HCLFoundation to Accelerate Water and BioDiversity Stewardship in Rural India

HCLFoundation, which drives the corporate social responsibility agenda of global technology company HCLTech in India, announced a 45% increase in the annual outlay to ₹24 crore for its flagship HCLTech Grant initiative that supports innovative rural development projects by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in India.

Starting FY26, the HCLTech Grant will be open to applications for promising projects under the new Water category. The Environment category has been replaced with Biodiversity. The Education and Healthcare categories will continue as before.

Each winning NGO in these categories will receive ₹5 crore for four-year projects, while eight runner-up NGOs will get ₹50 lakh for two-year projects. The total grant for the FY26 edition will be ₹24 crore vs ₹16.5 crores in FY25.

The Water category aims to highlight the critical importance of water in sustainable development. HCLFoundation aims to drive impactful community-based solutions to address water scarcity and improve water management in rural areas. The Biodiversity category aims at focused interventions that bring about ecological biodiversity impact that can be seen and measured.

The new initiative will support projects that tackle various aspects of water management, including conservation, efficient usage and sustainable practices. NGOs focusing on water-related issues are encouraged to apply for funding and support.

"Water is a precious resource. Its responsible management is crucial for reducing water stress in India. Through this initiative, we seek to partner with NGOs on innovative projects on water conservation. Also, there is a need to focus on Biodiversity enhancement across the country. Therefore, we have introduced two distinct categories under HCLTech Grant, Water and Biodiversity, while we continue focusing on Education and Healthcare. The increase in total financial outlay further strengthens our commitment towards nation building," said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation. 

To date, the HCLFoundation has awarded ₹152.8 crore (~$18.4 million) through the HCLTech Grant initiative to scale high-impact projects. Through the HCLTech Grant, it has supported 59 projects across 142 districts in 22 States and two Union Territories.

With these new categories, HCLFoundation has announced the 11th Edition of HCLTech Grant, after 10 consecutive successful editions over 10 years. This year's edition includes increased grant funding, more commitment for runners-up NGOs and a higher focus on conservation efforts. The applications portal is already live. Help desks are active, and soon, the HCLTech India Grant team will be conducting symposiums in various regions of the country.

For more details and to apply, visit https://www.hclfoundation.org/hcltech-grant.

HCLTech is deeply committed to water stewardship through various innovative initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable water management and conservation. Platforms like AquaSphere provide a comprehensive solution that helps organizations monitor, measure and optimize water usage using real-time data, enhancing water sustainability practices. HCLTech has been recognized for its efforts in water stewardship, winning the National Water Award 2022 for its water conservation and management initiatives in India.

Through the HCLFoundation, the company has harvested 57.9 billion liters of water and rejuvenated over 200 water structures. Their projects include rainwater harvesting, river rejuvenation and biodiversity enhancement along the Ganga's catchment area. These initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 15 (life on land). 

About HCLFoundation

HCLFoundation delivers the corporate social responsibility agenda of HCLTech in India. The Foundation contributes to national and international development goals by investing in long-term sustainable programs and special initiatives with thematic focus on education, nurturing grassroots sports, health and sanitation, skill development and livelihood, environment and disaster risk reduction and response management. To ensure equitable development, child protective strategies, inclusion and gender transformative approaches are at the core of all the programs of the Foundation. To date, the HCLFoundation has positively impacted over 6.5 million lives. To learn more visit www.hclfoundation.org

India’s Top Business Tycoons Unite to Fund Healthcare for Supreme Court Lawyers

India’s top industrialists—including Adani, Ambanis, Birla, and others—have collectively funded a ₹50 crore health insurance scheme for Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) members.

The initiative, announced during the Supreme Court’s 75th anniversary celebrations, was spearheaded by Kapil Sibal, who personally reached out to business leaders for contributions.

The scheme, underwritten by United India Insurance, provides ₹2 lakh coverage per family, including parents and in-laws, and covers pre-existing conditions from day one. It also offers cashless treatment across 15,000+ hospitals, ₹50,000 maternity benefits, and coverage for LASIK surgery, congenital conditions, and ambulance charges.

Sibal emphasized that the initiative is a lifeline for young lawyers, ensuring financial security as they enter the profession. The announcement was accompanied by the launch of Pillars of Justice, a book featuring essays on landmark Supreme Court judgments.

This move sets a precedent for corporate-backed welfare initiatives in the legal sector, with CJI BR Gavai urging other Bar Associations to adopt similar models.

The legal community has largely welcomed the ₹50 crore health insurance scheme for Supreme Court lawyers, seeing it as a landmark welfare initiative. Many lawyers, especially young professionals, have expressed relief at having financial security for medical expenses.

Kapil Sibal, who spearheaded the initiative, described it as a lifeline for lawyers entering the profession, ensuring they have a safety net while building their careers. The Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, praised the move and urged other Bar Associations to adopt similar models to support lawyers across the country.

The scheme’s cashless treatment, maternity benefits, and coverage for pre-existing conditions have been particularly appreciated, with many lawyers calling it a game-changer for the profession.

A $200 Bn Farewell: Bill Gates Winds Down His Legacy of Giving

Bill Gates has announced a bold plan to wind down the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by 2045, committing $200 billion over the next two decades to accelerate global health and development initiatives. The goal of Microsoft Founder is to donate 99% of his remaining wealth, ensuring that the foundation’s financial resources are fully utilized within this timeframe.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, originally set to sunset 20 years after Gates’ death, has now revised its charter to close much earlier. The funds will focus on ending preventable deaths, protecting children from infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty. Gates emphasized that technological advancements, including AI, provide unprecedented opportunities to improve lives globally.

This move marks one of the largest philanthropic commitments in history, surpassing even the legendary contributions of figures like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. Gates hopes others will follow his lead, stating, “I’d love to be beat in all of this work. Somebody should try and pay more taxes than I did, and save more lives than I did, and give more money than I did, and be smarter than I’ve been.

Unlike many foundations that operate indefinitely, Gates has set a firm closure date, ensuring all funds are spent within two decades. His plan to donate 99% of his wealth contrasts with other billionaires who pledge large sums but distribute them gradually.

Besides, Gates co-founded the Giving Pledge, encouraging billionaires to donate at least half their wealth. While many have signed, few match his scale and urgency.

Warren Buffett has donated billions to the Gates Foundation but prefers gradual giving rather than a structured wind-down.

Several billionaires have committed significant portions of their wealth to philanthropy, each with unique approaches.

MacKenzie Scott has donated over $17 billion in unrestricted grants to nonprofits, focusing on education, racial equity, and economic mobility.

Yvon Chouinard (Founder of Patagonia) transferred his entire company to an environmental trust, ensuring all profits go toward climate change initiatives.

Ratan Tata directed a substantial portion of his wealth to education, healthcare, and rural development, inspiring philanthropy in India.

Chuck Feeney quietly donated over $8 billion, choosing to live modestly while funding education and healthcare.

Warren Buffett has pledged to donate 99% of his fortune, primarily through the Giving Pledge and contributions to the Gates Foundation.

What do you think of this approach of Bill Gates towards philanthropy? Comment below... 

CapitaLand Launches Inaugural S$3 Mn Community Resilience Initiative

• This is the first time a regional grant call for social resilience projects is held as part of the initiative
• Funding will be provided for projects by non-profit organisations across Singapore, India, China and Vietnam focused on education, health and well-being of vulnerable children and youth

CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group, today launched its inaugural S$3 million CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative that sources for social resilience projects. This is the first time a regional grant call is held for such projects as part of the initiative. The launch, in collaboration with AVPN, is a significant milestone as part of CHF’s 20th anniversary celebration this year. AVPN is the largest network of social investors in Asia, and the grant call was announced at the AVPN Southeast Asia Summit 2025 held in Singapore.

The CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative aims to equip vulnerable children and youth with the skills, knowledge and support systems needed to thrive in the face of adversity, strengthening their resilience to ensure a stronger, more adaptive and equitable future. CHF has been committed to building caring, inclusive and resilient communities and forging meaningful partnerships to impact the lives of many since 2005. AVPN will contribute their network and expertise in managing philanthropic funds and support in identifying impactful organisations to ensure quality solutions for the vulnerable in Asia.

Non-profit organisations across China, India, Singapore and Vietnam with sustainable projects focused on improving the education, health and well-being of children and youths can submit their applications from now till 25 April 2025. The applications will be assessed based on the social impact and potential outcomes. They should also be scalable and effectively implemented across any of the four countries where CapitaLand operates.

Mr Miguel Ko, Chairman of CHF and Chairman of CapitaLand Investment, said: “In our 20 years of giving since CHF’s inception in 2005, we have been unwavering in our commitment to uplift lives and make a difference. At CapitaLand, we believe that building a resilient community is fundamental to sustainable growth. Through the launch of our inaugural S$3 million CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative, we aim to empower individuals and families with the resources and support they need to navigate challenges and emerge stronger. The initiative enables us to source for like-minded partners and stakeholders in the region in supporting social capital, social infrastructure, and social inclusion solutions as they embark with us in this giving journey. We look forward to amplifying the positive impact across the communities we operate in together with selected organisations.”

Ms Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN, said: "Community resilience is the foundation for long-term stability. CHF’s strong commitment to philanthropy through its community-focused programmes is in line with AVPN’s mission to strengthen the ecosystem and direct capital towards meaningful outcomes in Asia. With our extensive network and expertise in managing philanthropic funds, AVPN is well-positioned to support CapitaLand’s mission by identifying impactful organisations, providing due diligence support, and ensuring the fund's strategic effectiveness. Together, we aim to create lasting, positive change across the region with the CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative.”

Focus impact areas of the CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative

Participants can submit their proposed projects for the initiative which addresses any of the three focus impact areas established by CHF to meet the needs of the vulnerable groups.  The three focus impact areas are education, skills development and physical/mental health and well-being.

For more information on the submission criteria and application, please visit: https://avpn.asia/philanthropic-fund/capitaland-community-resilience-initiative/

Submissions will close on 25 April 2025, 2359h Singapore Time (GMT +8).

CapitaLand’s giving efforts

Through the eventual implementation of suitable projects identified through the initiative, CapitaLand strives to deepen its efforts in building the resilience of the communities and cultivate like-minded organisations to amplify the collective impact in uplifting the lives of the vulnerable groups it supports through CHF.  Since 2005, CHF has supported more than 520,000 beneficiaries including children, youth and seniors in need.  The Foundation has also donated more than S$64 million and funded over 150 initiatives with partners across geographies as of 31 December 2024.

GAIL, a Govt of India Undertaking and DWAB signs MoU

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between GAIL, a Govt of India Undertaking and Development & Welfare Association of the Blind (DWAB), a Hyderabad based NGO which runs a blind school at Nalgonda. The MoU was signed for the construction of classrooms in the Blind School. The MoU was signed and exchanged today at Nalgonda by Shri B. Balaji Bukhya, Senior Manager, CSR, GAIL Rajahmundry and P Chokka Rao, General Secretary of DWAB.

Balaji Bukhya Senior Manager CSR GAIL Rajahmundry and P Chokka Rao General Secretary of DWAB

GAIL (India) Ltd, a Govt of India Undertaking, extends rupees fifteen lakh financial support to a Hyderabad based Development & Welfare Association of the Blind (DWAB) which has a blind school at Nalgonda. The support is extended under CSR Project Support for DWAB for the construction of Rooms at the 25years old Blind School.

As per the agreement construction of class rooms will be taken up and completed by 31st March 2022. GAIL extends financial help and DWAB completes construction.

Mr P. Chokka Rao thanked Mr Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, MP, Ongole for recommending the same to GAIL for the help as well as the GAIL officials to travelling to Nalgonda and saving the effort for the physically challenged P. Chooka Rao from traveling to Rajahmundry for the same.

Nalgonda School for the blind is run by DWAB —Development and Welfare of the Blind which recently completed 25 years. The blind school is run on donations from the public. The school is well known for its role and in producing results. Recognising its efforts, several Governors, Chief Ministers, the President of India Mr Abdul Kalam; Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, State Human Rights Commission Chairman and members either visited the school or appreciated their efforts.

Chokka Rao, who himself is visually challenged, is a retired Gazetted Head Master and founded it on 4th January 1996. DWAB is running a secondary School called Nalgonda School for the Blind with residential facilities for the Visually Impaired students providing free education and boarding in a spacious four stories building of a 15000sft area. It runs classes from 1 to 10th class. Its journey began with just three students. It currently has 97 blind students. Recently, the School also started English medium from Classes 1 to 7. The organization could construct its building for school and hostel which can accommodate 300 Blind children [Boys & Girls] with all basic amenities. It is purely run based on donations. 24 batches of 10th class students passed out with 100% results. Well over 100 visually challenged from this school secured government jobs. About 600 students have gone for higher studies.

A lot of its students have got jobs in very good organizations and settled.

Binance Charity Teams Up With India Red Cross Society and National Health Mission in the Battle Against Covid-19

August 05, 2021, New Delhi, India: As part of the ongoing Crypto Against COVID efforts, Binance Charity has partnered with India Red Cross Society and National Health Mission to distribute more critical equipment in the battle against COVID-19. The most recent shipment consists of 100,000 masks and 50 ICU ventilators to be distributed to areas considered worst hit.

This latest donation will join the two liquid oxygen tanks sent to India back in May, each one could help save 6,000 lives. Binance is taking this step as a precautionary measure to be prepared for the third wave of the pandemic in the country, that experts have predicted.

“It has been heartbreaking to see the pandemic sweep across India, claiming the lives of both the young and old. The crypto community knew it could not sit idly by. We hope that our efforts have been able to provide some life-saving support to those suffering from COVID. We firmly believe that we must fully recover and rebuild from this pandemic as one, with no countries left behind and India has our unwavering support as well as commitment.” said Helen Hai, Head of Binance Charity.

Binance Charity launched Crypto Against COVID in response to the pandemic in January 2020. Since, the campaign has donated over $5 million towards COVID efforts worldwide. This includes 2 million PPEs donated to 400 hospitals across 26 countries.

As part of our ongoing partnership with UNICEF we have donated $1 million to support COVAX, the largest-ever international vaccine quality programme, led by the UN. By the end of 2021, our goal is to help deliver vaccines sourced by COVAX to over 250,000 people in 11 countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Ukraine and Brazil.

Crypto Against COVID efforts will continue with recent supplies sent to Indonesia and Vietnam. On route to Jakarta are two liquid oxygen tanks - equating to 5,000 cylinders and Vietnam will receive a state-of-the-art PCR instrument, capable of processing 400 COVID tests per day.

Binance Charity is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of blockchain-enabled philanthropy towards achieving global sustainable development. Binance Charity aims to transfer philanthropy by developing a 100% transparent donation platform based on blockchain to build a future where technology innovation is used to end all forms of poverty and inequality, advance sustainable development and ensure that no one is left behind. To date, Binance Charity has supported over 1 million end beneficiaries through various projects.

For more information, visit: https://www.binance.charity/

Vidyashilp Student-run Tavasya Foundation Donates Masks To Govt School Students Appearing for 10th Board Exams

Masks Handover - Tavasya Foundation

In a gesture of compassion, the Vidyashilp Academy student-run Tavasya Foundation has donated 24,100 masks to Bengaluru Government School students who are writing their 10th board exams. The masks have been handed over to Mr. T.N. Kamalakara, Block Education Officer, N4 Region. This is a small gesture of solidarity intended to help students take their exams in a safe manner.

The Vidyashilp Academy students who led this initiative include Avika Kapur, Reidheii Shetty, Pranathi Kundur, Riya Suhas, Bhumika Prasad, Aanyi Anil, Rizwana Jaliwala, and Aditri Prasad. The Foundation has also recently organized the ‘Mayuksha’ project in which they collaborated with a government affiliated facility and vaccinated 100+ under-privileged citizens in the city.

Commenting on the gesture of the students and the Vidyashilp community trust, Mr. T.N. Kamalakara, Block Education Officer N4 Region, said: “Touching acts of kindness by organisations and individuals have helped many amid these challenging times. In the context of the pandemic, we should take precautions to prevent spread of the corona virus and hence the idea of the students to donate masks to students in such a context is very commendable. At this hour of need, it is imperative that more people come forward to help in cohesion and do our best for the community.”

Ms. Radhika Pai, Head, Vidyashilp Community Trust said: “Although the daily number of COVID-19 cases has dropped significantly, the danger of the virus is still there as there are speculations of the third wave arriving soon. It is important to help students in the critical times that we live in. While sanitizing is important, wearing masks is also vital to prevent spread of the virus. The idea of donating masks by the students is very appropriate.These are exceptionally challenging times, but we feel confident that as a community, we can get through this together. We deeply appreciate the efforts of our students who are upholding their social responsibilities.”

“We wanted to do our bit and give back to society. We thought of donating masks to government school students who would be in need of them at this hour. At Vidyashilp Academy, we are given such platforms to understand the importance of social welfare initiatives. We hope that many more students would come forward to serve society to the best of their capacity,” said the students of Vidyashilp Academy who initiated this project.

Rotary Clubs in India and Tata Trusts to Collaborate on Multi-Thematic Interventions to Advance Socio-Economic Indicators Across India

Work in Healthcare, Cancer Care, Nutrition, Rural Uplift, Livelihoods, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, and Education

Collaboration to supplement efforts towards strengthening the nation

Bengaluru, July 13, 2021: Rotary and Tata Trusts today announced a five-year collaboration to advance socio-economic indicators through multi-thematic interventions across India. The collaboration will scale efforts in multiple areas like Healthcare, Cancer Care, Covid Care, Nutrition, Rural Uplift, Livelihoods, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene and Education, among others.

The announcement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Mr. Mehrab Irani, Group CFO, Tata Trusts, and Mr. Ashok Mahajan, Chairman, Rotary India Humanity Foundation (RIHF), in the presence of Rotary International’s President (2021-22), Mr. Shekhar Mehta, and Mr. N. Srinath, CEO, Tata Trusts, among other dignitaries on 17 June 2021.

Mr. Shekhar Mehta, Rotary International President (2021-2022), said, "Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. Each year, Rotary members invest hundreds of millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours to promote health, peace and prosperity in communities across the globe. We are proud and privileged to partner with an organization that shares similar values and ethos to serve the world. The partnership between Rotary and Tata Trusts will focus on quality interventions for significant development across water and sanitation, health, education, Covid-19 relief, economic empowerment, and education with an added focus on women and children across India. Rotary has successfully worked in these focus areas before and with this partnership with Tata Trusts, we are excited to scale our impact and reach to communities in most need."

Mr. N. Srinath, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Trusts, said, “For Tata Trusts, it is a matter of great pride to be able to come together with Rotary in India. We share a common vision, value system, commitment to society and a common willingness to do better. Both of us are working in areas of national importance, particularly for citizens at the bottom of the pyramid.”

Since more than a century, Tata Trusts and Rotary have endeavoured to contribute to the larger goal of nation-building through multi-thematic programmes executed at scale in geographies that require immediate intervention. The interventions, designed with the communities, aim to enhance socio-economic welfare and aid the transition to more ecologically cohesive practices in a sustainable way.

Addressing all 17 SDGs of the United Nations, and in line with the Government of India’s vision, Rotary and Tata Trusts’ programmes are driven by their desire to create impact that is deep, wide and sustainable by strengthening communities through pointed interventions, supplemented by technology and data, relevant to their needs.

About Tata Trusts:

Since inception in 1892, Tata Trusts, India’s oldest philanthropic organisation, has played a pioneering role in bringing about an enduring difference in the lives of the communities it serves. Guided by the principles and the vision of proactive philanthropy of the Founder, Jamsetji Tata, the Trusts’ purpose is to catalyse development in the areas of health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, livelihood, digital transformation, migration and urban habitat, social justice and inclusion, environment and energy, skill development, sports, and arts and culture. The Trusts’ programmes, achieved through direct implementation, partnerships and grant making, are marked by innovations, relevant to the country. For more information, please visit http://tatatrusts.org/

About Rotary:

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. We connect 1.2 million members from more than 36,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

With 3rd-Largest Donation, Ajim Premji Only Indian in Forbes List of World's Top 10 Private COVID-19 Donations

Forbes has compiled a list of 77 billionaires who had donated to different causes to do with coronavirus relief, till the end of April. And, while the top 10 of donations is dominated by U.S. billionaires, India's Azim Premji of Wipro is the only Indian on the list with 3rd spot in the list behihnd only Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Bill & Melinda Gates.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has pledged to donate $1 billion, one-quarter of his fortune. Bill Gates and his wife have donated USD 255 mmillion. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who is 7th in the list has donated $100 million so far.

The Azim Premji Foundation, Wipro and Wipro Enterprises together have committed an aid of Rs 1,125 crore for tackling the unprecedented health and humanitarian crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Of the Rs 1,125 crore, Wipro’s commitment is Rs 100 crore. While Wipro Enterprises has committed Rs 25 crore, the Azim Premji Foundation is giving Rs 1,000 crore.

Other Billionaires in the list include Jeff Skoll of Skoll Foundation, a former eBay executive, and George Soros of the hedge fund Soros Fund Management, who is also well-known for his philanthropic agency, the Open Society Foundation.

Andrew Forrest of Australian iron ore producer Fortescue Metals have also made sizable donations.