WE INSPIRE WOMEN & CHILDREN
TO DREAM BEYOND

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

We are heartbroken by the current situation in India and are proud of the work we have been able to do on the ground thus far. Thank you for your generous support during this time. We are committed to serving the over 1,400 rural communities we serve in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. We are focused on both the current immediate need, preparing for a possible third wave, and on the long-term relief efforts that will be needed. Please join us in these critical efforts to support India in this time of need. Your continued support is deeply appreciated and critically important in this time of need. Thank you.

WE'VE IMPACTED 1,500,000 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

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

Bal Health MelasHealth Screenings, Vaccinations & Education

The Desai Foundation

Desai Foundation

Friday October 15th

It’s World Handwashing Day! Today we highlight the significance of the role hand hygiene plays in health and safety for the collective public. We know this is more important than ever! At the Desai Foundation, we have been teaching hygiene education for over a decade in hundreds of schools in rural India. Learn more about these programs and how you can get involved at thedesaifoundation.org/our-works. #globalhandwashingday #handhygiene #health #hygiene #education #india #covid19 ... See MoreSee Less

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Falu Shah is with Megha Desai.

Friday October 15th

I look forward to starting Hindu New Year with a celebration and openness to invite positivity and good vibes through music at Desai Foundation's Diwali on the Hudson Gala on Oct 20th from 7 to 10 PM at H.K Hall in NYC. I'll be singing a song with Resistance Revival Chorus and I am looking forward to surrounding myself with these beautiful, talented women's voices to invite this magical new year which will bring prosperity and light up everyone's lives I hope!!!! Few tickets are available for this lightning experience and Thanks to my beloved and my darling Megha Desai for all she does to help women all around the globe! Here is to light and hope! https://diwalihudson21.givesmart.com/@desaifoundation My friend Ashni Davé will also be performing! @meghatron5 @resistancerevivalchorus @life @diwali @newyear @hindufestival @festivaloflights @friendship @forgiveness @blessings @goodvibes @newbeginning @love @music @celebration @welcomenewyear ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation is at New York City.

Wednesday October 13th

Are YOU ready for Diwali on the Hudson? Check out some of the incredible fashion styles and delicious food that has appeared at our previous Diwali events + important info you don’t want to miss. The long-awaited event is only 1 WEEK AWAY but it’s not too late to save your spot today! diwalihudson2021.givesmart.com 🔗  Don’t forget that you can still enter our raffle, even if you are unable to attend!  Text ‘DiwaliHudson21’ to 76278 for a chance to win…➡️ 2 Premium Economy Non-stop flight tickets to New Delhi from NYC courtesy of American Airlines (Valued at $3,500)! OR ➡️ Beauty & Wellness package featuring a 1-year Membership for Modo Yoga NYC, The Brightening Edit vault by Ranavat, and the Parker Layering Set from gorjana!   .#diwali #diwali2021 #doth2021 #diwalionthehudson ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Monday October 11th

Today is a day of amplifying girls’ voices and the leaders, change-makers, and trailblazers that they are. Their growth is fundamental to the world we live in today and we are constantly celebrating this not just today, but every day and for girls all around the world!  At the Desai Foundation, we remain passionate in our mission to support girls through our programs that elevate livelihood, education, and health opportunities, including menstrual hygiene management. Learn more about these programs here: www.thedesaifoundation.org/donate-now .#internationaldayofthegirl #girlsrights #supportgirls #india #socialgood #girlshealth #girlseducation ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Wednesday October 6th

IMPORTANT VENUE & RAFFLE INFO BELOW!  *Please note the following:  - We are requiring all guests and staff to be vaccinated and proof will be required at the door. - We are hosting in HK Hall, a larger venue with high ceilings and are only filling the capacity to 50%.  - Our two floor venue will allow you to dine upstairs where there are fewer people.- All attendees will be required to put a Credit Card on file at registration.   More information available at diwalihudson2021.givesmart.com 🔗YOU CAN ALSO ENTER THE RAFFLE TO WIN 2 GRAND PRIZES INCLUDING… 1. Two Premium Economy flight tickets to New Dehli from NYC courtesy of American Airlines (Valued at $3,500)! 2. A Beauty & Wellness package featuring a 1-year Membership for Modo Yoga, The Brightening Edit vault by Ranavat, and the Parker Layering Set from Gorjana!   Text ‘DiwaliHudson21’ to 76278 to enter the raffle today! ... See MoreSee Less

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The Desai Foundation Follow

Desai Foundation @DesaiFoundation·

Are YOU ready for Diwali on the Hudson? The long-awaited event is only 1 WEEK AWAY but it’s not too late to save your spot today! http://diwalihudson2021.givesmart.com 🔗

Raffle details below! 2

Reply on Twitter 1448331305037541380 Retweet on Twitter 1448331305037541380 Like on Twitter 1448331305037541380 Twitter 1448331305037541380

Retweet on Twitter Desai Foundation Retweeted

Resistance Revival Chorus @ResistanceRev·

What a better way to celebrate International #DayOfTheGirl than to grab your ticket to help us celebrate the work of @DesaiFoundation, which empowers women + children around the 🌎, at their upcoming Diwali On The Hudson event! Honored to sing at this light-filled event on 10/20. https://twitter.com/DesaiFoundation/status/1438543414669234186

Reply on Twitter 1447681206951321602 Retweet on Twitter 14476812069513216022 Like on Twitter 14476812069513216023 Twitter 1447681206951321602

Retweet on Twitter Desai Foundation Retweeted

Petra Dizdar @petradiz·

Few moments each year are as hopeful & uplifting as the Festival of Lights #Diwali. Come celebrate on the Hudson with .@FaluMusic & .@ResistanceRev while you get to support a wonderful #NGO .@DesaiFoundation 😍

Get your tickets today: http://diwalihudson21.givesmart.com

Reply on Twitter 1447716646882316288 Retweet on Twitter 14477166468823162882 Like on Twitter 14477166468823162882 Twitter 1447716646882316288

The Desai Foundation

It’s World Handwashing Day! Today we highlight t

It’s World Handwashing Day! Today we highlight the significance of the role hand hygiene plays in health and safety for the collective public. We know this is more important than ever!

At the Desai Foundation, we have been teaching hygiene education for over a decade in hundreds of schools in rural India. Learn more about these programs and how you can get involved at thedesaifoundation.org/our-works

. #globalhandwashingday #handhygiene #health #hygiene #education #india #covid19

Are YOU ready for Diwali on the Hudson? Check out

Are YOU ready for Diwali on the Hudson? Check out some of the incredible fashion styles and delicious food that has appeared at our previous Diwali events + important info you don’t want to miss. 
The long-awaited event is only 1 WEEK AWAY but it’s not too late to save your spot today! diwalihudson2021.givesmart.com or follow the 🔗 link in bio 🔗
 Don’t forget that you can still enter our raffle, even if you are unable to attend! 
Text ‘DiwaliHudson21’ to 76278 for a chance to win…
➡️ 2 Premium Economy Non-stop flight tickets to New Delhi from NYC courtesy of American Airlines (Valued at $3,500)! 
OR

➡️ Beauty & Wellness package featuring a 1-year Membership for @Modoyoganyc, The Brightening Edit vault by @Ranavat, and the Parker Layering Set from @Gorjana!   

.
#diwali #diwali2021 #doth2021 #diwalionthehudson

Today is a day of amplifying girls’ voices and t

Today is a day of amplifying girls’ voices and the leaders, change-makers, and trailblazers that they are. Their growth is fundamental to the world we live in today and we are constantly celebrating this not just today, but every day and for girls all around the world!  
At the Desai Foundation, we remain passionate in our mission to support girls through our programs that elevate livelihood, education, and health opportunities, including menstrual hygiene management. Learn more about these programs here: www.thedesaifoundation.org/donate-now

.
#internationaldayofthegirl #girlsrights #supportgirls #india #socialgood #girlshealth #girlseducation

IMPORTANT VENUE & RAFFLE INFO BELOW!  *Please

IMPORTANT VENUE & RAFFLE INFO BELOW!  *Please note the following:  - We are requiring all guests and staff to be vaccinated and proof will be required at the door. - We are hosting in HK Hall, a larger venue with high ceilings and are only filling the capacity to 50%.  - Our two floor venue will allow you to dine upstairs where there are fewer people.
- All attendees will be required to put a Credit Card on file at registration.   
More information available at diwalihudson2021.givesmart.com or follow the 🔗 link in bio! 🔗

YOU CAN ALSO ENTER THE RAFFLE TO WIN 2 GRAND PRIZES INCLUDING… 1. Two Premium Economy flight tickets to New Dehli from NYC courtesy of American Airlines (Valued at $3,500)! 2. A Beauty & Wellness package featuring a 1-year Membership for Modo Yoga, The Brightening Edit vault by Ranavat, and the Parker Layering Set from Gorjana!   Text ‘DiwaliHudson21’ to 76278 to enter the raffle today!

.
#diwali #diwalionthehudson #doth21 #festivaloflights #socialgood @lovewinesus @bestbuywinebk

It’s the first day of Daan Utsaav! In honor of o

It’s the first day of Daan Utsaav! In honor of one of the biggest festivals of giving in India, donate to our programs today via our Wishtree by following the link in our bio if you are based in India!

This year, you can be a part of “Joy of Giving Week” by supporting women in three ways:
1. Support Vocational skills training for rural village women and girls. 
2. Purchase our artisan products from our rural women entrepreneurs. 
3. Support Menstrual Hygiene Management education and awareness campaign in rural villages. 

  . #daanutsav #daanutsav2021 #weekofgiving #socialgood #philanthropy #india

We are thrilled to invite you to the Peabody Essex

We are thrilled to invite you to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts for our annual Lotus Festival! Here is a glimpse of some of the amazing speakers that will be making an appearance at an event full of inspiration, entertainment, networking, and dancing!

Grab your tickets today: lotus2021.givesmart.com or follow the 🔗 link in bio! 🔗

If you are interested in information about sponsorships or tables, contact olivia@thedesaifoundation.org.
 
 .
#lotus2021 #lotusfestival #lotusfestival21 #fundraising #gala #events #philanthropy #socialgood #india

The global pandemic has given us a renewed appreci

The global pandemic has given us a renewed appreciation for friends, family and colleagues - as well as the knowledge that the work of The Desai Foundation is more important than ever. That is why this year, we can’t help but reminisce on all the fun-filled memories of our previous Diwali on the Hudson events and are thrilled to be able to make new special memories together.

You too can join in on the endless festivities to celebrate the Festival of Lights and support our work in rural India! Buy your tickets today by following the link in our bio 🔗 or visiting diwalihudson21.givesmart.com

.
#diwali #diwali2021 #doth2021 #diwalionthehudson #fundraising #gala #events #festivaloflights #india
@pooreddy @kuttigang @falumusic @thedjlogic @kirklloyd @charlotteplaysgong @jaysean @djsuhel @payalsinghal @monicadogra @ranavat @sling @americanair @desigalli @1947beer @rajbhogfoodsinc @moditoys @aaykafashion @lushcosmetics @livetinted @gorjana @modoyoga @lovewinesus @bestbuywinebk

We’ve come a LONG way from sanitary belts and wa

We’ve come a LONG way from sanitary belts and want to honor the innovative progress made in women’s hygiene products. Many societies are lucky to have so many options - pads, tampons, cups, and more! We are equally proud of our Asani Sanitary Napkins - which provide retail quality sanitary napkins to rural women in India.

We are so proud of the women that not only help produce these sanitary pads, but also distribute them to their local communities. And grateful for the team at @saral_designs for their partnership and innovation! Learn more at www.asaninapkins.org

. #menstrualequity #menstruation #menstrualhealth #periodsarenormal #womenshealth #periodequity #desaifoundation

The most fun-filled Diwali party of the year is ju

The most fun-filled Diwali party of the year is just one month away! Join us for an evening of networking, drinks, yummy food, and entertainment to celebrate the Festival of Lights and to support the communities we serve in rural India.

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Link in bio 🔗

This year, we are honored to have @falumusic, @resistancerevivalchorus, and @ashnimusic grace the stage! Open bar and delicious Indian street food provided by @desigalli, @lovewinesus, @1947beer, and @bestbuywinebk. Entertainment supported by @americanair. You WON’T want to miss out!

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#diwali #diwali2021 #doth2021 #diwalionthehudson #fundraising #gala #events #festivaloflights #india

Menstrual equity must be honored for everyone arou

Menstrual equity must be honored for everyone around the world. According to the States of the Period 2021 study conducted by @periodmovement and @shethinx: lower-income, rural, and students of color have been most impacted when it comes to lack of access to period products in the U.S.

We think about menstruators all over the globe where the pandemic has exacerbated period poverty, and urge you to take a stand! To more about how you can get involved and support menstruators in rural India to receive the period care they need, follow the link in our bio.

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#menstrualequity #menstruation #menstrualhealth #periodsarenormal #womenshealth #periodequity #desaifoundation

Our updated COVID progress report is here! We are

Our updated COVID progress report is here! We are incredibly proud of all the work that has been done so far to address the #COVID crisis in rural India. The road to recovery is long, but we will be here. Thank you so much for your support.

Learn more about how you can support these relief efforts today: www.thedesaifoundation.org/covid or follow the link in our bio.

From the month of July alone, our Heroes for Human

From the month of July alone, our Heroes for Humanity program has been able to impact over 86,000 people through direct services! We are so proud of the successful launch of this program, and are grateful for the support from @sphindujabanqueprivee that has made these essential relief efforts possible.

You can get involved with our COVID relief efforts in rural India too! Link in bio or email info@thedesaifoundation.org for more information.

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#fridaywins #covidinindia #india #covidrelief #covid19 #health #fundraising #saveindia #desaifoundation #socialgood

We are SO thrilled to re-connect at our premier Di

We are SO thrilled to re-connect at our premier Diwali on the Hudson event happening this October! This year, the talented @falumusic and @resistancerevivalchorus will be gracing the stage so you will not want to miss out.

TICKETS ARE LIMITED so grab yours today: diwalihudson21.givesmart.com or follow the 🔗 link in bio! 🔗

#diwali #diwali2021 #doth2021 #diwalionthehudson #fundraising #gala #events #festivaloflights #india

A whopping 83% of students who menstruate feel ash

A whopping 83% of students who menstruate feel ashamed when leaving the classroom with period products, according to the States of the Period 2021 study conducted by @periodmovement and @shethinx. This is just one of the barriers students face when it comes to being able to have positive period experiences.

This cycle of shame needs to end so that all menstruating students can shift their full focus on their education. Find out more about our mission to fight period stigma by following the link in our bio!

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#menstrualequity #menstruation #menstrualhealth #periodsarenormal #womenshealth #periodequity #desaifoundation

We are so honored to welcome Sindhya Valloppillil

We are so honored to welcome Sindhya Valloppillil onto The Desai Foundation’s Board of Directors! Sindhya is currently the Founder & CEO of Skin Dossier, a hyper-personalization beauty tech startup. She is also a Contributing Writer for TechCrunch, Crunchbase and BeautyMatter where she writes about consumer tech, beauty tech, the startup ecosystem and solutions for diversity. She is an award-winning marketing, strategy & innovations beauty executive with 20 years of experience working at top global beauty companies such as L’Oreal, L Brands, J&J and Zirh.

She has also worked as an Adjunct Marketing Professor at Berkeley College. She is also Founder Fellow with On Deck, a Mentor for TechStars, a Venture Partner for NextGen Venture Partners, and an Advisor to Global Wellness Institute. We could not have been more thrilled to grow our team - which now has a more than 50% female board! She has been an amazing mentor and supporter for several years, and we are honored to have her on board! Welcome Sindhya!

#desaifoundation #philanthropy #socialgood #india

Overlooking serious symptoms of periods is unfortu

Overlooking serious symptoms of periods is unfortunately a byproduct of the shame and social stigma surrounding menstruation. According to a survey conducted by Plan International UK, more than half of bleeders didn’t seek medical attention due to believing their severe symptoms were normal at the time. This can lead to poor period management and long-term health issues if not openly discussed.

Preventing these health issues and creating proper access to education is why we believe hosting our Menstrual Hygiene Management awareness sessions in rural India are so important. You can learn more about our mission to fight period stigma by following the link in our bio!

. #menstrualequity #menstruation #menstrualhealth #periodsarenormal #womenshealth #periodequity #desaifoundation

Did you know that it wasn’t until 2021 that the

Did you know that it wasn’t until 2021 that the term “Menstrual Health” had an OFFICIAL definition? This incredible feat was brought in part by the Menstrual Health Hub (@menstrualhealthhub), and this will be instrumental in moving forward and legitimizing menstruation in “policy, practice, and research.”

Language is embedded in all areas of our lives, and when it becomes unified, it can serve as a powerful tool to uplift unheard narratives. We are excited to see how this essential step in promoting the menstrual experience pans out for bleeders around the world!

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#menstrualequity #menstruation #menstrualhealth #periodsarenormal #womenshealth #periodequity #desaifoundation

We are proud to announce that the COVID-19 Helplin

We are proud to announce that the COVID-19 Helpline Number in India is live! As part of our COVID relief initiatives in India, this helpline is a source of support for community members to gain access to an array of information as they navigate the challenges caused by the recent crisis. The helpline is available in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Tamil, and calls are available only in India.

Please feel free to share this number in your networks, and visit www.thedesaifoundation.org/covid for more information on our Covid relief efforts and how you can help!

. #india #covid19 #desaifoundation #covidrelief #covidinfo #vaccine #socialgood #philanthropy

At the Desai Foundation, we firmly believe that em

At the Desai Foundation, we firmly believe that empowered women empower women. Today, we are feeling extra grateful to all the powerful women who are paving the way towards gender equity and uplifting the voices of those who are disenfranchised ALL around the world. Happy Women’s Equality Day!

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#womensequalityday #womensempowerment #womensupportingwomen #india #womenshealth #livelihood #education #philanthropy #socialgood

This powerful quote by Judy Grahn resonates with o

This powerful quote by Judy Grahn resonates with our mission and the work we do to support menstruators throughout rural India via our Asani Sanitary Napkin program. Undoubtedly, there is much work to be done in order to normalize menstruation and promote healthy periods for all. However, the first step can simply be to start a conversation.

What are you doing to dismantle the stigma of menstruation and help bleeders all around the world have comfortable and shame-free periods?

. #menstrualequity #menstruation #periodsarenormal #womenshealth #periodequity #desaifoundation

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