Asian Foundation for Philanthropy (AFP) facilitates a broad movement of engagement with development initiatives in India. Through three programmes of international volunteering, development awareness and donor programme it works at the grassroots level to ensure that the poorest people can improve their lives, livelihoods, and have a stronger voice in decisions that affect them.

AFP is directly connected with the partner organisations we work with. With this extensive local knowledge, we spend your funds wherever poorest people need support the most. The long-lasting impact of your donation is closely followed up and regularly shared with you.

As a small organisation we aim for maximum impact. We achieve this through our rigorous research and ensure that the projects that we support are genuine, transparent and accountable, including after the donation is made.

Asian Foundation for Philanthropy (AFP) was established as a registered charity in 2005 to provide a channel for the South Asian Diaspora Group (SADG), predominantly Indians, to better engage with development initiatives in India. Many seek to engage in charitable acts either though donating money or time to marginalised communities in India, however the benefits of their contributions have not been sustained over the long run.

Indians number 1.6 million (UK National Census) in the UK, and this is one of the largest population of Indians outside of India. Therefore by engaging this community through increasing awareness of philanthropy, and how people can actively participate, we strive to channel the support generated towards those who need it the most in India.

We enable this process through our three programmes of international volunteering in India, development awareness and our donor programme which are underpinned by the shared goal of increasing awareness and encouraging participation. We align all our work to the Millenium Development Goals, which seek to ‘halve world poverty and hunger’ by 2015.

Why do I want to volunteer for AFP?

I used to attend AFP talks out of a personal interest, to understand India more. It is a land of contradictions, and its complex governing systems and intricate social structures left me admiring and sometimes sympathising with some of the people I’d met. At one of the events, I heard about opportunities to get involved. The possibilities of film making in a different country using the skills I have, immediately motivated me to find out more. AFP have offered me this possibility. I think it's very important to provide everyone with a voice.

What is my placement about?

My job is to highlight the importance of education in India, especially how charity funded projects set up in Vidya Niketan (Bangalore) have helped thousands and capturing the reality of some of the poorest families, who’s kids juggle their time between education and work. The film is aimed to be broadcasted on TV and other media outlets in India and abroad thanks to the support of BBC Asian network and other local media. 

What are the main things I wish to gain from my volunteering experience? 


I wish to gain an insight into development work and make a change that can result from the determination of a few individuals at grassroots level, also learning about different cultures and the challenges faced by local people. On a personal level, I think the experience will help to broaden my film-making skills, increase my confidence, and improve my ability to communicate with people from another culture.

Thank you for your time

Keval