India Giving Day a huge success: IPA Executive Director Alex Counts

Indian American community’s giving has surged since Covid-19 second wave in India, says Counts.

India Philanthropy Alliance Executive Director Alex Counts spoke with IPA Advisor Venky Raghavendra on March 1, 2024, at the conclusion of the second India Giving Day event held at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Co-hosted by IPA and Drexel, the event provided a platform for philanthropic leaders to discuss pressing issues and initiatives. In the interview, Counts reflects on the success of India Giving Day and shares insights into the evolving landscape of philanthropy within the Indian diaspora.

We just concluded the second India Giving Day, a movement that continues to evolve and grow. Here with us is Alex Counts, the visionary behind the India Giving Day concept and the Executive Director of the India Philanthropy Alliance. Alex, how would you summarize this year’s India Giving Day?

India Giving Day was significantly larger and more energetic this year. We had 33 organizations participating, up from 25 last time, and we raised over $4 million, with donations still coming in. [The total amount exceeded $5 million by the end of the day.] What stands out the most to me is the incredible creativity displayed by these organizations, their volunteers, and supporters in promoting the event. They went above and beyond our expectations, redefining what India Giving Day is all about and showcasing remarkable creativity.

Indeed, creativity was key to the success of India Giving Day. Can you talk about the support you received from various entities to make this event possible?

Absolutely. As of now, we’ve had 1,100 unique donors contributing amounts ranging from $5 to a million dollars. Every donation is invaluable, but I must highlight the significant support we received from the Rural India Supporting Trust, which not only made a substantial contribution to the campaign but also made the largest grant in its history to Arogya World. Additionally, organizations like RIST and the MacArthur Foundation played crucial roles in making this year’s India Giving Day a success. We are deeply grateful for the support of all 1,100 donors and counting.

RELATED: India Giving Day raises more than $5 million (March 3, 2024)

It’s evident that partnerships have played a pivotal role in the success of India Giving Day. Can you elaborate on the partnership with Drexel University and its significance?

Drexel University has been a cornerstone for Indian students seeking education abroad. They’ve established themselves as a welcoming and affordable destination for Indian students. Partnering with Drexel was a natural choice for us, facilitated by VJ Chitus, a key friend of the India Philanthropy Alliance. From our very first meeting, it was evident that Drexel was the perfect partner for us, and I believe this partnership will endure for years to come.

Looking ahead, how do you see philanthropic trends evolving, especially in the wake of recent global events?

The philanthropic landscape has seen significant shifts, particularly with the spike in giving from the Indian American community following the severe second wave of COVID-19 in India. We witnessed a surge in generosity, with Indian American giving to India possibly increasing by as much as 50% compared to previous years. This trend has continued post-COVID, demonstrating the sustained commitment of donors to address long-standing challenges such as poverty and healthcare disparities. Through initiatives like India Giving Day, we aim to harness this generosity and channel it towards meaningful change.

READ: First India Giving Day raises $1 million for 25 Indian nonprofits (March 7, 2023)

Congratulations on the remarkable success of India Giving Day, Alex. The bar has indeed been raised, setting a new standard for philanthropy within the Indian diaspora and beyond…

Thank you!