OUR PARTNERS
Animal Welfare
Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF)
Western Ghats and Konkan Coast
CSR1 ~ YES | FCRA ~ YES
The Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF), based in Pune, has been working since 1995 to conserve biodiversity through community participation and practical, ground-level solutions. Focused on the Northern Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, AERF engages local stakeholders by linking conservation with tangible benefits. Its work has since expanded to mangrove conservation along coastal Maharashtra and value chain–based projects in Chhattisgarh. In central India, AERF partners with indigenous communities to promote sustainable use and restoration of community forest resources, while also contributing nationally through research, training, capacity building, and conservation networking.
Upadhyaya Foundation partners with the Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) to establish a Community-Led Pangolin Protection Network in the Northern Western Ghats. By training local guardians, conducting field surveys, and securing long-term habitat agreements, this initiative safeguards the endangered Indian Pangolin while strengthening ecosystems and community-driven conservation.
FIAPO (Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations) is India's leading animal protection organization, working to strengthen and unify the efforts of various animal rights groups across the country. FIAPO advocates for animal welfare through campaigns, education, policy interventions, and legal action. Their work spans across farmed animals, companion animals, and wildlife, aiming to create systemic change in favor of animal rights and protection in India.
Upadhyaya Foundation partners with FIAPO to support their advocacy efforts in strengthening animal protection laws and policies across India. Together, they focus on creating systemic change through campaigns, education, and policy interventions, aiming to improve the welfare of farmed, companion, and wild animals.
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Green Works Trust (GWT) is a nature conservation NGO established on Earth Day in the year 2016. It was founded by a trio of like-minded nature enthusiasts – Nikhil Bhopale, Krupa Patil & Milind Pandit. GWT is a registered Trust under the Public Charitable Trust Act, 1950; the registration number being E-32819 (Mumbai). GWT is committed to working on projects with a well-researched and holistic approach.
In partnership with UF, Green Works Trust is strengthening wildlife rescue and conservation efforts around the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra. The project focuses on building ethical, scientific, and community-driven systems for animal rescue and rehabilitation. Through training frontline forest staff, establishing Immediate Response Teams, and conducting awareness programmes, the initiative aims to reduce conflict, improve response time, and ensure safer coexistence between people and wildlife.
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Kalote Animal Trust, founded in 2017, is one of India’s first cageless animal sanctuaries, currently providing a safe, loving home to rescued animals—ranging from dogs and cats to cows, goats, horses, and birds With a dedicated team of veterinarians and caregivers, the trust rescues animals from trauma—such as accidents, cruelty, and abandonment—and offers them lifelong care in a harmonious, open environment
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UF is supporting Kalote with the purchase of an anesthesia machine to enable safe, effective treatment for injured and rescued animals—including birds, rabbits, and trauma cases—construction of a dedicated goat shed to shelter 46 goats from harsh weather, and creation of a new aviary for birds rescued from illegal trade. These interventions aim to improve medical capacity, expand safe housing, and ensure every animal at Kalote receives the care and dignity it deserves.
The Mhadei Research Center focuses on the conservation and study of the rich biodiversity within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa. It emphasizes the ecological significance of the sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species, and supports sustainable tourism and environmental education.
The Mhadei Research Center focuses on the conservation and study of the rich biodiversity within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa. It emphasizes the ecological significance of the sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species, and supports sustainable tourism and environmental education.
People for Animals Public Policy Foundation (PFAPPF) was established in 2020, works exclusively on systemic, policy-driven animal welfare interventions. Its key initiatives include Model Districts, capacity building for judiciary, law enforcement, various government departments, etc and partner for Ahimsa Fellowship to develop skilled animal welfare professionals. PFAPPF also engages in farmed and community animal welfare, farmer upskilling, and government collaborations to strengthen protections nationwide.
Upadhyaya Foundation is supporting People for Animals (PFA) through their Public Policy Foundation, which focuses on driving systemic change for animal welfare in India. This partnership aims to strengthen research, advocacy, and policy reform efforts to create a more robust legal and institutional framework for animal protection. By supporting this initiative, we are investing in long-term, structural change that addresses the root causes of animal cruelty and neglect. The goal is to influence national discourse and legislation to ensure a more compassionate and accountable ecosystem for animals across the country.
Stripes and Green Earth (SAGE) Foundation is a conservation-driven organization committed to protecting wildlife, preserving biodiversity, and promoting harmony between people and nature. They work to address urgent threats such as human-wildlife conflict and wildlife crime through science-based and community-centered approaches. Alongside conservation, we empower underprivileged communities with access to food, shelter, education, and healthcare, ensuring holistic growth and resilience.
Upadhyaya Foundation partners with the SAGE Foundation to mitigate human–elephant conflict in Maharashtra’s Wadsa and Gadchiroli forest divisions. The project focuses on understanding community attitudes, raising awareness, and building local capacity to respond to conflict. Our support enables the formation and training of Primary Response Teams, distribution of torches in high-risk areas, and development of education and awareness materials for schools and villages. Together, these efforts aim to foster coexistence, reduce human and elephant fatalities, and build empathy for wildlife among local communities.
Save Our Strays (SOS) is a Mumbai-based non-profit organization committed to the welfare of stray animals. They focus on rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating injured and abandoned animals, along with conducting sterilization and vaccination drives to control the stray population humanely. SOS also promotes community awareness about animal welfare and responsible care, aiming to create a safer and healthier environment for stray animals in Mumbai.
Upadhyaya Foundation is supporting Save Our Strays (SOS) by contributing to their operational costs, ensuring the organization can effectively manage their daily activities.The funding provided by UF is utilized to cover essential tasks such as feeding,vaccinating, and sterilizing community animals, as well as offering medical care and fostering community awareness about animal welfare. This collaboration enables SOS to focus on its mission to improve the lives of community animals, fostering a safer and compassionate environment for them.
Earth Brigade Foundation (EBF) was founded in 2017 by Mumbai-based dental surgeons Dr. Sarita and Dr. P.V. Subramaniam, inspired by their decades-long passion for wildlife and social justice. EBF works to protect wildlife and support marginalized communities through grassroots, impact-driven initiatives.
Upadhyaya Foundation supports Earth Brigade Foundation in conserving wildlife by installing solar-powered pumps to provide drinking water in dry forest regions. The initiative ensures regular maintenance, staff training, and a five-year operational plan for each installation, benefiting both wildlife and frontline forest staff.
Friendicoes SECA, founded in 1979, is a leading Indian animal welfare organization providing rescue, medical care, and rehabilitation for stray and abandoned animals. They run shelters, veterinary hospitals, and mobile clinics, while also conducting mass sterilization, vaccination, and adoption programs. Their work extends to urban and rural areas, including support for working animals like mules in the mountains.
The Upadhyaya Foundation collaborates with Friendicoes SECA to enhance the health and welfare of working animals, particularly equines in Uttarakhand- Kedarnath mountainous regions and community animals in Gurgaon. This partnership includes providing medical aid through mobile clinics, treating ailments such as saddle sores, colic, and injuries, as well as offering workshops for local equine owners. Additionally, the initiative supports community and abandoned animals, including those injured in road accidents, at the Friendicoes SECA Gurugram Sanctuary. Together, they work to improve the well-being of these animals and establish sustainable care practices in challenging environments.
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Human & Environment Alliance League (HEAL) is a Kolkata-based non-profit organization founded in 2017, dedicated to environmental protection and wildlife conservation. As part of species conservation, they mitigate threats that directly endanger species population survival and fill knowledge gaps crucial for their conservation. While their habitat protection program secures protections for natural habitats against encroachment and takes action to prevent their degradation. Under the human-wildlife conflict mitigation program, they strive to reduce costs of sharing space with wildlife and implement interventions that foster coexistence values in local communities.
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In partnership with HEAL, UF is working to conserve snake species in the Sundarbans by addressing fear, misinformation, and human-wildlife conflict. Through community awareness sessions, rescue training, and vernacular educational materials, we aim to foster safer coexistence between people and snakes. The initiative engages local youth, traditional knowledge holders, and first responders to build long-term stewardship.
MH14 Animal Hospital is a Pune-based nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of stray and injured animals. With a specialised facility of over 125 kennels and a trained in-house team, MH14 provides critical care for animals suffering from trauma, infectious diseases, and other medical emergencies—ensuring that no animal in need is turned away.
Upadhyaya Foundation partners with MH14 Animal Hospital to strengthen emergency veterinary care for stray and critically ill animals in Pune. Together, they aim to expand access to life-saving treatment, particularly for trauma and infectious diseases, by supporting full-time medical staffing and compassionate, high-volume care.
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PETA India, based in Mumbai, was launched in January 2000. It operates under the simple principle that animals are not ours to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way, while also educating policymakers and the public about animal abuse and promoting an understanding of the right of all animals to be treated with respect. PETA India focuses primarily on the areas in which the greatest numbers of animals suffer the most: in laboratories, in the food industry, in the leather trade, and in the entertainment business. PETA India’s investigations, public education efforts, research, animal rescues, legislative work, special events, celebrity involvement, and national media coverage have resulted in countless improvements to the quality of life for animals and have saved countless animals’ lives.
Upadhyaya Foundation partners with PETA India to advance humane education and inspire kindness toward animals through Ellie—an animatronic elephant that visits schools in Nashik. Together, we are helping children understand the needs of elephants, challenge the normalisation of animal-based entertainment, and build empathy through interactive sessions, Q&As, and take-home learning materials. By reaching thousands of students through school workshops and a media-led city launch, this partnership aims to create early awareness, encourage compassionate choices, and strengthen a culture of respect for all living beings.
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Riwild Sanctuary & Charitable Trust is a dedicated non-profit specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and treatment of wild and exotic animals. From injured raptors and starving primates to trafficked reptiles and poisoned vultures, their team works tirelessly to give every animal a chance to heal, recover, and—whenever possible—return to the wild.
In partnership with Riwild Sanctuary, UF is supporting critical infrastructure that strengthens wildlife rescue and rehabilitation capacity. Through our grant, the sanctuary is constructing a specialized rehabilitation enclosure for primates and procuring an anesthesia gas machine to safely conduct complex surgeries for wild and exotic animals. This collaboration enables more effective, species-appropriate treatment and ensures that every rescued animal has a real chance to heal and return to its natural environment.
Sahyadri Sankalp Society
Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg
CSR1 ~ YES | FCRA ~ NO
Sahyadri Sankalp was founded by a passionate group of ecologists, researchers, and community leaders committed to protecting the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats while empowering local communities. Rooted in the Sahyadri region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the organization focuses on conservation, sustainable development, and community-based initiatives. Its work spans forests, rivers, oceans, and farmlands—restoring habitats, protecting endangered species, and promoting eco-friendly livelihoods.
The Hornbill Protection Initiative, led by Sahyadri Sankal Foundation with support from Upadhyaya Foundation, aims to conserve hornbills in the Western Ghats by protecting their nesting habitats and engaging local communities. As vital seed dispersers, hornbills are key to maintaining forest health, yet face threats from habitat loss and human activity. The initiative trains local youth as conservation ambassadors, monitors nesting sites, and promotes awareness to ensure long-term protection. This grassroots effort blends ecological conservation with community involvement for lasting impact.
SARRP (Strategic Advocacy for Rescue and Rehabilitation of Animals) is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting distressed animals in urban settings. They focus on providing timely medical care, conducting rescue operations, and raising awareness about animal welfare. SARRP also works on reducing human-animal conflicts and promoting sustainable coexistence through advocacy and community engagement efforts.
Upadhyaya Foundation collaborates with SARRP to support the rescue and rehabilitation of distressed urban animals. Together, they work on providing emergency medical care, conducting rescue operations, and promoting sustainable coexistence
between humans and animals through advocacy and community engagement initiatives. Along with SARRP, UF has also contributed to the building of small water tubs for tigers in SGNP. UF will also be providing SARRP with a new rescue van.
Thane CPCA (Community For The Protection And Care Of Animals) is a non-profit organization committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing medical care to injured, abandoned, and abused animals. Established in 2002, Thane CPCA operates a hospital and shelter, offering critical care for a wide range of animals, including domestic pets, wildlife, and working animals. They also work on spreading awareness about animal welfare and cruelty prevention through community outreach and education programs.
Upadhyaya Foundation partners with Thane CPCA to support the rescue, rehabilitation, and medical care of injured and abandoned animals. Together, they focus on providing critical veterinary treatment and promoting animal welfare through community outreach and cruelty prevention initiatives.
The Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of stray dogs in Mumbai. Established in 1985, WSD focuses on mass sterilization, vaccination programs, on-site first aid, rescue operations, and public education. Their efforts aim to reduce the stray dog population humanely, prevent the spread of rabies, and promote responsible pet ownership and community involvement in animal welfare.
Upadhyaya Foundation collaborates with The Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) to support initiatives aimed at controlling the community dog population and rabies through sterilisation and vaccination program. Together, they work on improving the health and safety of community dogs while raising awareness about humane treatment and responsible animal care within the community.
Wildlife SOS is a prominent conservation organization in India dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, protecting habitats, and addressing human-wildlife conflict. Founded in 1995, they focus on saving endangered species like sloth bears and elephants, operating rescue centers and sanctuaries across India. Wildlife SOS also works on anti-poaching efforts, community education, and sustainable wildlife conservation initiatives.
Upadhyaya Foundation partners with Wildlife SOS to support wildlife conservation efforts, focusing on the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of endangered species. Together,they work on addressing human-wildlife conflict and promoting sustainable solutions for wildlife conservation through rescue operations, habitat preservation, and community education initiatives.
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WWF India is a science-based organization which addresses issues such as the conservation of species and its habitats, climate change, water and environmental education, among many others. Over the years, its perspective has broadened to reflect a more holistic understanding of the various conservation issues facing the country and seeks to proactively encourage environmental conservation by working with different stakeholders- Governments, NGOs, schools and colleges, corporates, students and other individuals.
Upadhyaya Foundation partners with WWF India to support the conservation of a critical wildlife corridor in the Nawegaon–Nagzira Tiger Reserve landscape. Together, we are working to strengthen community-led forest management and wildlife-friendly livelihoods, restore ecological connectivity, and support the Forest Department with technical inputs and frontline capacity. Through this partnership, we aim to enable coexistence between people and wildlife while protecting the habitats that are essential for long-term biodiversity conservation.
OUR PARTNERS
Disability Inclusion
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Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation (ABBF) is a Pune-based non-profit working to promote disability inclusion and empowerment through adventure and outdoor sports. By creating shared experiences between persons with and without disabilities — through activities such as marathons, tandem cycling, scuba diving, paragliding, and mountaineering — ABBF breaks social barriers, builds empathy, and fosters visibility for persons with disabilities.
Upadhyaya Foundation is supporting Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation (ABBF) in enabling the participation of nearly 300 visually impaired runners in RunInSync — India’s largest inclusive running initiative. Through our grant, ABBF will cover key program costs including training, logistics, salaries, accessibility support, and compliance—ensuring a seamless, safe, and empowering experience for all participants.
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Rainbow Special Education and Rehabilitation Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children with disabilities through inclusive education, therapeutic interventions, and family empowerment. The organisation works to ensure that every child receives personalised support that nurtures their abilities and enhances independence. Through specialised programs, trained professionals, and community engagement, Rainbow continues to create meaningful developmental outcomes for children and families. Its efforts focus on holistic rehabilitation, accessibility, and long-term empowerment.
Upadhyaya Foundation is supporting Rainbow to establish a Visual Impairment Early Intervention Centre (VIEIC) for 37 children in Thane and Badlapur. Through our grant, Rainbow will deliver vision stimulation therapy, orientation and mobility training, Braille literacy, parent capacity-building, and inclusive education support. The project also provides nutrition kits for undernourished children and links families to essential government schemes. By strengthening early intervention and empowering caregivers, our partnership helps children with visual impairments build independence, confidence, and long-term learning pathways.
Team Vision Foundation is an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, particularly focusing on enhancing employment opportunities and promoting inclusivity. Through various programs, they provide skill development, training, and resources to help individuals overcome barriers and thrive in the workplace. The foundation also raises awareness about the importance of disability inclusion in society, advocating for equal opportunities and support for people with disabilities.
Upadhyaya Foundation supports Team Vision Foundation in the development and launch of their audio library initiative. This project provides audio versions of various books, enhancing accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. Together, they aim to empower users by offering a diverse range of educational and recreational materials, promoting inclusivity and a love for reading within the community.
Mann - Center for Individuals with Special Needs is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing vocational training, life skills development, and employment opportunities. Through customized programs, Mann helps individuals build confidence, independence, and skills necessary to lead fulfilling lives. Their initiatives aim to create an inclusive society by promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.
Upadhyaya Foundation partners with Mann to support their efforts in empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities. Together, they focus on providing vocational training and life skills development, promoting inclusion, and creating opportunities for employment, helping individuals lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Training and Education Center for the Hearing Impaired (TeachEDU) is an initiative focused on improving the quality of education in underprivileged schools across India. By partnering with government and low-income schools, Teach EDU delivers high-quality teacher training programs and digital learning solutions. Their mission is to empower educators with the skills and tools needed to create a transformative learning experience for students, ensuring better educational outcomes and opportunities for children from underserved communities.
Upadhyaya Foundation collaborates with Teach - EDU to enhance the quality of education in underserved schools.Together, they focus on providing teacher training and digital learning solutions, aiming to empower educators and improve educational outcomes for children from low-income communities.UF is collaborating with them for their Learning Management Systems.
Umoya Sports is a pioneering nonprofit using the power of sport to drive inclusion for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through its innovative sport and play-based programs, Umoya enables children to build physical and emotional skills while promoting acceptance and social integration. Working closely with schools and caregivers, Umoya creates safe, joyful spaces that celebrate ability and nurture every child’s potential.
Upadhyaya Foundation is supporting Umoya Sports by contributing towards the training and travel of the winners of the Wheelchair Ultimate League, who will go on to represent India at an international tournament. This collaboration aims to enable greater access and opportunities for athletes with impairments to thrive on global platforms.
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Victoria Memorial School for the Blind (VMSB), established in 1902, is dedicated to building a bright and sustainable future for visually impaired boys and adults through holistic education, skill development, and self-empowerment. Serving largely low-income families, the school provides free education up to Class VIII, along with vocational training in areas such as computer operations and massage therapy. Students also benefit from extracurricular activities including music, handicrafts, and sports, as well as boarding and lodging facilities—creating a supportive environment that nurtures independence, confidence, and long-term opportunity.
In partnership with Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Upadhyaya Foundation is supporting vocational training for 27 students with intellectual and visual impairments. The initiative focuses on building practical skills through paper and cloth bag making, seasonal product creation, and entrepreneurship training that integrates functional academics. By combining hands-on learning with business and marketing exposure, the programme aims to strengthen employability, boost confidence, and enable students to pursue independent income-generating opportunities. Through this engagement, UF is helping create pathways toward long-term self-reliance and dignity.
OUR PARTNERS
Arts & Culture
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Anahad Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that works towards empowering underrepresented folk musicians across India, while preserving cultural identity and fostering sustainable livelihoods by creating a digital presence through technology. We exist to empower folk artists, to enrich music ecosystem and to elevate livelihoods.
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UF has supported Anahad Foundation with the recording, production, and release of original songs by two women-led folk music groups, helping preserve traditional art forms and amplify the voices of women artists from underserved communities in Maharashtra.
Baithak Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on promoting and preserving Indian arts and culture. Through various initiatives, Baithak works to support artists, foster creativity, and engage communities in cultural activities. They offer workshops, performances, and educational programs aimed at enriching cultural appreciation and ensuring the sustainability of traditional and contemporary art forms in India. The foundation strives to create a vibrant ecosystem for artists and art lovers alike.
Upadhyaya Foundation collaborates with Baithak Foundation on their APT(Abhinay Prichay Taleem) program,supporting artists through workshops and creative engagements.
Additionally, they are jointly working on two illustrated books that aim to highlight significant cultural narratives and promote Indian arts. This partnership focuses on enriching cultural appreciation and ensuring the sustainability of artistic traditions in the community.
Upadhyaya Foundation is proud to support Manzil Mystics in their Learning Through Music fellowship, an initiative designed to empower youth through musical education and social impact. This fellowship harnesses the transformative power of music to enhance learning, foster creativity, and build life skills in children from underserved communities. By integrating music with core subjects, the program creates a dynamic learning environment that not only engages but also inspires young minds. Through this partnership, Upadhyaya Foundation and Manzil Mystics are working together to expand educational access and nurture a generation of resilient, compassionate, and socially-aware individuals.
Manzil Mystics is an inspiring collective of musicians dedicated to promoting social inclusion and fostering joyful childhoods through the power of music. They center their work around four pillars: Satsang (spiritual gatherings), Samvaad (dialogues), Sangeet (music), and Swadhaya (self-reflection). Through these practices, Manzil Mystics aims to make music accessible, sustainable, and impactful for all, building a bridge for connection and understanding within communities.