Jyoti and I have been working with IDRF, specifically with Vandnaben and we are vey happy with her support. For past few years, we have been in contact with IDRF to send donations to few NGOs in India who are helping poor people for education and free medical support.I DRF support has been very praiseworthy.
Vandanben has an excellent knowledge of various Indian government programs and she helps Indian NGOs to take advantage of those programs.
Vandanaben reviews each funding proposals carefully and she approves only the proposals that help needy people.
We are very happy with IDRF support and we humbly request all donors to contact IDRF for future donations to NGOs in India.
Ramesh/Jyoti
We’ve been truly impressed by the wonderful work this organization is doing to support impactful NGOs. Vandana has been a pleasure to work with—deeply committed, efficient, and thoughtful. Her personal involvement, including visiting the NGOs and understanding their missions firsthand, speaks volumes about the care and integrity behind their support. It’s been inspiring to partner with someone so genuinely dedicated to the causes they fund.
Great organization, very trustworthy. They are helping the poorest of the poor.
Keep up the good work!,
Dr. Gupta
We , Vivekananda Rural Development society - Single teacher schools are in state of Tamil Nadu in India , Serving the rural part of the state for the holistic development
We focus on Education, Health and Hygiene, Protection of water bodies , Employment oriented skill training and Women empowerment
We are an eighteen year old Non profitable society with presence over 1000 villages in Tamil nadu state
Fully transparent , serving the poor with passion , high degree of governance and ethics and few major strengths of our institution
IDRF is associated with us and has been supporting all our projects over a long term , they are pillars of strength for us to take up many development projects to the villages
Many villagers are directly getting benefits though the support from IDRF and they are very thankful to them
We are fortunate to have such an organisation to support us in fulfilling of mission of serving the rural India
Our sincere thanks to them and we are keen to have a long term association with IDRF
Lead by Shri Vinod Prakash ji , ably supported by Madam Vandana ji and team , they have been doing excellent contribution to the holistic development of rural villages
We are very much aware that IDRF has been supporting many such good projects
IDRF is managed very professionally and it’s a pleasure to coordinate with them
Any good project we propose they will first to support
Our sincere thanks to them
I am in contact with IDRF for 20 yrs , and it has been a very pleasant experience .I usually speak with Dr Prakashji or Vandanaji . Both of them are very prompt and very friendly . I wanted to donate to CORD division of Chinmay mission . Vandanaji contacted the person in charge in India , asked them a complete report of activities and sent the money in 2 weeks . The organization is very transparent, all the receipts are given in timely fashion.
They always follow up on the project , making sure , whatever the project promised is done .
I personally feel that Dr Vinod Prakash is a Godly person .
Wishing all the best to IDRF .
Let there work go on forever .
With warm regards -Dr Jagdish Thakur .
It has been our esteem pleasure to work with India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) for the past several years. Their team is very hard working, responsive and very transparent. We are pleased to be associate with such a noble organization. We will look forward to working with IDRF in the future.
I have been a board member for close to three years and have watched it continue to make positive progress during that time, especially through the deep involvement from the other board members. The operational staff are also very committed to keeping it moving forward and that is evident in the continued support from donors and NGOs and local community it has impacted in India and the region.
Since 2019, IDRF has been a significant supporter of various development projects in Odisha, India.
Odisha remains predominantly rural (83.3%) with 32.6% of its people living below the poverty line. It stands 11th in population and 8th in area, nationally. The state has the third highest Scheduled Tribes (indigenous) population in India. Odisha is among the India’s six most impoverished states with abysmal developmental indices.
YSD continue to work closely with the community, local government and elected representatives to collectively change this situation for better. Building on the assistance from the technical experts in the field, YSD continue to improve the teaching-learning eco-system in partnership with schools, teachers and students, without wavering from its commitment to making systemic changes, including improving inclusion and governance. We realize the strategic significance of impacting both the education seeking behaviour in the community and the quality of delivery at the school level.
Throughout this journey, IDRF has consistently and strategically supported YSD. Since 2019, they initiated their support for a project that significantly impacted maternal and child health outcomes in Odisha. Additionally, IDRF played a crucial role in assisting during two major disasters—the COVID-19 pandemic and the train tragedy in Odisha—providing aid to victims and their families. Currently, their support extends to enhancing foundational learning for primary school children in remote rural areas.
IDRF. India Development and Relief Fund is a Great Non Profit. This is professionally managed. I have been working with them for several years now. This non profit has fulfilled my requirements to reach the last mile of service needed. They have reached out to the remotest villages in India with my donation by working with a large number of local entities that do charity work. I would give a ranking of 100 % to IDRF, while in comparison, the most well known charity in India, that I have used for over 10 years and is very popular gets a rating of les than 20 %.
For last 25years, we are working with IDRF, very HONEST NGO.
Very knowledgeable about government rules and regulations related to foreign currency donation.
They do through research and study the project. They do excellent job in providing Financial transparency. Their main motive is to help, needy people regardless their ethical background. I would highly recommend IDRF to any potential donor.
IDRF is one of the most trusted and reliable Great NON-PROFIT charitable organization that i have come across.. they do very professional job raising fund from us and distribute it to needy organization in India and other southeast Asian countries. your donation is 100% tax deductible in us.. Vandanaben who is peer to this organization is very through and professional and highly experienced. when they transfer funds from us to India, they do not deduct any charges or administrative cost to donor which is great thing. They are doing excellent job in helping nonprofit SANSTHA in India as well. we have very nice experience with them. they are out there to help needy organizations in India and around south-east Asian countries. I will recommend everyone to use this sanstha for your donation. I wish them a lot of luck.
I am associated with IDRF for the last 30 years. I have worked with IDRF as a volunteer and as a representative of a nonprofit organization in India. It is always educational to work with IDRF.
IDRF is making a difference in so many lives !
Their dedication gives me motivation and charges my battery!
We as a Jnana Prabodhini Foundation ( a nonprofit based in California) are working with IDRF on some projects together This is truly a partnership in Development. IDRF officials are prompt in response, they are very keen on getting reports from the recipient organizations and they guide our organization in many ways.
We are working with IDRF for the last 4 years. When we present a project to IDRF, they spend their time to understand the depth of the issue, they talk to the recipient organization and then they send funds to either match our funding or to support our project.
We are always impressed by the diligence, promptness, dedication and professionalism to support a worthy cause.
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to IDRF for your outstanding support and unwavering empathy in responding to the needs of Samerth’s cause. Dr Vinod Parkash and Ms Vandana Matravadia’s swift and compassionate action has left us in awe and filled our hearts with immense joy. Your generosity has made a significant impact on the lives of those we serve in Kutch and Ahmedabad, and Chhattisgarh and we are truly humbled by your willingness to step forward and make a difference.
Your commitment to our cause has been a source of inspiration for all of us working diligently to improve the lives of those in need. Your timely response has enabled us to address critical issues during natural disasters and bring hope to those who had been facing desperate circumstances.
Please know that your contribution has touched the lives of many, and your support has far-reaching effects that extend beyond what words can express. Through your empathy and swift action, you have become an invaluable part of our mission.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Gazala Paul
We, at Siddh Divyang Foundation are so very thankful to Dr. Vinod, Vandana Ben and Rajeev Ji. The support given by them has been excellent. They guided us properly about doing the proper paperwork for MHA approval process. All thru the process very responsive and friendly approach. It was my pleasure and honor to meet Dr. Vinod, founder of IDRF, a kindhearted person running IDRF for more than 3 decades and helping foundations like ours to grow.
We are so very fortunate to be working with IDRF and their complete team including Vandana Ben. Thank you IDRF for your wonderful support. Uday Mehta, Founding Director Siddh Divyang Foundation.
As the the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a total disruption of the livelihood activities of many rural and estate communities in Sri Lanka, to rectifying the loss of livelihoods and strengthening the most vulnerable to adjust to the social and economic changes created by the pandemic, India Development and Relief Fund IDRF, has given a great and timely funding support to Sri Lanka Centre for Development Facilitation (SLCDF) for 2022/2023.
SLCDF, collaborated with the Hill Country Forum for Community organizations (HIFCO) to provide assistance to a targeted number of severely affected families in Ten Divisional Secretaries’ Divisions in Kandy District. When selecting priority was given to Women Headed Households with children and differently abled persons and to those from low - income groups. Special attention was paid to those families who lost any family member due to COVID -19, especially in the case of families where they lost the bread winner.
The project provides Micro finance through a Revolving Loan Fund for income generating activities while sustainability is enhanced by capacity development, entrepreneurship development and sustainable agricultural techniques. Over 150 families whose livelihoods were devastated by COVID-19 have been able to restart their livelihood activities through this project and generate an income necessary for the upkeep of their families. Training in Skills development, introducing market strategies, value additions and new farming techniques have also contributed much to the economic upliftment of these once destitute families.
A significant increase in membership of 11 NGOs in Kandy, empowered women to become decision makers taking up leadership roles in their communities facing the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
The project has been implemented even in the midst of many challenges and has been able to bring about remarkable results in the rural village and estate communities.
IDRF has been facilitating projects to assist Sri Lankan poor communities to uplift their lives since 2018. Up to now with funding assistance from the IDRF, more than 750 families have enhanced their livelihoods in Kandy district .
IDRF is very flexible and reliable donor donating grants to needy communities and the guidance of their professionals is helpful for growing organizations.
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IDRF has immensely supported in uplifting the lives of over 100 women in marginalized segments the Kandy District in Sri Lanka. This assistance enabled to improve women’s empowerment in three villages by providing capacity building followed by start-up capital for their selected livelihood activities.
Up to now within 18 months 105 families either have established new self-employment ventures or strengthened their existing small ventures. Initially these families who could not have their ends meets have been able to derive an additional monthly income of Rs.4000 – 5000. If not for this increase, they run the risk of any little shock coming their way, such as illness weather or some mishap in their little self-employment venture. Increased income has been mostly directed to investment in children’s education and also helping in a significant reduction in indebtedness.
Women are now taking up decision making roles in leadership positions in their CBOs and NGOs.
More women are now engaged in livelihood activities along with a significant increase of contribution to the family income and a resultant enhanced recognition in the household. They can now take independent decisions in the family affairs too.
IDRF support to Sri Lanka is remarkable in Social Development.
The foundation for our school (Savitri Soni Vidya Mandir run by Shree Ram Gram Vikas Samiti) was laid back in 1989 and IDRF has been our constant support ever since then. We are located in a remote area called Nagauri away from the city lights. IDRF has supported us throughout our years long journey in building our school from scratch to where it stands today. Today we have every possible facilities such as transportation, smart classes, laboratories and a well maintained campus, all thanks to the constant support and efforts put in by the IDRF team in the times of need. The organisation has inspired us to do better everyday and gives us the motivation to strive for the best. Their selfless dedication and wit to help others has always stood out. We will continue to grow and prosper and maintain a healthy and cordial relationship with the IDRF team and continue to help others selflessly.
Regards,
Vineet Rathi
President
Shree Ram Gram Vikas Samiti
Nagauri, Meerut 250401
I have a long relatioship with India Development & Relief Fund and Dr Vinod Parkash. I had donated a large sum to IDRF for a specific project in the 2004. I was very impressed with IDRF's flawless execution of the grant and watching the project being built and the donation used for the purpose it was granted for. Very professional with a minimal overhead, so the donation to IDRF gets to the ultimate benefactor with almost no reduction in value.
I am also President of NAJC a smaller 501(c)(3) charitable organization and seek Dr Vinod Parkash's guidance about different operational parts of such an organization.His guidance has been invaluable and I am very much obligated to IDRF.
Recently NAJC received a substantial sized unexpected contribution for a specific project. I and Board of NAJC thought it to be prudent to transfer that contribution ans use the services and experience of IDRF to channel that contribution to the designated project. IDRF required supporting documents of the project and will occasionally inspect the project making sure the contribution is used properly. What more can you expect from a charity besides your contribution is used for the purpose it was intended for?
Janaagraha's engagement with IDRF is more than a decade old. Our experience with IDRF as a donor as been very enriching. They are very clear about their objectives of investment with a very knowledgable board who comes with deep experience of investing in social projects. Very sharp in their observations and very clear that they would like to be associated in projects where the Civil Society organizations clearly look at social challenges with a systems lens and work to fix the root cause of problems. This also gives organizations like us comfort that when they review our projects and program interventions, they share with us candid feedback and also never shy away from loopholes or gaps in our program interventions. They understand the nature and gravity of social challenges and hence, while they expect results annually, but they also understand that challenges like Poverty. Poor Education, poor healthcare services, governance etc cannot be solved for in a linear or a binary manner. Overall, our engagement with IDRF continues to be very meaningful and we hope to leverage on our collective strengths to bring about a difference in society.
Our Association, Sri Aurobindos Educational Academy and Society is a nonprofit working in the field of education. We have been running a school named Sri Aurobindo’s School on a non-profit basis since 2010 located in Gaddipalli, a small village in the State of Telangana, India.
The aim of the school is to provide quality education for farmers’ children that would help them to become independent learners, responsible, creative, and committed to the progress of themselves and the community.
IDFR has over the past several years been a great support in our endeavor. They have approved and sanctioned two programs that have immensely benefitted the students. They funded the purchase of a minibus and the setting up of a computer lab, both of which have been crucial for the school.
Apart from this generous donation, IDRF has also because of their professionalism and insistence on due diligence obliged us to get more organized. From submitting papers required for our application to implementing the program and finally reporting they have ensured that we strictly adhere to their high standards.
We thank IDRF on behalf of all our teachers and students and staff and hope this partnership continues to develop.
With gratitude
Chairperson
IDRF and Lila Poonawalla Foundation (LPF) (www.lilapoonawallafoundation.com) partnership has been in existence for the past 12 years. IDRF is LPF's trusted channel and facilitating partner, who facilitates the donor's giving program for LPF with it's USA Donors. Dr. Vinod Prakash Sir, the Founder of IDRF and Mrs. Lila Poonawalla (Padma Shri awardee) and Mr. Firoz Poonawalla , Founder Trustees, LPF have been instrumental in initiating and expanding our partnership. IDRF has been also contributing to LPF's Undergraduate Scholarship and Skill Building program with their funding contribution. Additionally IDRF has been introducing us with various individuals/ families in the USA who are converted into our donors and well wishers. IDRF team led by Ms. Vandana Matravadia, who is compassionate and a committed professional. She engages with our donors very well, is very prompt and responsive. She is also very supportive to us in the grant making process and documentation. We both organizations are looking forward to expanding our partnership in the coming times and together positively impacting thousands of meritorious, but economically challenged girls in India to help them pursue their aspirations of professional education and career of their choice. We offer our sincere gratitude to Dr. Vinod Prakash Sir, the Board of Trustees, Ms. Vandana Matravadia and Team IDRF.
I have been associated with IDRF since 1995; I started as a donor to support a project named Vaidehi Ashram (A destitute home for girls) in Hyderabad. Embracing the values of IDRF and taking inspiration from Dr. Vinod ji’s dedication and meticulous planning, I strive to achieve the quality of selflessly serving society by being a lifetime volunteer of IDRF. As a chapter coordinator for IDRF, I was part of initiatives that impacted different remote corners of my motherland India and positively impacted numerous families whose lives were transformed. Unlike most NGOs with massive overheads, IDRF is impactful and unique because of its core value of transparency and volunteerism, which helps transfer every penny to the allocated projects. I was recently honored to become a part of the Board of IRDF and wish to continue being part of this family.
I have been most impressed with IDRF. Over the years I have supported several projects in India through IDRF. I have found it to be a highly efficient organization. It has wonderful staff that is highly committed to the cause of poverty alleviation in India and neighboring coutries. cAnd it does its work wiht very low overheads.
We have been donating via IDRF to charities in India for several years now. The donations went to develop infrastructure projects in rural Maharashtra that benefited unprivileged children. The web site is descriptive and donation process is seamless. IDRF team follows up with questions immediately and are always available to answer Q if any. Also the email for donation is sent within a day after donation is sent making the whole process very transparent. IDRF team chooses the project carefully and also gives weight to donor's suggestion. We are very happy with IDRF and hope that people in need, will get help from IDRF for a long time. All the best!
I have knows IDRF for a few years and I think they truly capture the empowerment by putting power in people's hands and truly enabling at grass root NGO's. The founder is so approachable and inspiring and has been willing to talk with me to help me figure out what specific organization I could donate and work with. He listened very carefully to what I wanted to accomplish and was encouraging all through. The entire IDRF team reflects this spirit of listening to donors and making sure each one of us are able to give back in the most effective manner. In addition, they are so transparent that they helped me to connect with the NGO I was interested in, helped me with setting up meetings and now I have a truly great working relationship. In addition, they are flexible and discuss how to support and how efficiently to accomplish this. It makes giving a real joy and truly educational.
I am writing this review from Anahat Foundation, Bangalore, India. We started working with IDRF at the start of the pandemic. We have been very dependent on IDRF to get sufficient funds for our Covid relief response work. IDRF has never let us down. IDRF is very supportive of our work and has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by nonprofits within the Indian ecosystem. They know how important it is for us to get funds on time and they have been extremely efficient in transferring funds quickly and on time.
"IDRF has been an invaluable supporter of Action For India over the past few years. Alongside their monetary support, IDRF's insistence on financial sustainability and measurable impact metrics has been a key driver in refocusing our internal organisational governance. Their leadership (especially Dr Prem Garg) have put in the time and effort to advise our management team on building a mindset to best assist our portfolio of social enterprises addressing impact problems at the bottom of the economic pyramid. We are extremely grateful for IDRF's continued support of our work, their institutional wisdom and experience in making AFI successful in achieving our stated goals."
We have worked with IDRF over the past 6+months to fund schools, charities and NGOs in India. The experience has been exceptional. It is hard to find an organization more dedicated, more professional and more experienced than IDRF to help serve our charitable activities in India. The process started in October of 2021 when we had a series of conversations with IDRF regarding the process, including the details of how organizations in India are vetted and ranked and how they are evaluated. The process also allowed us to study the charities that were currently supported by IDRF, and this gave us ideas of organizations we may want to support. IDRF explained to us the critical metrics that NGOs in India needed to satisfy in order to be eligible for support. Once they vetted the organizations that we had identified, the funding process was very smooth. Starting with the funds transfers and documentation and ending with the validation of funding etc. Recently, IDRF identified a few organizations to us that were doing work similar to what we had already been supporting - this has resulted in our foundation being able to increase our support to an additional number of organizations. In summary, if you want support NGOs and charities and organizations in India, look no further than IDRF!
Posted by:
Shankar Krishnan
President, ARSR Charitable Foundation
I have been working with IDRF for almost two years. My goal is to help as many children and women as I can.IDRF has been helping me to fulfill my dream, As soon as the paperwork is verified, they send my funds promptly. I have had the privilege of supporting more than 15 charities through IDRF. My plan is to continue to work with IDRF as long as I am able to! I want to give a special shout-out to Vandana Matravadia at IDRF. Nilima Bhirud M.D.
I have collaborated with IDRF for the past ten years on behalf of my organization named Partnership for Transparency (PTF). PTF is a 501c non-profit organization whose mission is to support grassroots CSOs in developing countries to promote good governance in development programs through civic engagement. I am also a donor to IDRF in my personal capacity.
IDRF and PTF have collaborated to fund several CSOs in India. It is an excellent partnership and we have found IDRF to be a value oriented and highly efficient organization. They are careful in choosing their grantees and the causes they support. Particularly praiseworthy is their passion and devotion to making peoples lives better. They are effective in raising significant amounts of money and channeling it to deserving communities and causes.
As a donor I find them to be extremely well governed and efficient charitable organization. They pass on almost all the donated money to grantees and they are supported by committed volunteers.
I wish them continuing success and growth. I am honored to write this review. Thank you.
I’ve been involved with IDRF as a supporter and recently was invited to their Board too. IDRF’s work is rather unique as they are one of the few India centric charities that are working in multiple sectors and in virtually all states, besides giving options to support projects in Sri Lanka and Nepal. I like the nimbleness of the management team last year, when the COVID wave hit, they pivoted to provide support to families in the DC metro area who were having difficulties putting food on the table.
IDRF follows very stringent rules for project selection, management and reporting and having an experienced working Board helps in ensuring project success. Another uniqueness is to provide options for donor advised funding of preferred projects.
Wish IDRF continuing success in making impact at grass root levels in the Indian sub-continent.
I am the Executive Director of Blind People's Association (India) working in Gujarat in the Western part of India. The IDRF has helped to raise and channelize funds for our new eye hospital. They are very warm, pro-active, genuinely concerned about development and very enthusiastic and helpful. Their smooth efficiency has helped us to get our funds without any problem. Thousands of poor persons with eye problems will benefit due to this. I am adding a photo of our eye hospital which will be ready in 2023
Hi, I am Dr.Debashis Dey Adhikary, a medical Doctor and working with Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari since 2005. With a mobile medical van, we serve the tribal people dwelling in the remotest areas of Arunachal Pradesh, a north eastern hilly state of India. IDRF supported our health activities from last eight years. They had donated us the mobile medical van and funded us for many health projects. With their financial support we run a nutritional program very successfully for three years. In 2021, we started anemia detection and eradication program and till now successfully treated more then 1000 poor tribal anemic women. IDRF sponsored this program also. They even supported us to run a cataract detection and surgery camps for two years.
IDRF supported us to build a charitable medical center with a pathological laboratory to serve the poor and needy tribal patients in Tinsukia, Assam which is very near to Arunachal Pradesh.
IDRF is very transparent and professional. We really appreciate their dedication and commitment towards the underprivileged section of the society. We feel proud to be associated with such a great nonprofit.
I became a donor through my employer's end-of-the-year community connection campaign after reading about their work and philosophy of development through empowerment. But what bowled me over was the visit to two of their projects- one on water security for tribal communities in the desert of Kutch in Gujarat, and the other on educating the tribal girls from kindergarten to High School with free boarding and lodging in India. I travelled through several villages in Kutch and realized the impact water security makes on reducing livestock-dependent nomadic nature of rural livelihood. Water security enables the tribals to stay put in their villages and generate income from agricultural, provides schools and healthcare for children, and reduces back-breaking drudgery for the women. The smile on the faces and shine in the eyes of tribal girls in the school is the most satisfying experience one can have from helping such nonprofit organizations. The outcome on the ground was amazing, even for a development professional like me. Within a couple of years I decided to join their Board and it has been a wonderful experience of working with a dedicated team of highly experienced professionals.
Mission: To fund the salaries of medical and support personnel at the free COVID Care Center run by the COVIDArmy4India team in collaboration with the Greater Chennai Corporation at Don Bosco school, Egmore, Chennai.
Results: When hospital beds were rare to get and Oxygen supplies were depleted across the city, the DBGCC Free COVID Care Center offered a big reprieve to the stressed hospital system in Chennai by freeing up hospital beds for critically ill patients. In June 2021, DBGCC was established with 104 beds, 90 oxygen concentrators, medicines and PPE kits provided by the Government. The facility was operational for a total of 40 days during which time a total of 172 patients were successfully treated. The average length of stay (ALOS) of the patients was 8.3 days at the facility before being discharged. In total, the COVID Centre provided 1,428 patient days of care and it is a matter of great pride that there were no fatalities. The COVID Centre was also placed under the supervision of Institute of Child Health Egmore (ICH) and Kilpauk Medical College Chennai (KMC). This ensured a care continuum, whereby patients got the best medical attention at all times and those requiring advanced medical attention could be transferred to these institutions.
The quality of care won all round praise from both the patients and the Government. The COVID Centre deployed over 70 volunteers including senior medical consultants, duty doctors, nurses, administrative support staff and management team.
The entire cost of operations was funded through the efforts of India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), Don Bosco Egmore past pupils, friends and well wishers. IDRF was a significant contributor to this project.
With a lofty goal of $50,000 to raise, the fundraising team was in search of a reliable partner to work with. The IDRF team not only provided a great platform to raise funds and guided the team through every step of the process, but also generously offered a 50% matching contribution for every $ raised. This proved to be a significant boost to the fund raising efforts and was the sole reason behind being able to meet the critical funding requirements for dispersing salaries and paying vendors that provided critical infrastructure support in a timely manner. Without the backing from IDRF, this would not have been possible. Their support continued until the funds reached the right hands at the right time and their commitment was unparalleled. IDRF is the most trust worthy and supportive nonprofit organization to work with, hands down.
It Is an immense pleasure to say a few words about the exemplary work done by IDRF / Dr. Vinod Prakash Ji and His Team. With second wave of Covid hitting very hard in India, my Beloved Motherland, I with Few Family and Friends were very concerned and wanted to provide some substantial help which could make a difference in India's fight against Covid and all challenges it faced. We were in Touch with a large Hospital system in Aurangabad , Nashik in Maharashtra - Dr. Hedgewar Hospital and Shri Guruji Hospital, Nashik. Both the hospitals were had a large scale effort underway. Both the hospitals had become a place to go to in Marathwada and North Maharashtra region for Covid patients and did amazing work at very reasonable cost. Dr. Hedgewar hospital also had numerous programs to assist Patients which could not pay for the services. The hospitals needed 10 Ventilators on urgent basis in its fight against Covid and we were involved to help fund this project. Its when we reached out to IDRF. Dr Vinod Prakash Ji and Vandana Ji already had a working relationship with both the Hospitals and were glad to assist with our Project. With help of a great Model setup by IDRF, we were able to join our public fundraiser and helped raise large sum to support this specific project. Dr. Vinod Prakash Ji was available all the time to guide us throughout the process and VandanaJi helped remove obstacles in this project. It is very Inspiring to see such a dedicated organization helping out numerous projects throughout India. Dr. Vinod Prakash Ji was interested in our Project and was very Kind to get other IDRF Donors on board to support our Project to purchase Ventilators. IDRF also did forgo all the waiting time and provided line of credit to expedite availability of funds to Hospital right away as the need was immediate. Cudos to everything IDRF does !!!
Together We were able to raise sufficient funds to source in most of 10 Ventilators for the hospitals and they are helping numerous Covid Patients already !
Simply an extraordinary Organization in public service !!
Very Very impressed with the dedication IDRF does it's works and inspired by It's sense of commitment and concern for Motherland India !!
I sure look forward to partner with other similar projects.
Thanks and Regards,
Sachin Deshpande
Denver, Colorado
We have been working with IDRF for more than 10 years now. They do a great job in serving various diverse projects in India. Our sister concerns in India are also immensely benefitted by their contributions. They are sure to keep up their good work in Covid times as well.
Atma Vidya Ashrama USA
For last many years my wife and I along with our family have donated, raised funds and coordinated several projects to help out schools and hospitals in India. We have been working with IDRF to send the raised money to support an eye hospital, a multi-specialty hospital and a school in villages near Ghaziabad, UP. It had been a very wonderful experience to work with Vinodji and Vandanaji. They are very knowledgeable about the legal procedures to transfer the money legally from USA to India. They are very helpful, and always eager to support our cause.
Thru IDRF we could send the monitory support very quickly and with minimum overhead expenses to India. Because of their help we could raise funds that helped the school management to add many class rooms and other educational facilities. Recently, during COVID pandemic, the hospital was able to start an ICU because of the funds sent by IDRF. These funds are also used to vaccinate the villagers during these difficult times. When we use IDRF we are always 100% confident that support is reaching to the cause and funds are utilized most efficiently.
We fully and unconditionally support the efforts and work done by IDRF.
I had a wonderful experience working with IDRF. I was able to make a donation and saw that the funds flowed through to the correct development projects in India. It made me feel great to be able to make the donation and see its imapct
It has been a pleasure to work with IDRF. Sincerely appreciate their transparency, commitment to support many causes in India. IDRf helped us in purchasing a school bus for a rural school, with students attending from 15 nearby villages and tribal areas and recently supported to establish digital infrastructure . They understand the challenges that rural schools are facing. With the help of digital infrastructure they will have access to wide range of learning opportunities, which are not available in rural areas. They provide detailed progress and site visit reports. Personally I have interacted with board members and operations manager, who is extremely knowledgeable and supportive. I would highly recommend contacting IDRf if you would like to support any cause. All the funds go directly to the organizations in India. I am grateful for their dedication.
We learned about IDRF 2 1/2 years ago when we were looking for a very specific project in India which we could support with a significant contribution to fulfill the wishes of a deceased relative. Dr. Prakash, CEO of IDRF, was most helpful in identifying projects that would meet our criteria. He provided us with written material of the shortlisted projects which enabled us to make an informed decision. Once the funds were remitted, Dr. Prakash provided us with a detailed budget of how the funds will be applied. He also gave us periodic updates of the progress made. In addition we received emails with pictures from the project manager in India showing the work that has been done and the children who benefited from it.
Both my wife and I worked most of our professional lives in the development field and we are very familiar with the problems faced by folks in developing countries and the issues of providing effective assistance. The staff of the IDRF are highly knowledgeable, motivated and experienced in this field and we have complete trust in them. We are continuing to provide financial assistance to them and will do so in the future. We are so impressed with their work that we have now also included them in our estate plans.
Service is divine and charity is need filling without looking for the cause.
We had such a bountiful of big hearts like IDRF enabling us raise adequate money
enabling us to complete such a beautiful project - J M BANSAL SURGICAL
WING and inaugurate it on 31st Jan 2021 successfully. The new outfit is equipped
with all medical machines and appliances to run the Modular Operation Theater. We sincerely appreciate IDRF’s help and support for our project.
Lion M.Sreepathi
Chairman.
I'm a donor and donor coordinator for a project, and we tried to help out a non-profit in India which provided eye care facilities to the poor and needy. I had been referred to IDRF by a friend of mine, so I approached them. From the first conversation itself, I felt their sincerity in helping us and provided me with clear directions as to how they can help us send money to our destination in India. IDRF was very prompt on every step and did a wonderful job in facilitating our project. All my donor friends are very happy with IDRF, and we'll certainly work with them for our next project.
IDRF is a really great organization if you want to support a cause or project that is close to your heart!
IDRF focuses on smaller projects, usually one’s when an individual donor has expressed an interest in a particular area. You can contact them, tell them what kind of project you are interested in and they will match you up. IDRF also solicits feedback from Board Members and donors who travel to India and personally visit some of these projects.
My wife and I wanted to support a charity that focusses on Children. Through IDRF we found the Surabhi Boys Orphanage. The project is small enough that there are no websites or fundraisers associated with it, but the children are in desperate need of our help. We are very impressed by the transparency and efficiency with which IDRF functions. Their overheads are extremely low (which is rare for most similar organizations in the USA!) and almost 96% of the money we donate goes straight to the orphanage. Our experience with IDRF has far exceeded our expectations and made giving back to the needy a cinch.
IDRF provides a wonderful opportunity for Indian living in America to give back to their country. It has projects in multiple sectors and donors can find a cause that speaks to them. It is led by Dr. Vinod Prakash who has years of experience in International Development and brings the focus on results and making sure that projects are well executed and meet the expected outcomes. IDRF also provides disaster relief in India and America and wit the COVID pandemic they have taken a leadership role with the India American community to provide food to the DMV area. Through IDRF I am able to support Women's empowerment in India as well as the COVID relief in DMV area
IDRF is very prompt in response. They follow up, give information about the donations sent and are very transparent and efficient.
IDRF acts a nodal agency to collect funds in US and redirect them to specific Non profits in India who are doing great work in multiple domains e.g. education, tribal welfare, poverty eradication etc. Over last 3 years I have used them consistently to ensure that my contributions from US are routed efficiently to Indian non profits I care about. The Non Profits I support have also shared positive feedback regarding service IDRF extends to them.
IDRF is very responsive and quick in communications. IDRF is very focussed and systematic .
IDRF takes feedback from the organization whom they support.
It has been a great pleasure working with IDRF. Vinodji and Vandanaji are very supportive and been committed to the cause of Swa-Roopwardhinee over years.
Their whole hearted efforts have made programs like Integrated Development Center and Nursing assistant training possible. Over years thousands of kids have benefited from IDC and hundreds of girls have trained and been self reliant with Nursing Assistant training.
IDRF works diligently and very easy to work with. I personally have always found valuable guidance and support working with IDRF.
Thank you IDRF team for your ongoing support .
We thank IDRF for taking the cause and work of Vatsalya Trust, Mumbai to various donors based in United States of America.
We greatly appreciate IDRF and each individual donor for their great generosity. Their support helps to further our mission through Child care and Rehabilitation Programme, Skill development Programme, Women /differently abled empowerment and provide congenial care to aged.
IDRF’s support is invaluable to us. Together we are making a difference. Their continued support of our mission is deeply gratifying to us and we hope it is the same for them.
With deepest gratitude, and warmest wishes,
VATSALYA TRUST MUMBAI
It’s been a great pleasure and very satisfying working with IDRF.
With very low overhead, you know that your charity dollar is going much further in satisfying the needs of the end user.
Moreover, the IDRF management is very knowledgeable about the charities and the projects it’s funding. Consequently, It can, and does, guide you and channel your charity dollar to the right charities and projects working in the area of your interest. Needless to say that it is most satisfying and comforting to know that your charity dollar is supporting the cause(s) dear to your heart.
I have been donating to IDRF for over 5 years to help various initiatives in India in the field of rural education, child welfare, natural tragedy relief, etc. I do greatly appreciate the excellent services and friendly help provided by IDRF team. I wish IDRF all success in helping the people in need in my home country India.
Over five decades , I have worked with several International Development agencies and for the last couple of years got to see IDRF's approach and criteria in critically identifying the activities to be supported, effective use of limited resources, transparency and zest for on the ground impacts. Am impressed with IDRF founder's as well as it's core team's dedication, leadership, vision , honesty and passion to serve the humanity. This relatively small non-profit organization stands out in efficient use of its resources and expertise towards helping marginalized children, women and others in need through provision of education, health services, women empowerment and critical infrastructure in remote areas with remarkable success.
IDRF is a very professional and efficient organization that has been instrumental to extend our helping hand stronger for helping Sahara Anathalay Parivar.
Thank you very much.
-Prayas Charlotte USA
India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) has done such great work for so many people and we truly love helping them in any way possible. Their dedication to helping communities makes us proud to help out. Not only are they such a great nonprofit organization, but they communicate and build a relationship with their donors, volunteers, or anyone in general.
IDRF have been helping many grassroot charitable activities in india. Unlike other organisations they do not have any other motive other than service which is truly a rare quality on today's charitable space.
My personal experience with them has been very pleasant. They support many noble, humanitarian projects. Dr. Vinod Prakash enrolled my organization, Mata Balak, as soon as I submitted the necessary papers. Now I can easily send donation to this organization and funds usually reach within a few weeks.
I have worked and volunteered at and donated to IDRF for several years. It's a very tightly run nonprofit with minimal overheads. Each grantee is vetted for impact and transparency. Through personal visits to their project sites, I have seen tremendous impact, particularly in the development of marginalized children, rural entrepreneurship of women and medical care and infrastructure in remote areas. Their funded projects have multiplier effect, which means high returns on donors' money. The founder and CEO of IDRF is a passionate gentleman who has devoted his life to the cause of uplifting poor in India.
I am a continuous donor since past 7 years to this organization. I am very much satisfied with the services they are performing with compassion in multiple areas very efficiently. The main reason is most of my donation is utilizing for the cause and particularly the overhead charges are less than 5%.
Mrs. Challa.
we, Computer Shiksha , have started working with IDRF since last year and are very happy with their awesome support and quick response system.
we look forward to increasing our engagements level with IDRF this year and in the years to come to serve the needy
Today is the “Founders Day” celebration at our Jnanasudha College, Ganitha Nagara, an institution in the rural area of Karkala, Karnataka and is part of the Trust we founded 8 years ago. I shared we founders heart melting journey in making it one among the top achievers in state and the timely initial help of IDRF. Meanwhile, reviewing the current Kerala flood situation that has devastated districts like Wayanad, an old memory flashed in mind! In early 2000s, I was fortunate to extend help in saving a Tribal school of “Vanavasi Ashram Trust” in Wayanard. It was serving food and education to hundreds of Tribal kids. Due to a lack of funds, the school was about to close. An IDRF volunteer buddy reached out to me for support. So, being a donor and volunteer of IDRF for two-plus decades I felt hard-pressed to write a review now more than ever before.
It was my longtime dream to start a college in the rural areas back home to provide a balanced education as well as help underprivileged kids reach the new heights that only handful of wealthy or the city kids could afford. In 2010, Dr. Sudhakar (who was visiting the USA for an international Mathematics conference) and I, discussed extensively our common dreams and goals. However, both of us were struggling financially. I just had my 3rd baby. My eldest was getting ready to enter a major University which would drain me further. U.S economy was in the Great Recession. Not to mention, my own all-round cultural/social talents and dreams needed funding. Worst yet, my family back home is big in rendering behind-the-scenes help to the ‘not so fortunate’ folks in local communities and needed me! All of this needed lots of funds on an on-going basis. However, on the other hand, being a teacher at a local college, the Dr. was having a tough time receiving any loans or financial aid.
I got ready to let go my home/mortgage and use my son’s college fund to help form the Jnanasudha. Though for decades, volunteered for many major charities (including Ekal Vidyalay which runs 75,569 schools in Tribal areas currently), I wasn’t sure how to seek financial help or channel funds for this. In this extreme need of the hour, first thing came in to my mind was IDRF. I reached out to our chief, Mr Vinod Prakash. With his valuable guidance, I was able to donate and get the construction going for our dream project. Sparing viewers from rest of my hardship and details, I’m so happy to share that all these years we’ve achieved 100% results and have been placing many hundreds of rural students in Medical, Engineering and various other disciplines in reputed Universities throughout India. Our Institution currently provides jobs to 175 people in rural area. Proud to say that we donate over Rs 30 Lakhs every year in scholarships to students and the new donors have come forward to help us start a new branch this year in distant Bellary district.
Apart from the ability to channel the funds to divine projects of our dream, what mesmerizes me is the IDRF’s ability to explore numerous other diverse and rare projects that helps the underprivileged and at the same time be on alert 24 X 7 to reach out to those in the critical needs because of natural calamities etc. Be it earthquake (Lathur, Gujarat etc.), floods (including current Kerala floods) or fire, IDRF volunteers are among one of those first to reach the affected site to render physical, mental and or financial help. But what inspires me the most?! It is the IDRF president’s life itself. This simple and humble down-to-earth personality, in spite of his adverse health issues, has always raised the bar when it comes to maintaining a high standard of compliance and rendering on-time help to reach out to the needy. I wish all the best to IDRF and end with a note “I’m confident that lot more volunteers around the world will walk the great path shown by our 85-year-old World Bank veteran Mr. Vinod ji and his hard working dedicated team of volunteers.”
Hope is extinguished when you cannot meet the most basic needs.Shelter, health clinics, education, conservation, and social action are just a few of the services that IDRF provides to the under-served population. I applaud and fully endorse them.
Mohammad K Khan Ph.D.
With an abundance of good charities to choose from, some stand out with their scope and breath, dramatically impacting the lives of so many. In addition, having certification from Great Non Profits, Four Star Charities, and Seal of Transparency, the choice becomes clear. IDRF meets the most stringent of qualifications.
I am a strong supporter of IDRF. I have known Vinod and Sarla Prakash for over 40 years, including many years when we worked as colleagues at the World Bank. I also know other former World Bank colleagues who have supported IDRF. From my familiarity with IDRF's annual reports and updates, and discussions with Vinod, I am fully aware of the work that IDRF carries out and the results achieved. I am also aware of the very strong support provided to IDRF from the many Indians living in the US who contribute substantial amounts to its work. Perhaps the most impressive attribute of IDRF is the extremely low, almost nonexistent, administrative overhead cost of running its programs. For Vinod and Sarla, and all others associated with IDRF, this is a labor of love, not a job.
"Vinodji joined the university of Rhode Island in economics department. I was in mathematics department of the same university. Our apartments were in the same building of university. Vinodji, Sarlaji, my wife and I used to meet in the evenings sometimes either in their apartment or our apartment. One evening Vinodji said that he will work for 25 years. After that the remaining years of his life he will work for the service of humanity. After a few years he left the university job and joined the world bank.
In 1970s Indira Gandhi declared emergency and put many people in jail. To help those people and their families, Vinodji along with some of his friends started India Relief Fund. In 1977 when India Gandhi
was defeated they did not see the need of IRF and were thinking to disband it. Vinodji persuaded the people not to disband it but use it for sending money for relief work in India.
I started sending money for girls’ education in Rajasthan and I RF was a great help in that. Vinodji used to send the entire amount to the designated institute. Used to write a letter to the institute, put it in the mail along with the check and paid the postage from his own pocket. This continued for 10 years up to 1987.
Then, Vinodji thought that relief is not enough. A person who has lost a house will need a house after the relief time is over, so we should build a house for him also. So, they change the name India Development and Relief Fund, IDRF.
For the last 30 or 35 years I have been sending money for schools, colleges, hostels (dormitories) and other charitable institutions. I could send to all these since 2005. After that foreign contribution regulation act (FCRA) made difficulty for the small institutions. But, I can send to a few as Maharishi Dayanand Mahila shikshan Sansthan. Grameen. Mahila shikshan Sansthan Swami Keshwanand and charitable Institute Sangaria, shiksha bharati Hapur, Pardada Pardadi school Anoopsahar. These are all girls’ colleges or girls’ schools. They are doing a remarkable job, all because of India Development and Relief Fund’s help. We started help building dormitories, colleges and schools in 1982. Up to this time, there are 28 dormitories, 21 schools and colleges.
I go to India every year for four months, July, August, September and October. I used to visit as many as I could. But now at the age of 90, I visit only a few every year, those are.
M. D. Girls college of science Jhunjhunu. This college was started in 2003 with 38 girls. Now there are 1400 girls and 425 of them live in three hostels of the college. This is only a science college teaching mathematics, physics, chemistry, botany, zoology and computer science for B.Sc. and M.Sc. This is one of the best colleges of Rajasthan, perhaps the best. The girls score very high marks in the examinations. Five girls topped in the university examinations in B.Sc. and M. Sc. Admission in the college is on merit. No sears are reserved for the management and recommendations do not work in this college. The college fees for B.Sc. students is between 10 and 12 thousand rupees. Hostel expenses including boarding and lodging is between 25 and 30 thousand rupees. The total is under 40000 rupees for the year.
In this town, there are some colleges where college fees are 45000 rupees and the hostel expenses are between 60,000. 70,000 rupees. The total expenses are more than one lakh rupees.
This college is a boon for ordinary people who cannot afford to pay the fees of expensive colleges. If in the middle of their courses some girls cannot afford to pay, they are given additional financial aid and are not forced to drop out. Now, Birla Institute of technology is imparting better education, but their cost per year for Indians is 2 lakh for Indians and 9 lakh for NRIs.
Grameen Girls college is an equally good college. Beside science this college also teaches Arts. They also run a high school. This college has done a very good job of teaching the girls from the neighboring villages. There expense are about 40 or 45 thousand rupees per year.
Swami Keshwanand Charitable trust runs many colleges and schools. The money they receive from me they distribute as scholarship to needy girls and they also give scholarship to students who are studying engineering or medicine. They will email you the comments of some students who has benefited from these scholarships.
I visit these three institutions every year. They all are doing a remarkable work of parting educations quite inexpensively to the students."
President Rajkripal— IDRF/Shiksha Bharti, Hapur U.P.
I remember that a delegation of Shiksha Bharati, a girls’ education based institution, had visited U.S.A. for the purpose of raising funds and informing people about the objectives of Shiksha Bharati in 1997. We met Sh. Vinod Prakash Ji (President, I.D.R.F.) and his family in Washington.
I remember that he inspired us to purchase maximum land for the school at first instance; otherwise land will not be available for purchase in future or would be very costly. We readily agreed to Sh. Vinod Prakash Ji's view and now it proved to be a correct and Shiksha Bharati saved a lot of money because of his valuable advice.
He is so passionate about India that he put his whole time for IDRF and most of work is being done by him and he gets the whole hearted support of Sarla Prakash ji. She is always with him whether in daily working of IDRF or his IDRF based work. Not only both have dedicated their life to IDRF but also they have inspired their children to support the cause of supporting the people in need especially in India.
I got so amazed to know that these people work so much without much support so that most of money is being sent to project activities in India. They are truly an example of high thinking and simple living. Their love for people in need is unmatchable.
Both of them are persons of ethics, highest values and fighting spirit for any cause/ truth which we have seen in last fifteen years.
The Hostel for Banvasi girls was established by the financial help of I.D.R.F. Sh. Vinod Prakash Ji often visits India with his wife Smt. Sarla Prakash Ji and inspects the projects funded by the I.D.R.F. He gives valuable suggestions for the Banvasi Hostel in the campus of Shiksha Bharati. We always look forward to his advice and implement the same in our institution and lives.
He is providing financial help and motivation for underprivileged people of India. I got opportunity to see Tribal Boys Sr. Secondary Residential School (Sewa Dham), Mandoli managed by SEWA Bharati-Delhi, hostels for Orphan Boys and Girls (Jeevan Prabhat), managed by Arya Samaj Gandhidham (Gujarat) projects. It is totally a worthy effort by him as the society is getting sufficient advantages from these projects. The children living in ‘Jeevan Prabhat’ under the supervision and direction of Sh. Vachonidhi ji are now parented by this project who were orphan.
Mrs. Reena Goyal visited IDRF hostel at Shrimati Brahma Devi Saraswati Balika Vidya Mandir in February 2014, to donate some dresses & books to the girls residing at IDRF hostel. After the visit, she was very impressed with the work of providing quality education to the girls from the deprived section of the society especially from the North-East state of India. She was very kind to adopt two girls immediately, and start supporting the expenses occurs for education, lodging, boarding etc of the said girls.
Later on when she returned to U.S.A., she started a campaign to support the girls of IDRF hostel for their education. Fortunately many people came forward to adopt these girls. It is a matter of pleasure that the number of such kind donors reached up to 35 in very short time.
At present there are 90 girls were getting education from 8 North-East state, Laddakh and Chattisgarh etc. These donors also help to obtain higher education to these girls.
We would like to state that most of the girls who had finished their education from this campus are successful in their lives. Vishnupriya was the first girl of hostel, now she is a teacher in her native place. Anjana is a yoga instructor at Haridwar. Kanchey is a successful entrepreneur and living in her native place.
We are also organizing career counseling classes, Personality Development Classes & Vocational classes for better future of these girls.
Today I.D.R.F. and the associated project are moving towards the advancement due to his determination.
Rajkripal
President- Shiksha Bharati
I have been both a volunteer and a beneficiary of IDRF. I have seen both sides of the organization - from within and without. I would say, I am thoroughly impressed by:
- The professional work ethic with regard to commitment to change and rigorous documentation
- The minimal overhead cost which is driven on top of a fierce volunteering spirit
- The personal connection maintained with the clients, shows the importance given to human relations
- The inspiring team behind the organization which has chosen to sacrifice more lucrative options
IDRF is a remarkable philanthropic organisation VPBK has met so far. IDRF supported VPBK through a programme "Dawn of Hope'. 20 disadvantaged children are being supported every month through IDRF.The following Case Study will speak itself:
Nasifa Khatun is eight years old; she is reading in class III at Boral Free Primary School & residing with her mother Sahanasa Bibi at her grandparents’ house at Boral Malipara, Rajpur Sonarpur, Kolkata: 700154.
When Nasifa Khatun was only one year old her father Noor Mohammad, who was a day labourer, disappeared and left behind Nasifa and her mother in a distressed situation.
Nasifa’s mother Sahanasa Bibi was a housewife; she was not accustomed to working outside. But the situation compelled her to join a factory as a Factory Labour & earn Rs. 2500/- per month.
Nowadays, it is very difficult to maintain a family with a meager income. But Nasifa’s mother Sahanasa Bibi somehow maintained her family.
When Nasifa was five years old, her mother, with her meager income, was worried about Nasifa’s education, because it was very difficult to provide education expenses, school dress & conveyance expenses of Nasifa.
Both Nasifa’s paternal and maternal grandparents were unable to provide any monetary support to Nasifa & her mother Sahanasa Bibi who was unable to provide square meals for her family!
In this situation, Nasifa’s mother Sahanasa Bibi heard about Vikahar Paribar Bikash Kendra (VPBK) and its developmental activities. Sahanasa Bibi came into contact with Vikahar Paribar Bikash Kendra (VPBK). In August 2017 Nasifa Khatun was included in a programme- “Dawn of Hope”. The programme is being supported by Sachin Chitlingia through India Development and Relief Fund, USA. Vikahar Paribar Bikash Kendra (VPBK) is a partner organisation of India Development and Relief Fund, USA.
The programme provides support to 20 disadvantaged children by providing following Scholastic & other Support throughout the year:
• Exercise Book & Pen - once in a year
• School Bag - once in a year
• School Dress / Dress - twice in a year
• Shoe & Shocks - once in a year
• Private Tution Charges - through out the year
• Nutritious Food - throughout the year
• Hygiene Kits - 4 times in a year
• Medicine - throughout the year
• Sports & Games Material - once in a year
• Annual Function - once a year
• Household Goods - twice in a year (for the family of disadvantaged children)
After getting the cited support from Vikahar Paribar Bikash Kendra the life style of Nasifa & her family has changed. The situation is very different today. Nasifa & 19 other children are getting food, scholastic support, hygiene kits, private tuition charges & household goods on a regular basis.
In 2017 Nasifa stood first in class II and was promoted to class III. She secured 98.5% marks.
Sahanasa Bibi said, ”We were in great trouble while Nasifa’s father was missing suddenly! I did not know what to do. Somehow I managed to secure a job at a factory nearby to my house. But with meager salary I did not maintain my family with a square meal & the education of Nasifa. If Vikahar Paribar Bikash Kendra has not been assisted us with food, scholastic support, dress, medicine to Nasifa & us – we were able to survive but would have not been sent Nasifa to school & Nasifa would have been engaged as a child labour.”
In future Nasifa wants to be a teacher. Nasifa and her mother Sahanasa Bibi are now very happy.
I have known and worked with IDRF as a volunteer, coordinator, donor. It is the best India centric Charity.
Donating abroad is always a tricky business, as it is not always possible to check on authenticity, delivery, impact or anything for that matter about the charity without being actually present. IDRF solved that problem for me. Not only have they been able to keep their administrative costs to a minimum, but their thoroughly evaluated projects make it easy for me to donate, knowing the money is going where it is intended to go. I feel blessed to be able to assist marginalized people in various ways, and secure that IDRF is the best mechanism to deliver it.
Thanks IDRF for making payment process so easy. Initial setup is pretty straightforward.
As a donor I am happy the my contributions reaches the needy ones on-time.
When I was looking for non profits to help with development projects in India, I was impressed with the range of projects IDRF supports. Further, at the time of disasters striking India, the speed and reach of relief efforts carried out by IDRF stood out
Among the best NGOs, gives bang for the buck, has very low Admin cost unlike other other where 60-80% donation money goes towards administration.
IDRF is a nonprofit organization which is run and managed by a very dedicated team of professionals. IDRF, assesses the NGO's in a unique manner to verify their authenticity and requirements. The motives of IDRF are very praiseworthy and they support so many lives, to give them a new lease of life and a purpose to live.
IDRF has extended all support to the Schools for the Blind and Deaf children. This helps us to provide better services and education to the blind and deaf children.
We hope that more and more persons will join this movement to donate and mobilise more funds for IDRF, so that NGO's like us can meet the wide gap in our commitments and availability of funds.
I have used IDRF over the years to donate money to various non-profit organizations in India. IDRF has a wide reach in India and enabled me to donate funds to charities, that support causes that are near and dear to me. Whether it is to fund disaster relief effort or fund an orphanage, I often turn to IDRF for assistance. IDRF has done an admirable job of following up, with Indian non-profit organizations and ensuring that funds were directed to the designated cause. Another aspect that I appreciated most about IDRF is how easy they have made it to enable corporate matching funds. IDRF staff have been very responsive to my emails, phone calls in my effort to track matching funds. I highly recommend IDRF to anyone who is looking to support a worthy cause in India.
We recognize IDRF as major donor for the generous contribution towards ICU establishment at Kirtipur Hospital of phect-NEPAL. Thank you very much for your help to our hospital. The Public Health Concern Trust-Nepal, our mother organization has is grateful to IDRF for the establishment of ICU at Kirtipur Hospital since the lack of this facility had affected the care of a large number of injured victims of the 2015 Mega Earth Quake in Nepal. We very much appreciate your kind and generous help towards the furnishing of this new facility as well.
Currently we are providing free surgical service to women with pelvic organ prolapse at Kathmandu Model Hospital with the help of IDRF again. We have a big problem of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in poor women in rural Nepal. Thanks again for supporting our poor women.
With Best Regards,
Prof Ganesh Dangal and the Team
SURABI TRUST, in Chennai India is existing with the support of IDRF, They have given us power to sustain and reach more needy people. IDRF is helping many Indian NGOs to work better to help more under privileged people of India.
Udavi School is located in a backward village near Pondicherry and near Auroville.
Vinod Prakashji and Sarlaji visited our school more than fifteen years ago.They were impressed by what they saw .Since then when ever we have a financial need which we are unable to cover we have approached IDRF and unquestioning support has been extended to us.IDRF has helped us to protect our school with a compound wall,to build staff quarters and class-rooms.They have made us feel that they are our partners and as interested in the development of our school as we are.Such an approach is unique and makes us feel good to know that there are others concerned about our work.I wish IDRF all the best from my side.Sanjeev(Director)
The SUN does not require any review about its services to the planet and its living humans and other creatures etc.,??
IDRF services to the humanity especially to India's most backward people is very praiseworthy. At the times of floods, Sunami etc. the IDRF came to the rescue of distressed people and its valiant efforts are evergreen in the minds of people. Even today the IDRF is the only agency that comes forward to the rural people in Tamilnadu in providing toilets to every house that does not have the facility.
I appreciate and congratulate them for the commendable work they are doing.
I am really proud of my association with them.
S Vedantam
Swami Vivekananda Rural Development Society
Chennai India
In 2007, we were introduced to IDRF through Dr. Vinod & Sarla Prakash. We found that IDRF was not a straight jacketed funding agency but a family where sensitive hearts and constructive minds came together to shake hands with institutions working in critical remote area of India , supporting works related to alternative education, skill development, awareness generation, empowering the powerless and constructive development work.
In India most of the rural enterprises fail due to lack of appropriate infrastructure. IDRF assisted us in developing infrastructure facilities for rural women enterprises. As a result, at present, our 12 small rural enterprises are provided with infrastructure facilities. These rural enterprises are providing sustainable livelihood to around 500 poor rural women and farmers. These infrastructures are functioning as common facility centre impacting thousands of women in 100 villages of Seloo block of Wardha district in Vidarba region.
Vidarbha is the region in India where largest numbers of farmers have committed suicide. To combat this crisis IDR provided financial assistance to set up a Natural Farming Centre that incorporates school for organic farmers, organic farm produce processing unit, a workshop to repair and manufacture improved farm tools, an indigenous seed bank and an organic cafeteria.
It will be appropriate to state that IDRF has been instrumental in setting up the first Natural Farming Centre in Wardha district (Maharashtra, India). This centre serves farmers from 50 surrounding villages. In the last ten years, the centre has trained more than 10,000 farmers in natural farming technology. It has formed 79 organic farmers’ federations, one Producer Company with 450 farmers as members and five sale outlets for organic farm produce.
What started as an experiment has turned into an organized structures where local people are designing, planning and executing their dreams for a better world for themselves. All this could not have been possible without the unconditional support and cooperation of IDRF, especially that of Dr. Vinod & Sarla Prakash.
We have no words to express our heartfelt thanks to all the partners of IDRF.
Our group had been working for quite a few years with non-profit organization in Mumbai, India. We had been remitting funds to support yearly expenses of a girl child in Balikashram in Vatsalya Trust, Mumbai. First time in 2015, we joined hands with IDRF. IDRF has raised almost 10 times money we used to collect from volunteers every year. This will definitely facilitate financial support to some other projects being conducted by Vatsalya Trust.
The non-profit status of IDRF in USA has helped double our contribution amount using employer match option. After this amount doubling, IDRF contributed a big amount towards the cause. Our group wholeheartedly appreciate their efforts.
Best Regards,
Nitin Kanaskar
I have been associated with IDRF for over 20 years as a volunteer, donor, and more recently as a board member. I believe in and support the mission of IDRF -- to empower the marginalized communities in India and Nepal through education and skill development; promoting health and well-being; and sustained individual and community development.
IDRF has been in operation for over 30 years and it has stayed steadfast to it's mission. This is an organization in which I have 100% faith in that I know my contributions are reaching the most needy and the organization's administration cost is among the lowest.
I am a resident of the DC Metro area for more than 4 decades and I have travelled to India 20 times, visiting 18 states all across India. During the post-Emergency period, I visited many projects supported by India Relief Fund. Those visits were quite insightful- in terms of understanding the need for development at the grassroots level. Hence I continued my journey visiting projects supported by India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), which was established in 1988
India has been an unfortunate country where natural disasters, excessive rains, floods or no rain sometimes, earthquake etc. fall on people who must be moved somewhere in safety. They need help so we formed this NGO named IDRF, when my husband took early retirement from the World Bank. We will be celebrating 3 decades of volunteer work and feel we have gained more than what we have given to India land of our birth-our mother land.
I strongly feel to live a purposeful life is innate in human nature. We need to listen to our inner voice. We have benefitted from people’s kindness and cooperation and have learned about other SEVA organizations in India like Arpana near New Delhi. Our partner NGOs are motivated to guide us.
From 1997-98 Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari is getting the valuable support of IDRF USA in actualizing the vision of Swami Vivekananda .
In far-off corners of NORTH EAST of Bharat IDRF USA is a sure helping hand to reach the Primary Heath Care in 5 districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Over 2 decades or more Kendra always looks forward to IDRF USA to successfully move ahead in its task of Man Making & Service to Humanity as Worship of Divinity .
We at MSS (http://www.manavsevaindia.org/) are very privileged to be associated with IDRF. We have being doing incredible impact based work on issues like human trafficking, child health, emergency relief and restoration with useful support from IDRF. The timely support from IDRF had helped us to reach many underserved families during Nepal Earthquake, and Uttarakhand flood. As of today we are working with IDRF to prevent death of infants and children from Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Eastern Uttar Pradesh region of North India. Every year hundreds of child die due to JE virus infection and the support from IDRF will certainly help us in saving many innocent lives. IDRF and MSS is also planning to initiate a massive anti human trafficking campaign in Indo-Nepal border corridor covering 1,740 Km Indo-Nepal border regions.
The best thing about IDRF is the commitment towards the cause of underprivileged, accountability towards donors, transparency and improving the effectiveness of aid.
We look forward for many more meaningful partnership with IDRF in coming years.
Rakesh Nair
General secretary
Manav Seva Sansthan SEVA - Uttar Pradesh, India
We have been working with IDRF for more than a decade to donate to selected charities in India. IDRF follows thorough due diligence process in order to comply with the regulations as well as meet its fiduciary duty towards the donors. Vinod Prakash ji is a kind hearted man who has given so much to the cause of helping people in need. Our work in India primarily revolves around three organizations - Mahatma Gandhi Kusth Ashram, Saraswati Jain Seva Samiti and Earth Saviors Foundation. IDRF has made it easy for us to support these causes.
Few organizations Shabnam and I know are so steeped in caring for others as is the India Development Relief Fund. Guided by the singular vision and dedication of Mr. Vinod Prakash, IDRF has created uncountable opportunities for the less fortunate. My own association with IDRF goes back for more than a decade and has steadily grown over time. IDRF has helped bring much needed resources for sick patients at the Sawai Mansingh Hospital in Jaipur India and leprosy patients at the Mahatama Gandhi Leprosy Ashram in Jaipur.
The first mission is to provide food, medications, blankets, and other daily use items to poor patients who are admitted to the local tertiary care government hospital (SMS Hospital). Many of these patients come from nearby villages with no resources whatsoever and are unable to fend for themselves. A team of volunteers led by Mrs. Saraswati Jain goes from bed to bed each day, offering milk, meals and medicines. The neurosurgery ward where this activity is concentrated has 100 official beds but often has upwards of 150 patients leading to intense overcrowding and paucity of resources. Some patients have been picked up from sites of motor vehicle and road accidents; they lie comatose for days, sometimes months, with no family member around to take care of them! The Seva Samiti provides for these patients until a family member has been identified and informed. Many of these stories are truly heart wrenching. In addition to these direct services to patients, the Seva Samiti provides for water coolers, fans, mattresses and other resources that cannot be acquired through the normal government budgeting process.
The second mission is to provide for a medical home for leprosy patients. The Mahatama Gandhi Kushtha (Leprosy) Ashram is located at the outskirts of Jaipur and serves as a medical home for acutely ill and convalescing patients with leprosy. There is provision for boarding and lodging of up to 100 patients. A central kitchen provides daily meals and a large number of local philanthropists bring food supplies for the Ashram inmates. Funds sent through the IDRF have played a pivotal role in upgrading the dilapidated housing; they have also helped procure medical supplies and the services of a local surgeon Dr. Srikant Bullack who attends to patients on a regular basis. The Ashram also has a small temple (funded by Mr. and Mrs. Anil Khatod of Atlanta GA) which has allowed the patients to keep faith and stay grounded.
Needless to say, none of this would have been possible without the help of IDRF and for this we are forever indebted to Mr Vinod Prakash.
Lucky Jain MD
Atlanta GA.
I appreciate how IDRF has come up with thoughtful ways to help Indians in impoverished areas to better care for themselves.
Hi, I am Durgesh Gupta, a resident of New Jersey since last 18 years. I was introdued to this charity organization by my cousin Arun Gupta who is using its services since long time.
My experience has been amazing. Working with Vinodji ( The head of this organization ) and his team has been pleasant. He always responded to my phone calls, emails without delay. I felt like having a guardian and a big brother.
I have all respect for his dedication and efforts to run IDRF. I am looking forward to have long lasting association with IDRF.
As the Director of a charity in India, I had very pleasant experiences working with IDRF as a development partner. IDRF has supported various causes in India to serve the tribal communities and slum-dwellers in cities. The documentation and monitoring process is thorough and their staff veru compassionate and responsive.
Look forward to long term association with IDRF.
I have worked with several non-profit organizations, as a donor, volunteer, or as a supporter. IDRF stands out when it comes to professionalism. Absolute transparency to the public is the key for any non-profit organization, and IDRF consistently proved it to its donors and volunteers. I know IDRF for more than 15 years, and the founder Dr. Vinod Prakashji. His consistent dedication to this organization has benefited the downtrodden and oppressed people in the Indian society for the last twenty years. And, behind the success of IDRF, the support he got through out the journey from Saralaji is noteworthy.
We are a village school near Pondicherry,India located next to an international township called Auroville.Our relationship to IDRF extends to over ten years.Our school offers very good facilities for sports,extra-curricular activities and academics.Naturally we seek the support of Non-Profit organisations like IDRF as fees cannot possibly cover the expenditures involved.We find IDRF extremely supportive of our requests.They trust us.They trust that the need we project is genuine.They trust that the budget requested is reasonable.They give to us in the spirit as if it is their own project.What else can one expect?The founders of IDRF Sh.Vinod Prakashji and Sarla behn have infused the organisation with a spirit of supporting projects with love rather than in a charitable attitude.This is unique.Over the years IDRF has helped us build a very long compound wall,staff quarters,sports equipment store-room and many other things.
we could talk with the concerned person directly. The contact person - coordinator - was very polite and listened to our requests. They accommodated our requests.
We have had the privilege of donating funds thru IDRF to many of our favorite projects in India. We get excellent support, prompt communication and all our money sent to the NGO of our liking.
We have been working thru IDRF for over 6 years now and have nothing but great things to say.
I have been absolutely thrilled with my association with IDRF. It is very rare to find somebody like Dr. Vinod Prakash , the founder of IDRF, who has totally devoted last thirty years of his life to the uplifting of the poor and needy in India. Undaunted by the huge problems facing these people, Vinod and his wife Sarla have tirelessly worked to improve their lives on multiple fronts, taking care of their medical needs, education, water and sanitation to name just a few, especially for girls and tribal people. I feel very grateful to Vinod and Sarla for letting me be a part of their great endeavor which has profoundly changed for better the lives of so many people. The work that IDRF has accomplished has an enduring effect for generations to follow. However rare Vinod as a person is, I still wish there were more people like Vinod who would follow his model in other parts of the world to make our earth a better place to live for millions of people.
I have know India development and relief fund for past 20 years. They have been supporting projects run by Seva Bharathi and other grass root NGOs in India with minimal overhead expenses. Beneficiaries of these projects are the most needy people in slums, rural areas and tribals areas. IDRF funded sanitation projects in Adilabad district to mobile medical can in Kurnool to vocational training centre in Warangal. Kudos to Vinod Prakash and his team.
My experience with IDRF is a memorable one. When Chennai, India was reeling under heavy floods and devastation, I approached IDRF for relief assistance. Without hesitation, immediately, Dr. Vinodh Prakash transferred 40,000 USD for relief work. We were able to provide relief material to 1800 affected families. They have assured to continuously help for our Swacch Bharat Abhiyan project and other charity work of Swami Vivekananda Rural Development Society for which I am the secretary. IDRF is doing a wonderful job to reduce the sufferings of fellow human beings.
My regards to Dr. Vinodh Prakash and other members of IDRF.
Thanks
RPK Chari
Our involvement with IDRF dates back more than 20 years. we had started a local program in Bismarck North Dakota to collect funds for women and children upliftment in India. We became involved with India develop meant of relief fund and through their offices were able to reach the target population and continued to do that annually for many years. Funding of lunch programs for slum children so their parents would allow them to attend school as well as computer and sewing workshops for girls and older women were funded. We were very confident that monies that we raised were reaching the audience and I DRF provided additional funding as well as monitoring of the sites on a regular basis. At the time of the Tsunami in South India I DRF provided great relief to those in need and funds that we sent to them along with other funds were put to very good use. It has been incredible to have found a honest reliable and hardworking partner to work with over such a long period of time. We strongly believe that all could depend on IDRF and it is a rare and great non profit.
I have known IDRF for last 3 years since we moved to Northern Virginia. The most impressive thing about IDRF is very low overhead ,so most of the donations go directly to the needy organizations and hence to the most needy people . Many of the donors are repeat donors who have certain improvement projects in mind and they chose IDRF as a highly trusted implementation arm to make them happen. Another very highly impressive fact that these projects are all over India and for the improvements of educational, economical and betterment of rural life. I must impress on the fact that Dr. Vinod Prakash is the heart and soul of IDRF and his dedication is one of the reason for IDRF's success as a non profit organization.
I have had the pleasure of working with IDRF for several years. My husband and I have made donations over the years to support projects and development/relief work in India through IDRF. About 2 years ago, I had the opportunity to visit a few of the projects in Haryana and Gujarat and was very impressed by the quality of the work being done to educate orphan boys and girls in Gujarat as well as empower women in Haryana. We were especially impressed by the quality of the staff in each of these IDRF supported NGOs and projects – they were very qualified and the level of dedication was far above what I have seen elsewhere. This impressed and inspired me so much, that I volunteered to help Mr. Vinod Prakash, founder of IDRF, to help write the 2014 IDRF Annual Report. Writing this report, provided me with further insights into the various projects that IDRF funds as well as the selfless devotion by Mr Prakash to IDRF. I believe that IDRF is truly one of the best non-profits operating in the US!!
Janaagraha and IDRF have been working over the last 5 years. The partnership has been a mutually beneficial one for both organisations. IDRF with its vast experience of USA and the Indian Diaspora have helped Janaagraha raise funds for its work in India. I would especially like to thank Dr. Vinod Prakash for his mentorship of our work. Janaagraha looks forward to partnering with IDRF for many more years to come. Parthasarathy Gooptu (Head of Development/Janaagraha)
I have known IDRF for almost 25 years.It is an honest sincere organization with extremely low overhead .It funds very good programs for needy and poor in India.I am very proud of their good work.
I have known Vinod Bhai and Sarlaji since the inception of IDRF. We have been contributing to their fundraising efforts for more than 20 years. It is hard to describe how much it has grown year after year. IDRF ensures that funds directly benefit those in need. Each project is carefully selected and handled by sincere volunteers in India. I had the opportunity to visit one of their projects in Karnal, Haryana called Arpana. It was a moving experience to observe women learning about family planning, seeing the mobile medical vans that serviced nearby villages and watching women making handicraft items that they sell. It was a hard to believe such a place in India existed where you can feel a genuine sense of community, sincerity and Seva. Since my trip, I have learned that Arpana continues to expand its reach and goals for helping women with more clinical and nursing care services. I applaud Vinod Bhai’s selfless commitment to IDRF and Sarlaji’s tireless support to make sure IDRF continues to succeed.
IDRF is a great nonprofit organization. We donate every year to many organizations. But out of all of them, we regularly contribute the most amount every year to IDRF. Dr Vinod Prakash and Sarlaji work very very hard to make sure that IDRF's overhead expenses are as minimum as possible - mostly below 5% of the funds raised - which can be hard to find with other nonprofit organiztions. Also, with IDRF, we have a peace of mind that our donation money is well spent and is used to fund numerous projects to serve the underprivileged in India and Nepal. We also had the opportunity to volunteer for IDRF and work closely with Vinodji and Sarlaji. Their enthusiasm and selfless dedication for IDRF is unparalleled. They work tirelessly and have dedicated their life for serving for IDRF. The enthusiasm is contagious and whoever has worked with them, gets the same feeling of volunteering for the betterment and upliftment of deprived and marginalized communities in India and Nepal. Vinodji and Sarlaji are also very meticulous and careful in selecting projects and organizations for funds distribution back in India and Nepal. They also follow up diligently on all the funded projects and the annual report is prepared and published every year on IDRF website.
All in all, IDRF is a great non-profit organization serving the underprivileged in India and Nepal.
I have known Dr. Vinod Prakash for the last 30 years as a dedicated person to provide educational training to the poorest of the poor in remote parts of India. He started supporting these programs when no other NGO was involved in uplifting these tribal people all over india.
I had the pleasure of sponsoring a room in primary school in New Delhi where children of the uneducated and poor families were being trained. When I visited the school, earlier this year, I was amazed at the work that was being done there.
This will enhance these students become productive, self sustaining citizens of India.
IDRF recently supported medical related programs in Arunachal Pradesh.
IDRF recently sent donations to earthquake victims in Nepal.
It is really commendable that he does this even though he has been legally blind for the last several years.
Dr. Prakash and his wife Sarlaji are so dedicated to IDRF that they requested that wedding gifts for their son's marriage be donated to IDRF. This is unprecedented.
Almost 100 % of the donation goes for Charitable purposes and both of them actually visit these places at their own cost in India.
I will recommend this charity highly for anyone thinking of improving the lot of downtrodden families in India.
I wish IDRF great success in this endeavor.
Suresh C. Gupta M.D.
Potomac Md.
I donate for education for kids. I specified my Donation to go to a particular place and it reached them with less overhead charge. I am really happy to know that IDRF is working in multiple areas like women empowerment, natural disasters, and village developments in 19 states in India along with Nepal. This gives more flexibility and I strongly recommend to everyone to donate to your interested areas through IDRF.
IDRF is the only non-profit working consistently for the last 25 years for the benefit of underprivileged in India and Nepal. IDRF is involved in funding wide range of activities from basic education to skills development to providing Medical Aid. When natural disasters struck, IDRF was always there to help the victims. I greatly appreciate the work IDRF is doing and recommend choosing IDRF for your valuable donations, as you know IDRF is a 4 star / top rated Non Profit when it comes to utilization of funds and executing the projects.
I made some donations to the NGO in India for a project undertaken by them through India Development and Relief Fund, Inc, based in USA. Overall my experience was very good and everything went smoothly. I also found out about this 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization through my friends who have been making donations to IDRF for several years now. I found out they have a very low overhead/admin costs and 95 cents out of every dollar you donate to them goes to the beneficiary.
Review from Guidestar
IDRF has far exceeded my expectations in terms of an NGO based in USA, that helped me send donation for 'the cause of my choice' to the NGO-partner in India. I spoke with Dr. Vinod Prakash the founder and president of IDRF on the phone and was very impressed by his enthusiasm and tireless efforts to help out the underprivileged in India and Nepal. I was very surprised to learn that despite his visual impairment, he is able to work hard to make sure the hard earned money of the donors based in the USA, is sent directly to the beneficiaries in India and Nepal.
In my last trip to India in Feb 2014, I got an opportunity to see the work done by IDRF in which they have built a hostel in hapur, UP to provide free residence and education to girls showing academic potential. Most of these girls came from Northeastern states of India and are either orphans or their parents are not financially capable of feeding or educating them.These girls are loved here, they are very smart and understand their social and moral duties, and they graduate from here, go back to their villages, open up a single teacher school under a tree and give back to society. I got so inspired that i came back to US and started raising funds for the girls in this hostel so that more such girls can be brought and educated in this hostel. Kudos to IDRF for the wonderful work. I have shared my experience at the Facebook page in case someone else wants to extend the help to this genuine effort
https://www.facebook.com/adoptioninspirit
Thanks
Reena Goyal
IDRF far exceeded my expectations that I had from my first job in USA. Working under the guidance of Dr. Vinod Prakash has brought me to realize that if one has passion towards something, no matter what nothing can stop you from working towards it.
What a great organization !
We have known Vinodji & Sarlaji for iver 30 years and have over the years seen their honesty, integrity and pure unselfish devotion to the cause of of the disadvantaged in India. We will continue supporting this great organization as long as possible - no better way to return to our 'janambhoomi" for all It has given us
IDRF supports causes without consideration of provincial, religious, caste or other petty consideration.
Our best to Vinodji who despite his physical setback has been pursuing this cause with redoubled vigor.
I have known Dr. Vinod Prakash and Sarla, his wife, ever since I moved into the Washington, DC area twenty six years ago through IDRF, the charity they manage. After retiring from the World Bank, Vinodji has taken up the mission of IDRF as his own. The couple has been spending most of their time in fund-raising, distribution and follow-up. By and large, they visit India every year, inspect and check working of the charities, many in remote, neglected areas like Adivasis (tribal peoples), to ensure every dollar donated is deserved and spent well. Their integrity and commitment are beyond question. The effect their work has on individuals and societies serves as criteria for measuring success. I admire their devotion, persistence and commitment all through the years. Vinodji continues with unabated zeal even after a physical impairment struck him. I show my appreciation by donating to IDRF any monetary gifts I receive, adding some of my own. Compliments to Vinodji and his team.
From an admirer,
Subramanya Baliga
We are a donor with IDRF for many years now. Great service, no overheads and availability of many large and small but high quality social organizations in India. Our favorite is Leela Poonawalla foundation in Pune Maharashtra, supporting higher education for young girls. when 50% members of our society namely women, are empowered, we have a chance to become a model society in India.
We are very grateful to Sarla and Vinod Prakash for creating and nurturing IDRF, a wonderful platform for good!
Vidya & Avi Gore
In 1993, I was looking for a well-run non-profit organization to send in my donation after Maharashtra earthquake when I came to know of IDRF. Over the years, I came to know Dr. Vinod Prakashji and was very impressed by his passion and dedication towards helping the less fortunate ones in India. He inspired me to undertake few projects in rural and tribal areas in Orissa (my home state) and converted me from a casual donor to an involved volunteer. I scouted for projects on my trips to India and, when I found a worthwhile project whose execution could be well monitored, Dr. Vinod Prakashji was very supportive and IDRF adopted those projects. Together, we funded vocational training classes in an orphanage in Kendarapada, Orisaa as well as funded construction of a residential tribal girls school in Rayagada, Orissa, which is run by Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust. The passion, dedication, positive attitude of striving towards a better future for all, of IDRF is infectious and has truly transformed many lives.
Sarla and Vinod Prakash are to be congratulated. They have with hard work, persistence, and dedication built a strong and vibrant institution, in IDRF, for helping development and reconstruction projects for those in need in India. It is an impressive achievement indeed. I am impressed by the large amounts of funds and the set of loyal donors they have mobilized, but even more so by a) the geographical and functional range of activities that are being supported b) careful attention to identification of suitable projects and idealistic persons on the ground to implement them c) the emphasis on mobilizing complementary local resources (in India) so that IDRF funds are often catalysts. The very low proportion of administrative and other expenses to the total funds mobilized (only 4%) and transferred to the actual beneficiaries is commendable.
India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) is a tax-exempt organization under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(3). It aims to support grassroots and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in serving the most disadvantaged, impoverished, illiterate, poor, uneducated and needy people in India.
Dr. Vinod Prakash received his Ph.D in Economics from MIT, Cambridge, MA, and he worked at the World Bank as an economist from 1971-88, in Washington DC. He founded IDRF in 1987. IDRF has crusaded with non-resident Indians to actively find solutions to the problems of poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and natural disaster facing the poor Indian masses. As a selfless social worker and a visionary, Dr. Prakash has dedicated his whole life to the IDRF cause. (Since his retirement from the Bank, he has been volunteering virtually all his time for IDRF). Dr. Vinod Prakash has lived in the USA for more than 40 years but, until recently, visited IDRF projects in India almost every year.
IDRF, since its modest beginnings, has grown into a professional organization managed by a small staff and supported by a group of motivated volunteers. IDRF projects range from building schools for needy children, building orphanages and rehabilitation centers for disaster victims, to creating development schemes for tribal areas and urban slums. The project areas may be quite diverse, but all address social and economic issues.
Dr. and Mrs. Prakash are the true refuge and hope for poor, destitute and deprived people living many parts of India. Although the country made some progress in some areas in recent years, there is still significant amount of poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare. Dr. and Mrs. Prakash’s selfless service through IDRF is providing these people with education and hope for better life. Dr. Prakash is committed to provide a better quality of education and health to young children and women in the remote Indian villages. They visit these areas often.
Both Dr. Vinod and Mrs. Sarla are known for their affection, kindness, compassion, and generosity. Their unflinching selfless commitment to serving society and mankind is greatly recognized by volunteers, students, and people like me. However, just as much Mrs. Sarla Prakash enjoyed caring for IDRF volunteers in their house, she was greatly disturbed by the poverty and misery that was prevalent in remote and poor parts of India. I believe the services provided by Dr. and Mrs. Sarla Prakash through IDRF are a great humanitarian service for the poorest of the poor, including the aged, the destitute, the unemployed, the diseased, the terminally ill, and those abandoned by their families. I found them to be a very loving, caring, kind, compassionate and generous couple.
Both Dr. Prakash and Mrs. Prakash are precisely an inherent strength of IDRF and the source of its steady growth. Dr. Prakash tells “We attach utmost importance to [IDRF’s partner] NGOs' accountability and integrity. We select NGOs with proven track records only.”
I've been involved with IDRF for about 2 year as a volunteer & donor. It is impressive to see IDRF working not just for the causes it supports but also it's prompt response to natural calamities like Uttrakhand flood. IDRF has proved itself a very reliable and honest non-profit under the constant guidance of Dr. Vinod Prakash Ji & it's board members.
IDRF provides regular updates and is very open in its communication regarding various programs it supports. Working with IDRF has been a great experience.
I have found that the India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF) is doing an outstanding service to for needy, unfortunate and underprivileged people in India. The IDRF collects donation and with a very low administrative cost, uses most of the donated fund for the service. This organization runs several programs such as in Education, health care, women empowerment, and ecofriendly rural development. Besides these programs, IDRF also provides relief to people affected by natural disasters such as Tsunami, earthquake and cyclone etc.
To my knowledge and understanding the director of this Fund, Dr. Vinod Prakash (being blind) and his wife devote their entire time and energy to raise funds and serve disadvantaged and needy people without any personal gain.
To my experience and knowledge the IDRF is an outstanding non profit organization to serve people.
Vinod Uncle and Sarla Aunty are extremely dear to my family. We have seen firsthand the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice they have made in the name of Seva. IDRF raises millions of dollars annually and its overhead is marginal. It serves has a model of true volunteerism whose mission of serving those that are underprivileged is never compromised. The projects cover a wide range of issues including education, health care, disaster relief, agriculture and more! Each project is thoroughly vetted to ensure donations are made and spent appropriately. I have and will continue to support this organization. There is
not enough praise I can give to both Vinod and Sarla Prakash for their commitment to this wonderful cause.
I have known this organization for more than 14 years. They are very committed to work at grass root level in helping less fortunate. They review every project in minute detail before they take hand and follow up regularly
This is one of the NPOs thats dear to me .
This NPO has very low overhead expenses and most of the money is spent in developmental activity.
They are are also timely in sending us the receipts and thank you letter with progress report.
I have known Dr and Mrs Prakash for over 20 years. They are fully committed to IDRF and run the organization with minimum administrative costs. Mr Prakash is visually impaired and yet is brave enough to serve the needs of underprivileged communities around India. I wish the organization the very best in meeting their goals.
My wife and I have been donating to IDRF for many years. I have known Dr. Vinod Prakash and his family for almost 45 years (since I was 10 years old). I am really touched by his dedication and commitment to helping others. It is one of the best run charities I have ever contributed to.
We have donated to many charities over the years and have always wondered how much of our money is used to help others. We feel confident donating to IDRF because we have witnessed firsthand how the money is used to help others in need. My wife and I have visited some of the schools that IDRF helps to support. With children of our own, we were really impressed by the impact that IDRF was having on these children’s lives. The teachers were dedicated and the school provided a clean and safe environment for learning.
If you want to reach out to others in need, you should seriously consider learning more about IDRF.
This in my opinion has so far proved to be the best Charity in the USA, serving the under privileged communities in India. The Philanthropist couple (Vinod Prakash and Darla Prakash) have been tirelessly helping the people in need ever since the foundation of IDRF in 1988 and have pooled in a huge number of donors in the USA, who have a heart for the Mother land, Bharat.
It's a volunteer based organization and perhaps the charity with least amount of administrative expense, hence maximum amount of donations are put in for the purpose at the ground.
I have been associated to this organization for almost 15 years now and wish more and more people to join hand in the effort to bring in the desired change in India.
IDRF is one of the best Non-profit organizations we know of. THe most importantly their overhead expenses are minimul. We have been donatiing consistantly to IDRF since it was formed. They are honest and we are sure the donations are used for the causes and not the fundraising or Administration / management etc.
I have known of the great work done by IDRF for almost 3 decades now and believe it is nothing short of spectacular. Kudos off to the volunteers, especially Dr Vinod Prakash, who with his singular focus and unmatched honesty & integrity, dedicated his life in serving the less fortunate people of India. My family has visited some of the projects undertaken by IDRF and have always had glowing reviews of the work being done.
The percentage of donor contributions that directly reaches the end project is extremely high, with little overhead due to untiring work of volunteers in India and abroad. The annual fund raising activities and project selections are planned in detail and very effective.
I only wish there were many more such visionaries as Dr Vinod who initiated these excellent non-profits.
I have PERSONALLY WITNESSED THE THE IMMENSE help that IDRF gives people in India and Nepal.
IDRF has a grass root network in India that is part of a first responder group that 1st shows up when no one dares to go there. A lot of these events are not even reported by media who are either intimidated or given money by terrorist forces .
E.g. islamic terrorist bombings of a train . IDRF helpers are present there to rescue the victims and take them to the hospital.
However when IDRF requests that the terrorists and their link to political parties be investigated their name gets smudged and false allegations are leveled on it.
This is the most efficient and well run foundation I have donated to. They select projects where they can make a difference and have remarkable outcomes.
I have had the opportunity to visit one of their projects near Delhi. It is a girls school where the undertaking is to educate one girl at a time from first grade to graduation. These girls are housed in dormitories, they take care of their housing, cook their evening meals, go to the school during the day, and have different activities they can enjoy in the evenings. Work is shared depending on the age of the child. IDRF hopes to support 65 girls, so far they have funds for about 40. The school they attend have better outcomes than the prestigious schools in New Delhi.
IDRF as the most cost effective & successful non-profit charity,has made tremendous & long lasting impact at grass root level on health,education & empowerment of deprived &marginalized communities in rural India. For the past 25 yrs. it's been a major recipient of our family charity donation fund.Thanks to generous & sustained generosity of my family & friends--- Women's Education Center--Mahila Swavalamban Kendra in Ahmedabad, became a reality in 2004. This project selection was based on Dr. Vinod Prakash's visit to the center in a rented facility, foresight & recommendation. A Beautiful three level building, well designed,quality construction--serves as a magnet of learning in marketable skills in tailored garments,decorative crafts,computer,self-empowerment & leadership training.As well as powerful agents of change in communities & nation at large
kusum patel batra Tucson AZ
IDRF is one of best Non-Profits we have donated to. They are honest and distribute the funds to the causes we care the most. They provide regular updates on the progress made. The founder Dr. Vinodji and its board members do a great job in running this organization with least amount of costs. IDRF is a highly recommended organization, if you care about the causes they also care about.
I have volunteered with IDRF for 12+ years and still continue doing it. IDRF is one of the few organizations committed truly to the cause of helping the under privileged.
Mismanagement and overhead are the bane of any NPO. IDRF sets itself apart with a streamlined and accountable process and with minimalist overhead. Working with IDRF assures me that my time, effort and money are reaching those that need it.
I've known Dr. Vinod Prakash for all these years and admire the enthusiasm and commitment to the cause.
Few other charities have done better than India Development and Relief
Fund (IDRF) for the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of the Society
in India, tribals in particular, irrespective of the caste, creed and religion. We
have known Sarla and Vinod Prakash for over half a century: we were taken
aback when he decided to give up his high profile job at the World Bank, and
both plunged themselves into founding IDRF. We also followed the trials and
tribulations that IDRF overcame over the past quarter of a century.
We were fortunate to visit some of IDRF’s development projects and would
like to recall our impressions.
The IDRF-funded high school near Delhi is educating 350 underprivileged
children, most of them the first in their families to go school. In spite of their
poor backgrounds, they competed with the best schools in Delhi and achieved
excellent academic results. When we visited, the computer lab was filled with
bright faced youngsters. The dedication of the teachers was exemplary. At the
lunch break, simple vegetarian food was served to the children and staff sitting
cross-legged on the ground.
Our visit to Gwalior was also educational. We saw a tribal boys’ hostel and a
local fundraising event to build a tribal girls’ hostel. Two events touched our
heart at this event: One was the offer by two people of Indian origin, who were
visiting from Africa, to match the funds raised. Second was the offer of Rs.
100,000 from students at the local industrial institute. They had raised half the
amount from their peers and then begged their Principal for the other half.
IDRF provided critical support to the primary school in our ancestral village. Of
the 250 students enrolled at the school, 30-40% were Muslims. It is the top-
rated primary school in the village of 18 schools, with English medium and new
initiatives. It emphasizes ethics and close contacts with children’s families. It
has a computer lab, a rarity for a primary school. The cultural performances by
the children were heart-warming. We trust these children will make excellent
citizens when they grow up.
IDRF supported the Arpana’s Health & Women’s Empowerment Programme
in Karnal, Haryana. This ashram has a very wide reach in surrounding rural and
illiterate communities. We were impressed by the organisation and dedication
of the field workers.
IDRF helped sponsor the Chitrakoot Project. Founded by the late Nanaji
Deshmukh, is a model project for the overall social development of villages. It
is one of the most internationally-recognised programmes. Surprisingly many
highly-qualified people of Indian origin chose work here rather than taking
high-paying jobs overseas.
We realise that we only saw a small slice of IDRF’s work; over the years it has
raised millions of dollars for development and disaster relief. We pray that
India – our Bharat Mata - has some more dedicated individuals like Vinod and
organisations like IDRF.
New Delhi October 27, 2013
I have assisted IDRF for almost 10 years, and know first hand the excellent work IDRF has done. It is an excellent non-profit assisting the underprivileged in India. I would highly recommend anyone to either volunteer or donate whatever money they can to help the less fortunate.
I have had the good fortune of knowing about the India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) almost from its inception in Washington D.C. area some 25 years ago. I have been a great admirer of the uncommon dedication of its backbone, Dr. Vinod Prakash; who has made Seva-Vrat toward the needy of India his life-mission -- he has indeed been thoroughly Seva-Rat for Bha-rat with the extraordinary spirit of a pure Karma-Yogi of highest level. His wife, Dr. Sarla Prakash, has also shared the associated responsibilities all along in an exemplary manner. It has been a great privilege for me to know them personally. I have the highest regard for them and their selfless service to the Motherland and they are a source of great inspiration to many of us.
Of course, I have also benefited from the IDRF policy of aiding large and small projects, receiving badly needed help in getting a school started in the region of my homeland in India to impart education to the local tribal youth. Some aid was also extended by IDRF to a newly started school in my own village, and for this all the villagers including myself would remain most grateful to IDRF.
IDRF is a nonprofit organization serving the noble cause of helping the poorest of the poor of India in more ways than commonly known. Its many unique distinctions include being perhaps one of the oldest, if not the oldest, organizations engaged in the service of India by collection of funds through donations from Indians and others in America to help a very diverse set of Indian NGOs in societal development work and in critical need of such support. On the other hand, IDRF has also been in the forefront for extending significant relief work at the time of natural disasters such as the earthquake of Gujarat a few years ago and the massive landslide in Uttarakhand recently.
I am most delighted to have this opportunity to express my unbound admiration for the organization and my personal respect to Dr. Vinod Prakash and Mrs. (Dr.) Sarla Prakash, who have been providing this Seva (Service) unflinchingly, weathering all manners of difficulties including severe health- problems.
I have known IDRF almost 30 years as a donor, volunteer, and advisor. I have donated funds for a scholarship in engineering college, for a school in village, Bhopal tragedy, Latur and Gujarat Earhtquakes
I volunteered to raise funds for earthquakes, Bhopal gas tragedy, Delhi riots, Odisa cylone and Uttarakhand , flash flooding this year. I advised on funding of a rural development project at Chitrakoot with Deendayal Research Institute. .
I have also worked with IDRF as a member of IDCA. We have promoted IDRF in our meetings and promoted it online. IDRF has been run professionally and I never faced any problems with them. I highly recommend that you can put your trust in IDRF and work with them. I look forward to working with them for many more years.
India Development & Relief Fund -IDRF is a philanthropic fund raiser for helping the most disadvantaged people by supporting carefully selected dedicated NGOs.
“The poor, the illiterate, the ignorant, the afflicted – let these be your GOD. Know that service to these alone is the highest religion.” – Vivekananda
Actually IDRF already translated the realization of Vivekananda in to reality!
Economic Rural Development Society is a grass root level organization has been working since 1982. We have been favoured by IDRF grant in the field of – Construction of Training Centre, Microfinance. School Construction for Education. Without this financial support we could not do the work in our remote villages among our below poverty level beneficiaries.
We consider IDRF as a best Grant Giver for have not’s as per our knowledge, experience & dealings.
Madhu Basu,General Secretary, Economic Rural Development Society (ERDS)
Since I am auditing development sector projects in more than 22 countries hence have some knowledge about operations of not for profit organizations. I must compliment IDRF for their focused support to under privileged. Their operational cost is minimum and same is unforeseen in development sector around the world that all donors money reaches to beneficiaries to maximum level. It is facinitating that office bearers use their own infrastructure and resources to serve the people. Their passion is un matching.
IDRF funded tribal girls hostel project of Shiksha Bharati in Hapur. Their approach towards funding and implantation had been truly professional and they funded only when all parameters were being met. Their monitoring of funds has been also meticulous. They trust the NGOs to whom they fund but with caution. I can certainly say that every penny of valuable donors is being spent with efficiency and economy.
IDRF has been really wonderful to work with. They have provided me with an avenue to contribute back to India in a meaningful and personal way. IDRF has provided us with the means to support our NGO. When my family in India started a charitable trust to provide scholarships to the needy students, I was at a loss as to how I could contribute from here in the USA. With the help of Vinod Prakash and his team, I have been able to support upto 40 students every year. Thank you IDRF!
www.idrf.org
i am a regular donor for IDRF causes (Indian Development and relief Fund md based non profit started some thiry years ago and i am contributing my share. what i am going to say will not be a suprise for me at least as i am gong to state the fact which i observed for this organization and my heads off to people who are running it .
iwill say just 4C
C- conciosunes
C-confidence
C - compassion
c- commitment
all the above are truely fit on this NPO
their overhaeds are much less around 5%
thye have a feel to uplift the not so lucky people may it be a natural disaster or commitment for a new school hospital or any other water projects aoin any part of the worlsd
lastly iam sure that my money will be used where my heart is to help the less fortunatel people
umesh rashmi rohatgi rurohatgi@yahoo.com 248-471-5786
I have contributed my little pittance over the years to the development of Indian educational and social infrastructure through the India Development and Relief Organization. I know that almost every cent I contribute is devoted to helping Indian NGOs provide what the poor, disenfranchised, and under-served Indian millions need. It is thanks to the unremitting commitment of Dr. Vinod and Sarla Prakash, and the dedicated team of volunteers that this work has been done with little fanfare over the past 25 years.
As a professional with over forty years of experience in international development, I look for five key qualities in the Non-profits I support:
Whether the causes they support resonate with me;
Whether they try to reach the most needy without discriminating on the basis of personal biases or philosphies;
Whether they exercise adequate diligence in selecting their beneficiaries and in ensuring that the donor contributions are put to good use;
Whether they are fully transparent in reporting on their operations; and
Whether they keep their overheads low so that bulk of the donor funds go to the intended beneficiaries.
Based on my knowledge of the IDRF, as a donor and as an interested observer, I have no doubt that IDRF rates very highly in all five areas. As a result, I believe, it is making difference much beyond its meagre resources in helping improve the lives of the neglected and deserving in India.
The single most important factor behind IDRF's success to-date is the dedication, energy and passion that Vinod and Sarla have brought to bear on the IDRF's work over the past quarter century. I am proud to have supported this very worthwhile endeavor.
I have not had much interaction with IDRF but I know its mentor Dr Vinod Prakash since my childhood. We have been watching his awesome patriotism since then. I wish I could emulate but could never do. I see his venture into serving the last man in the queue in India as the extension of putting self behind the nation. For me IDRF epitomizes his selfless service and dedication. This organization has done tremendous service to the poor of India and continues to do with more vigor and enthusiasm. My salute to the spirit of IDRF.
I have personally known Dr. Vinod and Sarla Prakash for over fifty years when we were all in Boston. I have been so very impressed and in awe of their dedication and passion for public service. In IDRF they have a wonderful vehicle to channel their mission. His physical handicaps have not stopped Dr. Vinod in any way. In fact they seem to have energized him to a higher level than ever! I have had the privilege of being a donor for over a decade and hope to continue as long as I am able to. I am proud to be associated with him and IDRF.
IDRF is an extraordinary charitable organization which made my dream of establishing a school and hospital in my native village in India possible. This is an effort of last 30 years in which I received multidimensional help from IDRF and its president, Dr. Vinod Prakash. Besides providing financial support, IDRF guided me in every step of the way, including Dr. Vinod Prakash visiting the site a number of times. The result is a well running intermediate college for underprivileged rural folks where 1100 boys and girls from kindergarten to 12th grade come from more than 20 villages around the village of Nagauri (UP). In addition, there is a hospital at the same site providing healthcare facilities to the rural folks 24/7 almost free of coast. If any NRI has similar dreams, I would highly recommend contacting the IDRF and experience the joy of working with such an exceptionally professional organization.
It has been a pleasure and an honor to be associated with IDRF and its founding members, Mrs. Sarla and Dr. Vinod Prakash. With their guidance, in 2012 IDRF provided approximately $1.1 MM in grants and over 75% of the grants went towards projects in India involved with children’s education and women’s education and empowerment. I sincerely believe that investment in these sectors of the society will deliver maximum dividends for long-term development. Moreover, supporting project s of these type (education and empowerment) creates an everlasting transformation in the region.
IDRF's operating overheads are minimal, perhaps amongst the lowest in the non-profit sector. This ensures that most of the funds go the causes for which people donate. They have been extremely meticulous in maintaining total transparency in their financial dealings.
This is very run non-profit organization which is making a significant contribution to the development of India and I encourage everyone to support their activities.
It has been a privilege for SCALE, an ISO certified NGO, to be associated with Mr. Vinod Prakash and IDRF. With the recent natural calamity striking at Badrinath, Kedarnath, Dharchula & other places in Uttarakhand & thousands getting killed or displaced by floods, SCALE was passionate to make a difference to the restoration & development of some of these key towns in Uttarakhand. However, our zeal to help the badly affected rural residents of Dharchula town was somewhat crippled by the need for funds. Here, IDRF stepped in for the flood victims at Dharchula. I was extremely impressed with their ability to drive our selection, through a stringent and a well documented process. Having worked in very senior positions in the corporate world, I was pleasantly surprised to see the blend of humanitarian philosophy, transparency & the need for results with accountability, as the fundamental basis for their operations. Their help in providing 600 flood victims with bed, mattresses, quilts, bed sheets, pillows & mosquito nets was not just a number alone, but the huge positive impact it brought to the distraught families outlook. It build a lot of hope, happiness & cheer to such families in the remote rural sector, where not many organizations would have reached. They ensured that SCALE plan the work and work the plan for each individual beneficiary. Though SCALE, with nearly 12 years of social service to the poor & underprivileged, has provided jobs to over 3000 people, covered 12,000 under health, have been supporting 6500 school children, trained nearly 200 technicians under their solar program & 3000 on IT literacy, provided 14000 free physiotherapy sessions to the aged along with weekly medical support to 150 visually blind & orphan children, but this experience of watching the flood victims ‘happiness through tears’ , was the most touching of the lot. We thank you Mr. Vinod Prakash & IDRF for your timely help. Along with the beneficiaries of your aid, SCALE expresses deep gratitude to your assistance.
What I like in IDRF most is the due diligence in selecting projects/programs for assistance and the subsequent follow-up of these projects/programs to ensure that IDRF grants are utilized for purposes that were intended. IDRF is able to channel almost all donated funds to the beneficiaries with a minimum of overhead costs is a plus point. I still remember the splendid work of IDRF at the time of natural calamities in India in mid-1990s and 2001 where the organization acted as a conduit for funds for rehabilitation. For this reason, I have had no hesitation in recommending IDRF as a channel for donations in the most recent disaster in Uttarkhand. Dr Vinod Prakash, the Founder President of IDRF and his spouse Mrs Sarla Prakash are persons of great integrity and dedication to the cause of India's development.
My husband and I have known the Prakashs for over forty five years and feel they are among the most ethical people we know. We have observed the efforts and personal sacrifices this couple has made over the years, giving not only of their time but also their home to provide service to others. It is so easy to say what one would do if they could but watching them over the years has given me lots of insight into how much effort it takes to do this kind of work well.
Whenever I donate to a charity I am most concerned about overhead costs. For years these costs have been minimal because the Prakashs have used every penny donated wisely. One would hope that all NGO's could operate with such high ethical standards. It is true that many do, I am happy to know one so well. Carol Lowe
My wife Yo Yee Chacko and I have known the Prakashes for over 20 years during
which time we have been privileged to support IDRF.
The Prakashes do not receive a cent in compensation. In fact, they subsidize some
of the operating expenses out of their pocket.
The Prakashes visit the IDRF sites on a regular basis to ensure the best quality of service.
It is most commendable that IDRF focuses on women and children of minority groups
who are ignored and forgotten.
We salute the passion and devotion of the Prakashes to IDRF and wish IDRF continued
success in their noble humanitarian efforts.
Dr. George K. Chacko and Mrs. Yo Yee Chacko
I have known and been associated with India Development and Relief Fund for last 12 years and have visited several IDRF supported projects all over India. IDRF is an unique organisation with a combination of compassion and professionalism. Through volunteering, it has kept its administrative cost very low and at the same time has strictly followed laws of India and US, proactively disclosed financial and non-financial reports on its website, monitored progress of supported projects and provided useful feedback. All partner organisations I have interacted with appreciate IDRF's contribution in bringing positive changes in the lives of people. One Teacher Schools, Mobile Medical Vans, dormitories in remote tribal areas; women empowerment through micro-enterprise development; promoting good governance through social audit are some of the examples of IDRF's interventions. In addition, IDRF has also responded to natural calamities in the past such as Latur earthquake, Orissa super cyclone, Gujarat earthquake and Tsunami. I have personally visited a number of rehabilitation projects supported by IDRF. Jeevan Prabhat at Gandhidham, a dormitory for orphan children may be visited to see the dedication of IDRF and its partner organisation.
IDRF is an extraordinary organisation with a powerful mission. Its deep commitment to the education, health and women empowerment for the disadvantaged has given us strength and encouragement to serve the marginalized.
IDRF is a fully transparent organisation and its deep commitment to the cause of women empowerment has helped us to form more than 650 SHGs with more than 10,000 members in the Karnal District of Haryana (India). Today more than 10,000 women have the umbrella of financial security through their micro credit groups. Over 5000 women have recourse to large credit resources through the 2 Federations. Further, more than 15 village level organizations of disabled persons have been formed. There are more than 2000 entrepreneurs who have started small businesses.
IDRF is one of the organizations that have helped it happen.
The compassion that IDRF shows towards the partner organisation is amazing. Samerth Trust- India's association with IDRF has enabled us to reach out to the most difficult areas of Kutch.
The very basic 'human right' issue such as facilitating availability of water for drinking and agriculture use is what they have supported us for. This has made 2500 families life better by finding simple solutions to their problems. The happy faces of the community (Kolis) of Rapar makes us say a big - THANK YOU to the organisation and its team!
As Medical Director & Executive Trustee of our organization, association with IDRF has been long standing. What is strkingly unique of IDRF is it's pure humanatarian intentions and rigorous strict adherence to transperancy, financial discipline and hands on evaluation of utilization of money. Many atimes, we have experienced that President and other members spend their personal funds to visit our organization, go into the interiors to meet beneficiaries of funds and so on. Deep compassion perfectly blended with utmost professionalism is the introduction of IDRF.
Another unique feature is "absolute shying away from any publicity forget about taking any credit of success of project" This humility is worth emulating, though we can't..! Dr Vinod Prakash has always been saying," I am trustee of funds people have donated for good causes. I need to be 200% vigilent and yet supportive"
The best thing I like about the organization is that more than 95% of my donation goes right into the cause I support. IDRF is a very transparent organization that provides me with their annual report and breakdown of how the donations are being used.
They are extremely lean yet responsive organization and I love supporting them.
Vinod Prakash IDRF President 02/03/2014
I would like to clarify - IDRF works with reputable NGOs in India, and some of them have been first responders in case of disasters. IDRF's programs - including disaster relief - do not discriminate on the basis of caste, community, or religion of the victims.