More than 170 influential leaders from both India and the United States gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Indian American Philanthropy Summit hosted by Indiaspora and the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA). The event marked a milestone moment in diaspora giving, celebrating a sharp rise in Indian American donations and charting the course for deeper, more sustainable social impact.
A new Dalberg report, commissioned by Indiaspora and IPA, revealed that Indian American giving has surged nearly threefold in just six years, now reaching between $4 billion and $5 billion annually. The study highlighted how the “giving gap” — once around $2.5 billion in 2018 — has narrowed to $1 billion by 2024. This progress signals a growing sense of purpose among Indian Americans dedicated to advancing causes in both nations.
Philanthropist Sunil Wadhwani, who set this ambitious goal at the 2018 summit, was recognized for inspiring a culture of strategic generosity. The report further noted that top-tier Indian American donors now give more than the U.S. national average, underscoring a broader cultural shift toward impactful philanthropy.
Throughout the summit, participants emphasized that true impact requires both emotional commitment and analytical rigor. Conversations underscored the need for transparency and accountability, ensuring every donated dollar contributes meaningfully to human development and environmental causes in India.
The event also showcased the UDARTA-EG study by GivingTuesday India, which promotes stronger local giving and volunteer engagement. The summit honored young changemakers, including Aneesh Gupta and Eesha Kondapalli, whose award-winning essays secured $1,000 grants for CRY America and the Stray Animal Foundation of India.
In his keynote address, philanthropist Desh Deshpande invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of truth, nonviolence, and community service, urging attendees to blend innovation with compassion. The event concluded with the announcement of the fourth India Giving Day on March 13, 2026, and the Forum for Good in Bangalore later that month. Supported by leading foundations, these initiatives aim to make cross-border philanthropy more inclusive, joyful, and impactful — transforming this milestone into a lasting movement.
