Recognizing the relevance and potential of Indian American philanthropy, our Bridgespan team, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, sought to better understand the Indian American diaspora’s giving and explore ways to increase its momentum. In addition to examining available data, we interviewed more than 60 donors, nonprofit leaders, and other experts, listening to the voices, experiences, and ideas of a wide range of people who are intimately familiar with the community.
Conversations with Indian Americans about their community’s place in the United States often follow a familiar arc—a recitation of extraordinary achievements.
Prosperity frequently comes up: in 2023, Indian Americans reported a median annual household income of $151,200, nearly double the US median of $80,610. So, too, does professional prominence: community members lead many of the largest US-based tech companies, account for as many as 10 percent of America’s doctors, and own more than 50 percent of its small- and mid-sized hotels and motels.
Indian Americans, like immigrants to the United States from around the world, strive to carry their culture forward and uphold core ideals while adapting to new environments and building new relationships. Giving can be a powerful vehicle for negotiating how they and their families fit into American life while honoring their traditions and staying connected to their roots in India.1
Indian American giving is on the rise, and the potential for even greater impact is unmistakable. As the community grows in both numbers and wealth, it is on the verge of a significant intergenerational wealth transfer. Indian Americans are orienting their philanthropy toward both where they live and where their families came from.
The potential of the Indian American diaspora to have a major impact in India has never been greater. Many of the more than 60 donors, nonprofit leaders, and other experts we interviewed for this article describe India as having a mature, vibrant social sector—where private funding can make a real difference. Private funding can do things that government or corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding rarely can—for example, helping NGOs serve as R&D hubs that pave the way for larger-scale government funding. As India seeks to transform itself into a fully developed, self-reliant country by its 100th anniversary of independence in 2047, giving from the Indian American diaspora could make a powerful and distinctive difference in contributing to India’s nation-building goals by giving to institutions, causes, or communities that are under-supported by domestic philanthropy and CSR funding.
We believe Indian American philanthropy, both in the United States and in India, will continue to be shaped and reinforced by three powerful currents described by many of those we interviewed:
Expressing values and interests. In our interviews, we saw that Indian American philanthropy is profoundly shaped by the values and interests that inform donors’ worldviews, whether through faith traditions, the influence of parents and other family members, their experiences building companies in the United States, other professional experiences, or their belief that philanthropy can achieve lasting positive change.
Building community. Indian American giving is often inspired and supported by collaboration, peer networks, and community activities and organizations. It’s a two-way street: engaging in community enables giving, and giving enables community. Collaboration can be a particularly powerful way to build community among donors—helping reduce the risk of giving alone while offering the opportunity to learn from and influence others.
Engaging across generations. Philanthropy is deeply connected to society and politics, but it is also deeply personal. Many of the Indian American diaspora donors we spoke with view their philanthropy not only as a way to make an impact on the world, but also as an avenue for transmitting culture and values across generations. We heard many stories of parents engaging their children in philanthropy to keep the family connected to their traditions and culture. “For those of us who were born here, brought up here, and grew up here,” explains CEO and Global Executive Manisha Bharti of Pratham USA, “it’s challenging to sustain and pass on our language and culture to our kids. As we become parents, philanthropy can become the way we share our values and traditions with our own children.”
America’s vibrant and ambitious Indian diaspora community has shown it can and will give generously in the United States, in India, and around the world. There are many opportunities for the Indian American community to sustain and grow its philanthropic momentum. Wherever the giving is directed—whether in large or small amounts—we believe that Indian American philanthropy will continue to draw its strength and vitality from how it expresses values and interests, builds community, and strengthens connections across generations.
1. By “Indian American,” we are referring to the Indian diaspora residing in the United States, regardless of citizenship.
