About Umang Foundation
Umang Foundation, a Public Charitable Trust based in Mumbai, stands as a remarkable example of community-driven philanthropy. Established in 2008 by three IT professionals, the foundation has grown exponentially, bringing together a diverse group of more than 15,000 volunteers from various fields such as IT, finance, management, healthcare, and senior citizens committed to making a positive difference. The founders, united by their desire to contribute to society, have successfully built an organization that thrives on collective effort and volunteerism. This has enabled the foundation to make a lasting impact on communities for over 16 years, all while being managed by working professionals.
At the heart of Umang Foundation’s mission is its commitment to education, particularly in reducing school dropout rates in the slums and rural regions of Maharashtra. Through its flagship initiative, Project "Promote Education," the foundation takes a proactive approach, addressing the root causes of high dropout rates by providing essential school supplies. Since the project's inception, Umang Foundation has distributed over 2.5 lakh stationery kits, ensuring that students have access to basic materials to continue their education. This focus on education reflects the foundation’s belief that empowering children through education can break the cycle of poverty and open up new opportunities for future generations. Over-all Umang Foundation has touched 5,00,000+ lives with its various initiatives.
In addition to its focus on education, Umang Foundation engages in a wide range of other philanthropic activities. These include conducting blood donation drives, distributing clothes to rural communities, and celebrating festivals with the elderly living in old age homes. The foundation also takes special care to support children battling cancer, organizing events to bring joy and comfort into their lives. These efforts are indicative of the foundation's holistic approach to social service, recognizing that multiple forms of support are necessary to uplift vulnerable populations.
The foundation’s dedication and effectiveness have not gone unnoticed. Umang Foundation’s workhas been recognized multiple times, earning a place in the LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS on five consecutive years for organizing the largest single-day stationery distribution drive [2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 edition]. This achievement underscores the foundation's ability to mobilize volunteers and resources efficiently, even on a large scale, and further solidifies its reputation as a trusted and impactful organization. What sets Umang Foundation apart is its operational model. With no paid employees and an administrative cost of only ~1%, nearly all of the funds and resources raised go directly toward its social initiatives. This approach ensures that the foundation’s work remains volunteer-driven, maximizing the impact of its philanthropic efforts. By minimizing overhead costs, Umang Foundation exemplifies how grassroots organizations can effectively harness the power of community participation to drive social change and serve those in need.