When the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, the world was given 15 years to achieve 17 ambitious targets for human development. Now, with less than five years to go, India faces a sobering reality. Despite making progress—advancing 7.6 points since 2015—the country is projected to reach the SDGs only by 2068, far past the 2030 deadline.
Bridging this gap demands significant resources. One estimate places the required annual investment at $292 billion. And that figure assumes no unexpected shocks like climate disasters, pandemics, or global economic crises.
While the Indian government leads most domestic development initiatives, the decline in overseas development assistance highlights the urgent need for philanthropy to step in. As Alex Counts, executive director of the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA), points out, bold and innovative approaches are needed not just to increase diaspora giving, but to amplify its impact.
The Untapped Power of the Diaspora
India’s diaspora is one of the most influential in the world, with more than 30 million people globally, including about 5 million in the United States.
In the US, the Indian diaspora ranks among the highest-earning and most-educated groups, with a median income of $150,000 and 77% holding college degrees. Their prominence in technology, healthcare, finance, and hospitality is reflected in the fact that six Indian-origin leaders were featured in Fortune’s 2024 list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Business.
Financially, the potential is staggering. Research by Give Grants and Indiaspora, in collaboration with the Bridgespan Group, estimates that wealthy Indian diaspora households in the US (net worth over $30 million) hold $1.02 trillion in wealth. By 2030, they could contribute $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion annually to philanthropic causes—a figure comparable to the $2.4 billion in official development aid India received from all countries in 2023.
Unlocking this potential, however, requires a supportive ecosystem that addresses three barriers:
- Limited awareness of India’s development issues
- Difficulty finding credible organizations
- Constraints of time and expertise in navigating the nonprofit sector
The 3C Flywheel of Giving
Our research suggests that diaspora philanthropy can be accelerated through what we call the 3C Flywheel of Giving:
- Curiosity: Sparked through immersion visits and exposure to India’s social issues.
- Connection: Built through networks of mentors, peers, role models, and changemakers.
- Curation: Identifying ambitious, credible opportunities aligned with diaspora priorities.
If diaspora leaders, nonprofits, and intermediaries invest in this framework, the result could be a self-sustaining cycle of increased funding and deeper impact.
Leading by Example
Some of the most inspiring stories come from diaspora leaders who turned personal curiosity into transformative movements.
- Vijay Goradia, after visiting a Pratham program in India, was inspired by co-founder Madhav Chavan’s vision to improve literacy at scale. In 1999, Goradia founded Pratham USA, building a powerful fundraising network. By 2023, the organization raised $32 million, supporting millions of children in India with access to foundational learning.
- Nirmala Garimella, co-founder of Circle of Hope, an American India Foundation (AIF) initiative, has empowered women philanthropists to fund programs benefiting women and girls. She emphasizes the importance of networks:
“A dedicated board takes ownership and introduces more donors. Warm introductions from someone influential can trigger a network effect.” - Lata Krishnan, founder of AIF, underscores engaging the next generation:
“People are drawn to younger leaders, and their peers often rally behind them.”
AIF’s New York and Bay Area chapters are models of how to involve younger donors meaningfully. - Srividya Prakash, board member at Antara International, advises nonprofits to stand out by building a compelling narrative around a core asset—whether it’s a visionary founder, a groundbreaking idea, or a relatable spokesperson.
On the grassroots level, stories like Feroza’s, a kite-maker from Ahmedabad supported by SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association), remind us that every intervention matters. SEWA’s training helped her improve working conditions, boosting both her productivity and dignity.
A Path Forward
India’s development challenges are immense, but so is the power of its diaspora. With intentional strategies that cultivate curiosity, foster authentic connections, and curate impactful opportunities, diaspora philanthropy can become a driving force in India’s journey toward achieving the SDGs.
The next five years will be decisive. The question is not whether the diaspora can help—but how quickly it will rise to the occasion.
Source: Indiaspora
