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What is Ashraya?
Ashraya is a charitable organization registered in India and the
United States. Its objective is to support programs that help
in the uplifting of poor women. Ashraya’s focus is on
women and girls because women play a critical role in the welfare
of the entire family, but unfortunately have not received the same
opportunities as men and boys
.
Ashraya is a word in the Hindi language that denotes support or
a helping hand. This word describes the main aim of Ashraya.
It hopes to give a helping hand to women who would like to improve
their own well being through community-based efforts. Ashraya’s
aim is to increase earning opportunities for poor women.
What type of programs does Ashraya support?
Any program that aims at improving the well being of poor women
is eligible for Ashraya support. However, a prerequisite for
obtaining support from Ashraya is for groups of women to get together
and organize themselves and undertake responsibility for their program.
It also seeks strong participation from the community itself
as an important consideration in granting support. Community
participation can be in the form of cash to meet a part of the cost
and/or contribution in kind such as dedicating individual time for
the program, land facilities for the program, etc.
The kinds of programs that could be supported by Ashraya include:
- Establishment of day care facilities for children under 5 years
to allow women to be able to go for employment
- Improvement in the health and nutrition of young children
- Scholarship support for the education and training of girls
- Skills training for adolescent girls and women to enable them
to seek productive employment
- Construction and upgrading of community facilities such as schools
and community centers
The support from Ashraya is in the form of grants that are made
on an annual basis. The amount of grant is determined depending
on the nature of the proposal up to a maximum amount (currently
Rs. 18,000 or about US$ 500 per annum). Repeat grants are
possible for successful projects. However, as indicated above,
these grants can only be made when there is also a demonstration
on the part of the community receiving the grant to make some contribution
from its own resources in cash or kind. Similarly, girls receiving scholarship support must contribute a part of the cost of their education/training.
Who can apply for a grant?
Grants from Ashraya are made for
specific proposals that fit the specified criteria. Community
representatives can approach Ashraya for specific projects that enjoy community support. Scholarships are normally provided based on the recommendations of the school principals, but individual students meeting the criteria can also approach Ashraya directly.
How do I apply?
Please approach Ashraya at the address indicated under contacts, either in person or in
writing.
Management of Ashraya:
In India, Ashraya is managed by a Board of Trustees, assisted by volunteers who propose and oversee specific projects. The
volunteers come from different walks of
life. The one thing they all have in common is their commitment
and dedication to the aims of Ashraya.
In the United States, Ashraya is registered as a nonprofit corporation
in the state of Virginia. It has received tax-exemption as a public
charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Donors may
thus deduct their contributions from their US federal income taxes.
It is managed by a Board of Directors. Current members of
the Board are:
Dr. Inder Sud, International Development
Specialist, President
Ms. Kat Duff, Social Worker
Ms. Pamela Sud, International
Development Specialist
Mr. Richard Skolnik, International
Health Specialist
Funding of Ashraya:
Ashraya is funded entirely from private contributions from individuals.
We do not ask or receive any financial support from the Government.
We heartily welcome contributions from individuals and business,
in India or abroad. Contributions in any amount will be gratefully
received.
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