Asha for Education

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Asha for Education
Asha for Education logo
Founded 1991
Founder V.J.P.Srivatsavoy, D. Gupta, and S. Pandey
Focus Education
Location
Area served
India
Method Donation/Aid
Slogan To catalyze socio-economic change in India through education of underprivileged children.
Website http://www.ashanet.org

Asha for Education (English: Hope for Education) is a 100% volunteer-run action group dedicated to bringing socio-economic change in India by focusing on basic education, in the belief that education is a critical requisite for socio-economic change. It is a not-for-profit voluntary non-political and secular organization.

The objectives of the organisation are:

  • To provide education to underprivileged children in India.
  • To encourage the formation of various local groups across the world to reach out to larger sections of the population.
  • To support and cooperate with people and groups already engaged in similar activities.
  • To raise the required human and other resources to achieve the group objectives.
  • To provide opportunities to individuals living outside India who wish to participate in Asha activities in India.
  • To address, whenever possible, other issues affecting human life such as health care, the environment, socio-economics, and women's issues.

History

In the summer of 1991, a few students including V.J.P.Srivatsavoy, Deepak Gupta, and Sandeep Pandey got together to think of ways in which they could play a role in the development of India, the country of their origin. These young people shared the belief that education is a critical requisite and an effective catalyst for social and economic change in India. The group was named "Asha" (from the Sanskrit āśā, "hope") to represent the hope that had brought these individuals together and the hope that they aimed to bring into the lives of children in India. In that summer of 1991, Asha was born at the University of California, Berkeley.

Legal status

  • United States: donations are fully tax deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.
  • India: Asha is an independent organization in India registered under the name Asha Trust.
  • Switzerland: Asha is registered as Steuerbefreiung Vereine under Kantonales Steueramt Zurich.
  • United Kingdom: Donations from UK tax payers are tax deductible and fetch an additional 28% under Gift Aid.
  • Germany: donations are 50% deductible ( you get 50% back with your tax declaration)
  • Canada: Asha is registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency; donations are fully tax deductible.

Activities and chapters

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  • Asha for Education chapters worldwide - 65
    • US - 46
    • Europe - 6 (Eindhoven, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Sheffield, Zurich)
    • India - 12 (Ballia, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Lalpur, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Rajatalab, Varanasi)
    • Canada - 1
  • There are over 316 active projects which are helping the under privileged
  • Total funds disbursed in 2015 - USD 2.96 millions to 170 projects
  • Total funds disbursed in 2014 - USD 2.85 millions to 187 projects
  • Total funds disbursed in 2013 - USD 2.56 millions to 170 projects
  • Total funds disbursed in 2012 - USD 1.89 millions to 168 projects
  • Total funds disbursed in 2011 - USD 2.3 millions
  • Total funds disbursed in 2010 - USD 3 millions (approx)
  • Total funds disbursed from 2001 to May 2011 - $20 millions (approx)

Work An Hour campaign

Asha for Education has a Work-An-Hour online fundraiser annually that highlights the issue of illiteracy in India to donors worldwide. WAH symbolically requests you to donate an hour of your salary towards education of underprivileged children in India. That's all it takes to bring about the much needed socio-economic change in India. The event begins on July 15 and concludes on September 30 spanning India's Independence Day on August 15 and Teachers' Day on September 5.

A team of dedicated volunteers scrutinize the projects submitted to the campaign. They check if projects have been visited regularly by one of our volunteers, have updated records, so that 'you' as a donor can be assured that your money will be put to right use. When you make a donation, you can decide the project or projects where you would like us to channel your donation.

The 2011 fund utilization was published here

Reviews

Asha for Education topped Charity Navigator's lists of 10 Slam Dunk Charities and 10 Charities Worth Watching in 2005 and 2007.

The organization currently has a 4-star rating,[1] the highest rating accorded by Charity Navigator with a 'Accountability and Transparency' score of 100

Asha for Education was one of the recipients of the Times of India Social Impact Award 2015[2]

References

External links