #socialchange #india #womenshealth #livelihood #sanitarynapkins #facemasks #covidresponse ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation is in Jhotwara.

Monday September 14th

Since initiating our Asani Sanitary Napkin Program, we’ve maintained our commitment to providing proper menstrual health education and hygienic products to our target communities. We’ve been able to reach thousands of women through this program, and making these services accessible to wider communities is a part of our commitment, which is why we are so thrilled to announce that this program has been extended to produce and distribute high-quality, low-cost Sanitary Napkins in Jhotwara, Rajasthan!
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#menstrualmonday #menstrualeducation #menstrualhygieneawareness #endperiodstigma #endperiodpoverty #india #girls #desaifoundation #asanisanitarynapkins ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Thursday September 10th

Thank you to the @ElevationTribe for their coverage of our COVID-19 response in rural India and the US. We hope you will help us continue to empower women and children through our community-based programming by joining us for the virtual Lotus Festival on Saturday October 3rd! Read the full story here: http://ow.ly/vMXK50Bn4fh
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#DFlotus2020 #fundraising #charity #socialgood #socialchange #india #womenshealth #livelihood #sanitarynapkins #facemasks #covidresponse ... See MoreSee Less

This Nonprofit Is Fighting COVID-19 and Supporting Female Entrepreneurs in India. Here’s How You Can Help.

elevationtribe.com

India is seeing some of the highest infection rates of the Coronavirus in the world–more than 3 million people have suffered from the disease and more than 65,000 have died. The effects of th…

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The Desai Foundation Follow

Desai Foundation @DesaiFoundation·

The Lotus Festival is coming up on Oct. 3rd, but you don’t have to wait until then to start bidding on our amazing auction items! Items include the beautiful Papaya House in St. John, Patriots’ 2021 tickets, dinner with Chef Palak Patel — and more. Register in the link below!

Reply on Twitter Retweet on Twitter Like on Twitter1 Twitter

Desai Foundation @DesaiFoundation·

Did you know that when you sign up as a sponsor for the Lotus Festival, you can have delicious food & drinks delivered to your door to enjoy during the event? Buy your sponsorship and place your food order by TOMORROW! Please refer to your email for ordering instructions after.

Reply on Twitter Retweet on Twitter1 Like on Twitter1 Twitter

Desai Foundation @DesaiFoundation·

With only 2 weeks left for our Virtual Lotus Festival, we hope you’re just as excited as us for a chance to connect with our amazing guests from the Netflix hit show Indian Matchmaking. Have questions for our guests? Leave them in the replies below! 2

Reply on Twitter Retweet on Twitter1 Like on Twitter Twitter

The Desai Foundation

The Lotus Festival is coming up on October 3rd, bu

The Lotus Festival is coming up on October 3rd, but you don’t have to wait until then to start bidding on our amazing auction items! You would win a week at the beautiful Papaya House in St. John, 4 club seats to the Patriots’ 2021 theme opening game, dinner for up to 10 people with Chef Palak Patel — and more. Follow the link in our bio to register and start bidding now!
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#DFlotus2020 #IndianMatchmaking #netflix #fundraising #charity #virtualconference #socialgood #socialchange #india #womenshealth #livelihood #sanitarynapkins #facemasks #covidresponse
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@djrekha @avantinagral @jillellis_ @ariannaafsar @monicadogra @pateljoshua @santhanak @anu1024 @shivanid22 @_nsodhi @shrutirya @southasianart.gallery @areyouthirstie @eshanishah @chadhaforthevin @jay_wa @luvmanisha @dvm_diaries @ravigurusingh @charlotteplaysgong

Did you know that when you sign up as a sponsor fo

Did you know that when you sign up as a sponsor for the Lotus Festival, you can have delicious food & drinks delivered to your door to enjoy during the event? But you must purchase your sponsorship and place your food order by TOMORROW! Follow the link in our bio to purchase your sponsorship now, or if you have already done so, please refer to your email for ordering instructions.
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#DFlotus2020 #IndianMatchmaking #netflix #fundraising #charity #virtualconference #socialgood #socialchange #india #womenshealth #livelihood #sanitarynapkins #facemasks #covidresponse

With just 2 weeks remaining for the big day of our

With just 2 weeks remaining for the big day of our Virtual Lotus Festival, we are absolutely buzzing with excitement! We hope you’re just as excited to join us on Saturday, October 3rd for a chance to connect with our amazing guests from the Netflix hit show Indian Matchmaking (@indianmatchmakingshow). Have questions for Jay Wadhwani (@jay_wa), Manisha Dass (@luvmanisha), Vinay Chadha (@chadhaforthevin), Ravi Guru Singh (@ravigurusingh), and Rashi Gupta (@dvm_diaries)? Don’t forget to leave them in the comments below!
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#DFlotus2020 #IndianMatchmaking #netflix #fundraising #charity #virtualconference #socialgood #socialchange #india #womenshealth #livelihood #sanitarynapkins #facemasks #covidresponse

Since initiating our Asani Sanitary Napkin Program

Since initiating our Asani Sanitary Napkin Program, we’ve maintained our commitment to providing proper menstrual health education and hygienic products to our target communities. We’ve been able to reach thousands of women through this program, and making these services accessible to wider communities is a part of our commitment, which is why we are so thrilled to announce that this program has been extended to produce and distribute high-quality, low-cost Sanitary Napkins in Jhotwara, Rajasthan!
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#menstrualmonday #menstrualeducation #menstrualhygieneawareness #endperiodstigma #endperiodpoverty #india #girls #desaifoundation #asanisanitarynapkins

We’ve been hard at work since April getting food

We’ve been hard at work since April getting food, face masks, personal hygiene products and sanitary napkins to the most vulnerable populations in rural India and the US. And YOU can help us continue to do this important work by joining us at the first ever VIRTUAL Lotus Festival on Saturday October 3rd! All ticket sales and sponsorships will be MATCHED by 100% and will go directly to helping us continue our life-saving health and livelihood programs… so you can feel good about gathering your quarantine crew and parting with DJ Rekha! Learn more & get tickets here: www.bit.ly/Lotus2020
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#DFlotus2020 #fundraising #charity #socialgood #socialchange #india #womenshealth #livelihood #sanitarynapkins #facemasks #covidresponse #djrekha

We’re so thrilled to have added so many amazing

We’re so thrilled to have added so many amazing celebrities to the list of people who will be making appearances at our virtual Lotus Festival on Saturday October 3rd! Don’t miss appearances by @ariannaafsar , @monicadogra , @shrutirya , @jay_wa (and other cast members from the Netflix hit show, @indianmatchmakingshow ) plus @eshanishah and Vivek Sharma. It’s truly going to be a star-studded evening so make sure to get your ticket or find out how to host a watch party here: https://Lotus2020.givesmart.com
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#DFlotus2020 #lotusfestival #onlineevent #fundraiser #charity #womensempowerment #womenshealth #childrenshealth #india #desaifoundation

Thank you to @missmalini and @bloomobgyn for helpi

Thank you to @missmalini and @bloomobgyn for helping to break down the wall around talking about periods and ensuring we all have the facts about how to manage our menstrual health. Love that this article was inspired by our Bloody Truth series with @malinisgirltribe - an Instagram & Facebook based series in which we worked to dispel the period myths and misconceptions.
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#endperiodstigma #stopperiodshame #menstrualhygienemanagement #periods #menstruation #sanitarynapkins #womenshealth #desaifoundation #missmalini #malinisgirltribe #bloodytruth

We are proud that we were able to provide 200 face

We are proud that we were able to provide 200 face masks to the Bharuch District Collector (IAS) for the Police Force to wear during the the Indian independence day celebrations on August 15th. Each of the masks was hand-sewn by one of the over 200 women we have employed to make cloth masks from their homes during the lockdown as part of our Masks of HOPE (hope, opportunity, perseverance & empowerment) initiative. In addition, we’ve also made 33,000 masks for the Sivantra Micro Housing Finance Corporation. #facemasks #masksofhope #bharuch #india #covidresponse #desaifoundation

Have you heard about our 1st ever virtual-live hyb

Have you heard about our 1st ever virtual-live hybrid event!? Since we can’t gather in-person for our signature events like Diwali on the Hudson and Cali-Diwali this year, we’re bringing all the fun and energy of the Lotus Festival directly to you, wherever you are. Featuring 2-time world cup champion @jillellis_ , singer & performer @avantinagral and world-renowned artist @djrekha - plus appearances by @jay_wa , @ariannaafsar , @chdcouture @shrutirya and @monicadogra - and more to be announced! You’re not going to want to miss this unique & memorable evening so get your ticket now before prices go up 9/3! bit.ly/DFlotus2020
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#DFLotusFestival #DFlotus2020 #onlineevent #fundraiser #charity #desaifoundation #powerofperseverance

We're so honored to have recently been awarded gra

We're so honored to have recently been awarded grants from IFCI Social and the Guru Krupa Foundations!
These funds will help us continue the work we have been doing: 1) to combat the spread of COVID-19 through our Maks of HOPE initiative and 2) to ensure all women and girls have access to the menstrual hygiene products they need through our Asani Sanitary Napkin program. Both programs also provide sustainable livelihood opportunities and job training for women in rural India!
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#desaifoundation #dogood #asani #COVID19 #nonprofit #socialgood

We’re so proud of all that we’ve accomplished

We’re so proud of all that we’ve accomplished over the past 6 months to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure all women have access to the feminine hygiene products they need for a healthy period... and now it’s time to celebrate! Join us on Saturday October 3rd for the first ever VIRTUAL, nation-wide Lotus Festival, featuring an exclusive livestream dance party with @djrekha ! You’re not going to want to miss this unique & memorable evening, so get your tickets here: bit.ly/DFlotus2020 #dflotusfestival #lotus2020 #virtualevent #charity #fundraiser #perseverance #socialgood #bethechange #covid19 #covidresponse #facemask #womenshealth #sanitarypads #womensempowerment #india #desaifoundation

We applaud Zomato, a global food-delivery company

We applaud Zomato, a global food-delivery company based in India, for its decision to institute paid period leave for its workers. Decisions and discussions like this help to dismantle the shame and stigma around periods and menstrual health. For organizations like ours that work in the MHM space - having corporations work towards dismantling the stigmas, and educating non-bleeders is a huge step in the right direction.
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#zomato, #periodleave #menstrualhealth #endperiodstigma #endperiodshame #womenshealth #periodsdontstopforpandemics #womensempowerment #india

We have already trained over 150 women to make han

We have already trained over 150 women to make hand-sewn face masks from their homes and are currently distributing 100,000 masks free of charge in rural communities in India! Help us continue to provide more women with this livelihood opportunity and protect even more people from the spread of COVID-19 by donating to our Masks of HOPE campaign here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/302287237570255/
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#masksofhope #covid19 #covidresponse #facemasks #womensempowerment #publichealth #desaifoundation #dreambeyond

We are known for hosting dynamic and unique events

We are known for hosting dynamic and unique events to support the work we do elevating the health & livelihood of women and children in rural India & the US. And this year will be no different! We are combining the fun & energy of all of our usual local events into one national online event: the Virtual Lotus Festival on Saturday October 3rd!

This will be a fast-paced and high-energy event complete with inspiring speakers like @jillellis_ , an amazing performance by @avantinagral and a live-streamed dance party hosted by @djrekha - plus more to be announced. It’s sure to be the highlight of the fall season, so don’t miss out! Follow the link in our bio to get tickets or become a sponsor now! Https://bit.ly/DFlotus2020

#lotusfestival #fundraising #womenempowerment #onlineevent #virtualgala #health #livelihood #india #covid19 #covidresponse #facemasks #socialgood #socialcauses #desaifoundation

Thank you to Sustainable Brands (@sustainablebrand

Thank you to Sustainable Brands (@sustainablebrands) for this amazing piece about our Masks of Hope campaign and our COVID-19 pandemic response. We are so honored to be featured on your platform! Read the full article here: https://sustainablebrands.com/read/product-service-design-innovation/nimble-nonprofit-pivots-to-fulfill-its-purpose-during-the-pandemic
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#sustainablebrands #covid19 #covidresponse #nonprofit #facemasks #givingback #india #womensempowerment #health #publichealth #livelihood

According to a survey conducted by Magic Bus this

According to a survey conducted by Magic Bus this past April, 55% of respondents reported having no income during the lockdown, with a disproportionate amount of women having lost their livelihood.*
And with renewed lockdown measures being reinstated in much of India, we are proud to be increasing our workforce and hiring more women for our Masks of HOPE program! Our goal is to employ 200 more rural women to produce and freely distribute 2-ply face masks in their villages. This program provides seamstresses with a steady income during this uncertain time and also helps to protect against the further spread of COVID-19. Learn more and donate now through the link in our bio. http://ow.ly/faDv50ATJ1C

(*Survey was conducted of the most vulnerable constituents across India: the economically disadvantaged, rural populations, those lacking a formal education, and workers in the informal job sector)
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#HappyRakshaBandhan #MasksofHope #dogood #desaifoundation #dreambeyond #covidresponse #facemasks #india #womenhelpingwomen #womensempowerment

We are so grateful to noted TV actor Harsh Rajput

We are so grateful to noted TV actor Harsh Rajput @rajputharshjayesh for recognizing the importance of the work we do to further the conversation around menstrual hygiene - and to ensure that all women have the period products and education they need!

#womenshealth #menstrualhygiene #womenempowerment #india #sanitarynapkins #mhm #periodsfontstopforpandemics #proudtobleed #desaifoundation

Happy Raksha Bandhan!! Since you may not be able

Happy Raksha Bandhan!!
Since you may not be able to see your brothers & sisters in person this year, we wanted to give you the opportunity to help protect ALL of your brothers and sisters against the spread of COVID-19 through our Masks of HOPE campaign.
This initiative, designed to inspire health, opportunity, perseverance and empowerment will enable us to continue employing rural women to make hand-sewn masks from their homes and freely distribute them in their communities. Learn more & donate in honor of your brother or sister through the link in our bio!
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https://www.facebook.com/donate/302287237570255/
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#HappyRakshaBandhan #MasksofHope #dogood #desaifoundation #dreambeyond #covidresponse #facemasks #india #womenhelpingwomen #womensempowerment

We are proud to have partnered with companies like

We are proud to have partnered with companies like Petronet LNG, Gram Panchayat and Gulbrandson to employ women in rural India to create cotton masks for their employees through our Masks of HOPE program! And through @petronetlngltd ‘s CSR initiative, we were able to freely distribute masks to the vegetable and fruit vendors in the Bharuch District, helping to keep both vendors and shoppers protected against COVID-19.

Reach out to us via DM if you’re interested in having custom masks made for your company, helping to provide employment for more women in rural communities, while also fighting the spread of the Coronavirus.
#petronetlng #covidresponse #facemasks #india #livelihood #womensrmpowerment #covid19 #health #desaifoundation

Celebrate Raksha Bandhan next week by showing your

Celebrate Raksha Bandhan next week by showing your love for ALL of your brothers and sisters, especially those from the most vulnerable populations, by donating to the Desai Foundation Trust’s Masks of HOPE (Health, Opportunity, Perseverance & Empowerment) initiative in honor of your brother or sister!
Since April, we have employed 150 women to produce and freely distribute over 1,00,000 face masks in rural communities in Southern Gujarat. Help us reach our goal of producing and freely distributing 1,00,000 masks per month by donating in honor of your brother or sister through the link in our bio.
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#rakshabandhan #giveback #wearamask #protection #covid19 #facemasks #employment #india #livelihood #desaifoundation #dreambeyond #fundraising #dogood

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