Mumbai, January 31, 2025: Godrej Industries Group (GIG), Radhika Piramal (Executive Director, VIP Industries & Trustee, Dasra UK), and the Keshav Suri Foundation, in collaboration with Dasra, have announced the launch of India’s first dedicated LGBTQIA+ philanthropy initiative, The Pride Fund. This new fund aims to bridge the funding gap for India’s LGBTQIA+ community, estimated to number over 140 million people, by providing sustained and structured philanthropy to empower meaningful change at the grassroots level. Dasra and Godrej DEI Lab, a space fostering inclusivity within the group, will act as anchor partners for this initiative.
India’s funding landscape for LGBTQIA+ organizations has been limited, with only one of the top 50 Indian donors explicitly supporting such causes. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions remain minimal, and while global funding for LGBTQIA+ communities is growing, India has largely been left out. Despite these barriers, grassroots LGBTQIA+ activists and NGOs have made significant strides in addressing key issues such as healthcare, livelihoods, justice, and dignity. The Pride Fund aims to provide grants that will further support these efforts.
Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation, said, “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!”
Parmesh Shahani, Head of Godrej DEI Lab, stated, "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 of VIP Industries and Trustee of Dasra UK, commented, "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 support NGOs that help vulnerable queer individuals 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."
Dasra also released a report titled ‘Against All Odds – Advancing Equity for India’s LGBTQIA+ Communities,’ which explores the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+-focused organizations in India and recommends strategies to overcome barriers through community-driven solutions.
Neera Nundy, Co-founder and Partner at Dasra, said, "India, home to 18% of the world's population, receives under 1% of global LGBTQIA+ funding, leaving this cause critically underfunded. The pioneering Pride Fund takes a collaborative approach to tackle this imbalance by supporting queer-led organizations driving change at the grassroots level. By empowering these leaders, we’re not just meeting immediate needs but securing long-term impact for a future where every LGBTQIA+ individual can thrive."
The Pride Fund aims to create positive change for India’s LGBTQIA+ community by providing targeted support and resources to grassroots organizations. Through focused philanthropy, the fund seeks to address key issues such as access to safety, healthcare, justice, and opportunities, with the goal of promoting greater equality and inclusion across the country.
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