In 1997, Desai Foundation (then The Desai Family Foundation) was born to support health, livelihood and preserve Indian culture. It was designed to support programs both in the United States (specifically Massachusetts & New York), and India (specially Gujarat).The organizations Desai Foundation initially partnered with upon its birth include Columbia University, Lasalle University, Peabody Essex Museum, Middlesex Community College, and Lahey Hospital, among others. In its first year Desai Foundation impacted 1,000 people.