OUR STORY
A Legacy of Giving,
A Future of Impact
The Upadhyaya Foundation was born from the deep-rooted commitment of Ajay and Brinda Upadhyaya to giving back to society. Self-made and invested in the good of the nation, they believe in using their resources to make a positive difference.
For over a decade before the foundation’s inception, Brinda led ASHA (Association for Service and Healing of Animals) where she advocated for animal welfare and protection. Her deep appreciation for Hindustani classical music, shaped by generations of family tradition, further instilled in her the conviction to preserve cultural heritage and belief that the arts have the power to transform lives. Meanwhile, Ajay supported education in his ancestral village, following in the footsteps of his father, and is an art lover and collector. In 2022, Ajay and Brinda decided to formalize their efforts to build a more structured and impactful philanthropic platform. This vision took shape in 2024 with the official launch of the Upadhyaya Foundation, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Real change happens on the ground, driven by the dedication of those working tirelessly in their communities. Through this foundation, they hope to play a small role in strengthening that work—not just with funding, but with time, energy, and collaboration.
Strategic Pillars
We understand that meaningful change requires more than funding; it demands active engagement, strategic partnerships, and a relentless commitment to addressing the underlying issues.
STRATEGIC GRANTMAKING
Our approach to funding is rooted in trust, flexibility, and shared purpose. We recognize that NGOs are closest to the issues they address, and our role is to enable their vision with support that is responsive to their realities. This means going beyond programmatic funding to include salaries, operational needs, and organizational strengthening. Guided by evidence, empathy, and partnership, we believe that sustained, long-term support allows organizations to grow stronger and deliver deeper impact.
We actively work to strengthen the ecosystems around our focus areas by bringing together diverse voices and stakeholders. Whether it’s through convenings, shared learning platforms, or advocacy efforts, we aim to create spaces where knowledge is exchanged, ideas are shaped, and relationships are built. We see ourselves not just as funders, but as facilitators—helping to build trust and spark collaboration that advances the sector as a whole.
ENABLING COLLABORATIVE ECOSYSTEMS
UNLOCKING RESOURCES
There is enormous potential to bring more capital, visibility, and influence to underfunded causes like animal welfare, disability inclusion, and the arts. We work to unlock these resources by facilitating cross-sector partnerships, connecting fellow funders with meaningful opportunities, and spotlighting stories from the field. By expanding the pool of people and institutions investing in these spaces, we hope to amplify collective efforts and foster long-term, systemic change.
We believe strong organizations create lasting impact. Beyond funding, we work closely with our partners to strengthen their internal capacities—helping them build resilient systems and effective communications strategies. We facilitate expert-led workshops, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and access to tools that sharpen their practice. Sometimes this means stepping in almost like an extended team, offering hands-on support in areas such as fundraising, strategy, or operations. By investing in the backbone of organizations, we ensure they are better equipped to sustain their missions and scale their impact over time.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Our Vision
We envision a compassionate India, where inclusion, collective action, and innovation drive meaningful change for humans and animals alike.
Mission
We are a family philanthropy committed to driving lasting change by championing underfunded causes, supporting impactful organizations, and fostering collaboration.
Values
Compassion
We are driven by deep care for all beings, ensuring that our work fosters kindness, dignity, and respect across communities, species, and cultures.
