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 963,660 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

Wednesday April 7th

Happy World Health Day! During this day of awareness, we would like to highlight just how important our health initiatives are now more than ever to serve the needs of some of the hardest hit communities due to COVID-19.

We offer various programs that focus on general health, vision, gynecological + menstrual health, and hygiene. Learn more about these programs and how you can get involved by following the link in our bio!   
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#worldhealthday #womenshealth #endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womensempowerment #desaifoundation ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Monday April 5th

Imagine experiencing an entirely normal bodily function, but being barred from your daily activities as a result. This can include entering religious temples, being in the kitchen and making food, or even touching another person. This is the case for some parts of India, in which about 77% of women face restrictions like these during menstruation.

No doubt that the myths surrounding menstruation lead to a negative impact on a woman’s emotional state, lifestyle, and health. Let’s put an end to this cycle of taboos and promote healthy periods for all!

#endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation #menstrualmonday #pledgeyourperiod ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Friday April 2nd

Remember how much fun we had pledging our periods in honor of menstrual hygiene month last year?

This year’s Pledge Your Period campaign will be BLOODY FABULOUS, so get ready to start pledging on May 1st!
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#pledgeyourperiod #menstrualhygienemonth #desaifoundation #bloodyfabulous #womenshealth #menstrualhygiene #endperiodpoverty #endperiodstigma ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Monday March 29th

Sports play a pivotal role in fostering leadership skills and confidence among children and teens. But girls drop out of sports at two times the rate of their male counterparts. As their bodies change, they often tend to feel increased self-awareness and low self-image due to the social stigmas around periods.

Let’s end this cycle by normalizing menstruation and helping girls stay in the game!

#endperiodstigma #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Monday March 22nd

This World Water Day, we would like to highlight how important it is for women’s menstrual health to have access to safe water. In India, a shocking 23% of women drop out of school once they reach puberty due to a lack of clean water and sanitation facilities.

Let’s work together to change this by continuing to talk about periods and the need for everyone around the world to have access to clean water! Let us know what you think in the comments, and follow the link in our bio to learn more about our menstrual health initiatives in rural India.

#endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation #worldwaterday #cleanwater ... See MoreSee Less

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The Desai Foundation Follow

Desai Foundation @DesaiFoundation·

We can’t quite contain our excitement that we’ll be able to gather in-person again with you for the Lotus Festival this year. Save the date of September 17th and stay tuned to learn who will be lighting up the Lotus Festival stage this year!

Reply on Twitter Retweet on Twitter Like on Twitter Twitter

Desai Foundation @DesaiFoundation·

Today is the last day of our International Women’s Week campaign, and we raising funds for our holistic programming which supports every primary aspect of a woman’s life, at every stage of her life. Donate here: https://t.co/1LtReDqxnk

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Desai Foundation @DesaiFoundation·

On this 4th day of International Women’s Week, we’re raising funds for our menstrual HEALTH programs that teach young women and girls how to properly manage their periods. Donate now to help more girls like Priyanshi have a healthy period! https://t.co/1LtReDqxnk

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The Desai Foundation

We are so proud to be serving women like Chetanabe

We are so proud to be serving women like Chetanaben through our women’s health camps which offer FREE check-ups and treatment for their needs, as well as essential health information that they were otherwise lacking exposure to. Learn more about the various health camps we offer by visiting the link in our bio.

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#fridaysfromthefield #health #womenshealth #endperiodpoverty #india #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womensempowerment #desaifoundation

Happy World Health Day! During this day of awarene

Happy World Health Day! During this day of awareness, we would like to highlight just how important our health initiatives are now more than ever to serve the needs of some of the hardest hit communities due to COVID-19.

We offer various programs that focus on general health, vision, gynecological + menstrual health, and hygiene. Learn more about these programs and how you can get involved by following the link in our bio!   
.
#worldhealthday #womenshealth #endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womensempowerment #desaifoundation

Imagine experiencing an entirely normal bodily fun

Imagine experiencing an entirely normal bodily function, but being barred from your daily activities as a result. This can include entering religious temples, being in the kitchen and making food, or even touching another person. This is the case for some parts of India, in which about 77% of women face restrictions like these during menstruation.

No doubt that the myths surrounding menstruation lead to a negative impact on a woman’s emotional state, lifestyle, and health. Let’s put an end to this cycle of taboos and promote healthy periods for all!

#endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation #menstrualmonday #pledgeyourperiod

Remember how much fun we had pledging our periods

Remember how much fun we had pledging our periods in honor of menstrual hygiene month last year?

This year’s Pledge Your Period campaign will be BLOODY FABULOUS, so get ready to start pledging on May 1st!
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.
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#pledgeyourperiod #menstrualhygienemonth #desaifoundation #bloodyfabulous #womenshealth #menstrualhygiene #endperiodpoverty #endperiodstigma

Sports play a pivotal role in fostering leadership

Sports play a pivotal role in fostering leadership skills and confidence among children and teens. But girls drop out of sports at two times the rate of their male counterparts. As their bodies change, they often tend to feel increased self-awareness and low self-image due to the social stigmas around periods.

Let’s end this cycle by normalizing menstruation and helping girls stay in the game!

#endperiodstigma #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation

We can’t quite contain our excitement that we’

We can’t quite contain our excitement that we’ll be able to gather in-person again with you for the Lotus Festival this year. This one-of-a-kind evening always features some of the country’s top talent and thought leaders, and this year will be no different.

Save the date of September 17th and stay tuned to learn who will be lighting up the Lotus Festival stage this year!

@ariafsar @robynglaser @jillellis @payalkadakia @nilofermerchant @jonbatiste @falu @harshithakrishnan @aleifhamdan @anjulaacharia @avantinagral

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#lotusfestival #desaifoundation #gala #philanthropy #fundraising #september #savethedate

This World Water Day, we would like to highlight h

This World Water Day, we would like to highlight how important it is for women’s menstrual health to have access to safe water. In India, a shocking 23% of women drop out of school once they reach puberty due to a lack of clean water and sanitation facilities.

Let’s work together to change this by continuing to talk about periods and the need for everyone around the world to have access to clean water! Let us know what you think in the comments, and follow the link in our bio to learn more about our menstrual health initiatives in rural India.

#endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation #worldwaterday #cleanwater

Our team in India really spread the joy of Interna

Our team in India really spread the joy of International Women’s Day last week with celebratory energy both to honor the women we serve and the women behind the scenes of it all! Throughout the week, the team facilitated conversations discussing the importance of International Women’s Day and why we celebrate. We are so proud of all that they do to elevate the health & livelihood women in rural India, all year round. Follow the link in our bio to learn more.

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#fridaywins #womensempowerment #internationalwomensweek #india #desaifoundation

Thank you to @sincerelyhueman for featuring our Pr

Thank you to @sincerelyhueman for featuring our President, @meghatron5, and highlighting the work we do to elevate the health and livelihood of women and children in rural India.

Find Sincerely Hueman on apple podcasts, spotify or through the link in our bio to listen to the full episode!

@camillelaurente @maverickAquino

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#sincerelyhueman #podcast #womensempowerment #periodpoverty #menstrualhealth #childrenshealth #education #livelhood #desaifoundation #india

Have you or anyone you know ever been held back be

Have you or anyone you know ever been held back because of your period? The shame surrounding menstruation is one of the root causes for girls not having access to menstrual products and therefore missing school, even right here in the US. We must continue to talk about periods in order to normalize and de-stigmatize them!

Join the conversation to help ensure no girl ever misses out on her education due to her period again! Let us know your thoughts about periods in the comments - and follow the link in our bio to learn more about our menstrual health initiatives in rural India.

#endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation

In honor of Pi Day tomorrow, we hope you can join

In honor of Pi Day tomorrow, we hope you can join us in supporting the hundreds of children in rural India we serve through our educational programs -- including our Lok Vidyalaya School specializing in math and science classes. A donation of just $3.14 (less than a cup of coffee) can go a long way to sponsor one student for one month! Click the link in our bio to find out more about our programs and how to donate.

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#piday #fundraiser #womeninSTEM #happytauday #girlsempowerment #education

Today is the last day of our International Women’s Week campaign, and we raising funds for our holistic programming which supports every primary aspect of a woman’s life, at every stage of her life.

As Shilpa explains, many women in rural India use cloth rags to manage their periods, which can lead to infections and other issues. But through our Asani Sanitary Napkin program, Shilpa learned how to use pads and was also treated for irregular periods.

Through today only, all donations up to $50 to our ‘Empowering Women & Girls in Rural India at Every Stage of Life’ campaign will be multiplied by 3.5 - and all donations over $51 will be tripled (thanks to @ranavat and @globalgiving).

Follow the link in our bio to donate and help us maintain and expand our Asani Sanitary Napkin program!
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#globalgiving #womensempowerment #womenshealth #menstrualhygiene #healthcamps #internationalwomensweek #desaifoundaiton

Today is the 4th day of our International Women’

Today is the 4th day of our International Women’s Week campaign, and we’re raising funds for our menstrual HEALTH programs that teach young women and girls how to properly manage their periods.

As Shilpa’s daughter, Priyanshi, explains, many young women and girls in rural India aren’t taught about their periods or period products. Luckily, Priyanshi attended one of our menstrual hygiene awareness sessions and was able to learn about menstruation and how to properly manage it.

Thanks to @ranavat and @globalgiving , all donations up to $50 to our ‘Empowering Women & Girls in Rural India at Every Stage of Life’ campaign on Global Giving will be multiplied by 3.5 and all donations over $51 will be tripled through Friday.

Follow the link in our bio to help more young women and girls benefit from our menstrual health programs.
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#globalgiving #womensempowerment #menstrualhygiene #menstrualeducation #asani #womenshealth #india #internationalwomensweek #desaifoundaiton

Today is the 3rd day of our International Women’

Today is the 3rd day of our International Women’s Week campaign, and we raising funds for our LIVELIHOOD programs which help women in rural India gain employable skills and become financially empowered.

As Shilpa can attest to, many women in rural India do not possess the skills to work outside the home or build their own business. But our vocational trainings teach women skills like sewing, candle and jewelry making and more so that they can make their own money, and often start their own businesses.

Through this Friday only, all donations up to $50 to our ‘Empowering Women & Girls in Rural India at Every Stage of Life’ campaign on @globalgiving Giving will be multiplied by 2.5 and all donations over $51 will be doubled! So follow the link in our bio to donate now and help more young women like Shilpa earn a sustainable livelihood.

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#globalgiving #womensempowerment #livelihood #vocationalskills #internationalwomensweek #desaifoundation

International women’s day may be over, but Inter

International women’s day may be over, but International Women’s Week is just getting started! We’re celebrating all week and raising funds for our EDUCATION programs that support girls like Shilpa’s daughter, Priyanshi, during childhood and beyond.

Many girls in rural India struggle to feel confident in their ability to work outside the home and build an independent life. But our creative learning programs inspire them to dream beyond and pursue their passions. With the help of our holistic programming, Priyanshi is becoming an incredibly driven and career-oriented young woman!

Thanks to our friends at @globalgiving , all donations up to $50 to our ‘Empowering Women & Girls in Rural India at Every Stage of Life’ campaign on Global Giving will be multiplied by 2.5 and all donations over $51 will be doubled through Friday.

Follow the link in our bio to help more young women like Priyanshi gain access to our creative learning programs.
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#globalgiving #womensempowerment #girlsempowerment #creativelearning #india #internationalwomensweek #desaifoundaiton

Meet Kajal, one of the thousands of women we’ve

Meet Kajal, one of the thousands of women we’ve served through our health and hygiene programs which focus on areas such as gynecology, vision/eye care, and general medical check ups. Thanks to our support, many women such as Kajal have been able to to receive FREE treatment for their health concerns. Follow the link in our bio to learn more and donate to this program.

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#desaifoundation #womensempowerment #socialcauses #fundraising #india #vocationalprograms

Next week is International Women’s Week, and to

Next week is International Women’s Week, and to celebrate, ALL donations to our Empowering Women in India at Every Stage of Life project on @globalgiving will be doubled - and all donations up to $50 will be multiplied by 2.5 for the entire week!
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This project helps fund our holistic programming which empowers women & girls to dream beyond their circumstances at every stage of life.
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So make sure to save the date to donate, helping us reach our goal of raising $6,000 for women and children in rural India during this campaign!

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#globalgiving #womensempowerment #childrenshealth #womenshealth #menstrualeducation #asani #india #vocationaltraining #desaifoundation #internationalwomensday

Period Poverty is not just an issue abroad. In the

Period Poverty is not just an issue abroad. In the United States, 1 in 10 college students experience period poverty each month - and among bleeders who are the first in their family to attend college, the rate is 1 in 5 (according to a recent study conducted by BMC Women’s Health).
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We are dedicated to illustrating that a period is a natural bodily function and should never cause economic or emotional strain. We have distributed over 450,000 pads for free in rural India since the start of the pandemic and continue to fight period poverty by producing high-quality, low-cost pads through our Asani Sanitary Napkin program.
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We must continue to talk about periods and work together to ensure that a period never keeps a woman or girl out of work or school!
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#endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation

Today, on world day of social justice, we stand wi

Today, on world day of social justice, we stand with the UN in the fight to achieve social justice, which is the idea of peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We do so through our community-based programs which provide women and children in rural India and the US the tools they need to thrive at every stage of their lives. Follow the link in our bio to learn more and donate now!
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#socialjustice #dayofsocialjustice #womensrights #womensempowerment #womenshealth #livelihood #childrenshealth #education #livelihood #india #desaifoundation

Thank you to @officialhumansofbombay for sharing t

Thank you to @officialhumansofbombay for sharing this powerful story from @sukarmafoundation
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“I come from a village in MP. I was in a government school that only taught till the 8th standard; most girls would drop out to be married after. We had no toilets. I was 12 when I got my period; my mother made me wear a cloth pad. When I asked her why I was bleeding, she said she didn’t know.
I developed vaginal infections & began giving off a terrible odor too. The local doctors were clueless, so I just lived with it. I completed my schooling & fortunately, my parents wanted me to focus on my education. They took loans to send me to college; I studied biochemistry & got a job at a hospital.
It was there that I used a pad for the first time; I was 26. I told my colleague–‘I want to learn how to wear it.’ She taught me & even got my infections treated. I could work far more comfortably! But, when I’d visit my parents, I was appalled to see no progress in our village.
Women still struggled with their menstrual hygiene. So, I went door-to-door encouraging women to use pads. The women were so shy, especially in front of men–only when they were alone, would they whisper their menstrual issues in my ear.
They’d say–‘We don’t interact with anyone or cook until our period stops’. Most of them had never seen a pad before! The few who had said, ‘We can’t afford them.’
Through my campaigns, I met Arunachalam Muruganantham, The Padman. He told me, ‘Start your own factory & educate more women.’ And so in 2016, I started ‘The Sukarma Foundation’ & hired women from my village to teach households how to use pads. Today, we transport 50000 pads per month to 22 districts in MP!
I dropped the price to Rs 5 for a box of pads; that’s when women began flocking to my factory. A girl once hugged me & said, ‘I never realized why I’d stink before. It was because I was wearing the same cloth pad!’ As the women regularly started using pads, that's all they wanted to use!
It took 3 years, but today I can proudly say that every woman in my village uses pads! In fact, when I teach in schools, grown men sit in my classes to learn too!

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