Empowering Women & Children in Rural India
Improving health, livelihoods, and menstrual equity through community-led programs.
WE’VE IMPACTED
LIVES
Our key area of focus
Thematic Area
Health
The lack of access to hospitals and qualified medical professionals creates mounting challenges for rural communities.
Livelihood
We view livelihood as the chance to live a fulfilling life by generating a meaningful income that can support the pursuit of diverse opportunities.
Menstrual Equity
We focus on menstrual equity because everyone deserves equal opportunities to access meaningful education, economic empowerment, and health, regardless of gender.
Climate Resilience
We empower rural women and the children and families they support to lead India’s green transition through bold, community-centered investments in climate resilience.
Our Impact
Livelihood
Menstrual Equity
Health
States
Communities
Years
Our Story
Our Impact
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lives Directly Impacted
Indian States Reached
Women Earning Through Asani Sanitary Program
XXX Income goes directly to the local communities
Our Story
The Problem
In rural India, millions of women and girls face a daily reality shaped by silence, stigma, and exclusion. For generations, shame surrounding menstruation and barriers to economic opportunity have been inherited from mother to daughter, stealing away dignity, hope, and possibility.
OUR MISSION
In rural India, millions of women and girls face a daily reality shaped by silence, stigma, and exclusion. For generations, shame surrounding menstruation and barriers to economic opportunity have been inherited from mother to daughter, stealing away dignity, hope, and possibility.
Our Approach
We place communities at the center of everything we do. By listening closely to local voices, we understand real needs and co-create solutions that are relevant and sustainable. We pilot and test programs with community partners, continuously measure impact and learn from feedback, and scale what works by strengthening local leadership and ownership—ensuring lasting change for women, children, and communities in rural India.
STORIES in motion
Restoring Health Through Timely Care: Kusum’s Anaemia Recovery Story
Kusum, a 32-year-old woman from Chainpura village in Niwai block of Tonk district, had been experiencing constant fatigue, weakness, and cramps, making even routine household work exhausting. During a health screening in March 2025, her haemoglobin level was found to be 6.5 gm/dl, indicating severe anaemia.
Community Facilitator Kanta, provided Kusum with iron–folic acid (IFA) supplements, counselled her on improving her diet, and supported her in seeking….
Managing Periods with Comfort and Dignity: Mamta’s Journey to Better Menstrual Health
Mamta, a 32-year-old working woman, had been using cloth during her periods for many years. This often caused her itching and rashes, making those days very uncomfortable for her.
One day, Mamta attended a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) session organised by Desai Foundation Trust in her village. There she learned about Asani sanitary pads and their qualities.
From Silence to Strength: Richa’s Path to Empowerment Through Menstrual Health
Richa lives in a small village near Lucknow, where periods are rarely spoken about. Growing up, she had limited access to sanitary pads and little knowledge about menstrual health, which made her feel shy and unsure, like many women in her community.
Two years ago, the Asani Sanitary Napkin Production Unit was set up in her village. Though nervous at first, Richa
When Skills Create Independence: Bhanumati’s Story of Sustainable Livelihood
Bhanumati from Mahimunda village in Balangir district transformed her life after completing a three-month sewing training programme organised by Desai Foundation Trust. Earlier engaged only in household work, she had no independent income.
After the training, Bhanumati began taking stitching orders from her community and now earns ₹5,000–₹7,000 per month,
From Caregiver to Survivor: Arti’s Journey of Awareness, Courage, and Early Detection
Arti joined Desai Foundation Trust over two years ago as a community facilitator under the Heroes for Humanity (HFH) programme. While supporting others, she silently endured months of pain, believing it was normal and managing it only with painkillers.
Nine months ago, when the Health & Hygiene Awareness of Cancer programme
Two years ago, the Asani Sanitary Napkin Production Unit was set up in her village. Though nervous at first, Richa
Restoring Sight, Renewing Hope: Lakshmibai’s Cataract Recovery Story
At 66, Lakshmibai from Bhirda village, Hingoli district, struggled with daily tasks as her vision blurred. “I couldn’t see my grandchildren’s faces clearly anymore,” she shared. On 26th August 2025, she attended an eye check-up camp organized by Desai Foundation Trust. Doctors diagnosed cataracts in both eyes and recommended surgery.
Two years ago, the Asani Sanitary Napkin Production Unit was set up in her village. Though nervous at first, Richa
Recent Awards
AWARDED THE “TOP 20 MOST TRUSTED NGO’S” BY THE INDIAN CSR AWARDS
News
Latest News and Updates
How Can You Support
how TO partner with us to remove barriers that hold women back
Empower Change: Donate Today!
Donate to the Desai Foundation
Transform Lives
Empower health, education, and livelihood programs.
Support Menstrual Equity
Ensure dignity for women and girls.
Healthcare Heroes
Give for accessible healthcare in underserved areas.
Empower Women: Give Monthly!
Champion gender equality through your support every month.
Sponsor a Program, Empower a Community
Bring Impactful Programs to Life
Make a lasting impact by sponsoring a specific program or supporting our programming in specific states across India where we work. You can also play a pivotal role in expanding our reach, helping us bring vital programming to new states.
Looking for something innovative? Consider sponsoring one of our pilot programs, which rely on visionary partners like you for funding. Contact us to learn more or to request state-specific one-pagers detailing how you can support this meaningful work. Together, we can cultivate dignity and create transformative change for women and girls.
Fundraise for The Desai Foundation and Empower Change
Host an Event, Build a Campaign
Host a Cocktail & Chaat—a casual gathering in your home, a restaurant, or any space where friends can come together, enjoy snacks, and learn about the incredible work we do. You can also celebrate your special day by creating a birthday campaign or get involved through peer-to-peer fundraising.
We’ll support you every step of the way, including creating a customized fundraising page tailored to your event or initiative. Together, we can create a ripple effect, transforming lives through education, vocational training, and health programs.
Amplify Your Impact Through Corporate Collaboration
Corporate Partnerships
Collaborate with us to create impactful partnerships that align with your corporate social responsibility goals. From event sponsorships, cash contributions, and gift bag support to in-kind services or corporate giving programs, there are many ways for your company to make a difference. We also welcome corporate matching programs if your company matches employee donations, we’d love to connect!
Be a Changemaker in Your Community
Volunteer Opportunities
There are countless ways to make an impact. By giving your time, attending an event, connecting us with donors or grantors, and more. Join our vibrant community of changemakers and lend your time and talents to support our programs.
Events
Upcoming events
From the vibrant lights of Diwali on the Hudson in NYC to the cultural richness of the Lotus Festival in Boston, our events are celebrations of community, culture, and connection.
Reach out to us if you’d like to know more or be part of our upcoming events, we’d love to have you join us. From the vibrant lights of Diwali on the Hudson in NYC to the cultural richness of the Lotus Festival in Boston, our events promise unforgettable moments.
How do you want to empower communities today?
Every small action can create lasting change. Your support helps rural families, women, and children gain access to education, health, and livelihood opportunities. Together, we can transform lives and build stronger communities across India.
Health
lorem ipsum
Health
lorem ipsum
Health
lorem ipsum
Health
lorem ipsum
Our Partners
Our WEBSITES
Sign Up for Newsletter
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
The Desai Foundation is an organization that empowers women and children through community programming to elevate health, livelihood, and menstrual equity in rural India.
US | India
NAV Title
- Menu Item here
- Menu Item here
- Menu Item here
Nav Title
Menu title
- Menu item Here
- Menu item here
- Menu item Here
Menu title
- Menu item Here
- Menu item here
- Menu item Here
Menu title
- Menu item Here
- Menu item here
- Menu item Here
Menu title
- Menu item Here
- Menu item here
- Menu item Here
Menu title
- Menu item Here
- Menu item here
- Menu item Here
Menu title
- Menu item Here
- Menu item here
- Menu item Here
Nav Title
- Menu Item here
- Menu Item here
- Menu Item here
Nav Title
- Menu Item here
- Menu Item here
- Menu Item here
Nav Title
- Menu Item here
- Menu Item here
- Menu Item here
© 2023 Desai Foundation. All rights reserved.
DESAI FOUNDATION is a registered 501(c)3 organization
Tax ID#: 04-3433749 80(G)
Registration Number: E-31940(M) PAN Number: AACTT7301H