NE BUSINESS BUREAU
CHENNAI, FEB 12
Godrej Industries Group (GIG), Radhika Piramal (Executive Director, VIP Industries & Trustee, Dasra UK) and the Keshav Suri Foundation, in collaboration with Dasra, announced the launch of India’s first dedicated LGBTQIA+ philanthropy fund, The Pride Fund here on Wednesday.
The fund aims to bridge the funding gap with sustained, structured, and patient philanthropy, empowering meaningful on-ground change for India’s LGBTQIA+ community, which is estimated to number more than 140 million people. Dasra and Godrej DEI Lab, an experimental space committed to creating an inclusive ecosystem within and beyond the GIG, will serve as the anchor partners for this initiative.
The funding landscape for queer philanthropy in India is stark: only one of India’s top 50 donors explicitly supports LGBTQIA+ organizations, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions remain negligible. While global funding for LGBTQIA+ communities is growing, India barely participates or benefits from these philanthropic efforts.
Despite these structural barriers, and in the face of considerable prejudice, queer organisers and grassroots activists have made landmark efforts for their communities. Non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations, born out of these movements, do their best to confront vital challenges for LGBTQIA+ communities, including access to healthcare, livelihoods, justice, and dignity. The Pride Fund aims to offer greater support to these organizations through grants enabling their work, with a view to improving the future of LGBTQIA+ Indians throughout the country.
Commenting on the launch of the fund, Parmesh Shahani, Head of Godrej DEI Lab, said,” The Pride Fund is a historic milestone— a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, created by queer community members, for the community. This fund embodies our shared vision of equity and inclusion by directly addressing the systemic barriers that have long marginalized LGBTQIA+ individuals. With only 27% of NGOs serving the community having a national presence, through targeted support and resources, we aim to empower communities to access safety, health, justice, and opportunities that have been denied to them for far too long. We hope to build a stronger, more inclusive society that truly embodies the spirit of a Viksit Bharat, one where every individual, irrespective of their identity, can thrive with dignity and pride.”
Radhika Piramal, Executive Director, VIP Industries & Trustee, Dasra UK, added, “The Pride fund is being launched to raise awareness and resources for LGBTQIA+ communities in India. With international aid drying up almost overnight, our Indian corporates and foundations must urgently step up to fill the funding gap and fund NGOs who help vulnerable queer people access safety, justice, health and dignity. Let’s all come together to support some of our most creative and innovative communities and help India thrive.”
“The Pride Fund is more than just a financial commitment—it’s a revolution in how we invest in India’s LGBTQIA+ future. At the Keshav Suri Foundation, we’ve always believed that true change happens when passion meets purpose, and this fund is a testament to the power of collaboration. India has always believed in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and now, we are ready to lead the way for the world. With like-minded partners, we are bridging the funding gap, ensuring that queer-led organizations get the resources they deserve. Inclusion isn’t charity; it’s a necessity. Together, we’re not just making a difference; we’re setting the stage for a future where every LGBTQIA+ individual in India thrives with dignity, opportunity, and, of course, a little fabulousness!”, said Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group & Founder, Keshav Suri Foundation.
At the launch of The Pride Fund, Dasra released a report titled – ‘Against All Odds – Advancing Equity for India’s LGBTQIA+ Communities,’ which studies the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+-focused organizations in India, and recommends solutions to overcome barriers, and priotize responsive approaches co-created with the community.
