MUMBAI, India, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Godrej Industries Group (GIG), Radhika Piramal (Executive Director, VIP Industries & Trustee, Dasra UK) and the Keshav Suri Foundation, in collaboration with Dasra, earlier this week, announced the launch of India's first dedicated LGBTQIA+ philanthropy fund, The Pride Fund. The fund aims to bridge the funding gap with sustained, structured, and patient philanthropy, empowering meaningful on-ground change for India's LGBTQIA+ community, which is estimated to number more than 140 million people. Dasra and Godrej DEI Lab, an experimental space committed to creating an inclusive ecosystem within and beyond the GIG, will serve as the anchor partners for this initiative.

The funding landscape for queer philanthropy in India is stark: only one of India's top 50 donors explicitly supports LGBTQIA+ organizations, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions remain negligible. While global funding for LGBTQIA+ communities is growing, India barely participates or benefits from these philanthropic efforts.

Despite these structural barriers, and in the face of considerable prejudice, queer organisers and grassroots activists have made landmark efforts for their communities. Non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations, born out of these movements, do their best to confront vital challenges for LGBTQIA+ communities, including access to healthcare, livelihoods, justice, and dignity. The Pride Fund aims to offer greater support to these organizations through grants enabling their work, with a view to improving the future of LGBTQIA+ Indians throughout the country.

Commenting on the launch of the fund, Parmesh Shahani, Head of Godrej DEI Lab, said, "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, VIP Industries & Trustee, Dasra UK, added, "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 fund NGOs who help vulnerable queer people 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." "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!" said Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group & Founder, Keshav Suri Foundation.

At the launch of The Pride Fund, Dasra released a report titled – 'Against All Odds – Advancing Equity for India's LGBTQIA+ Communities,' which studies the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+-focused organizations in India, and recommends solutions to overcome barriers, and prioritize responsive approaches co-created with the community.

Commenting on the report, Neera Nundy, Co-founder & Partner 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 transformational change for India's LGBTQIA+ community through patient and intentional philanthropy. With a focus on impact-driven solutions and increased attention to the needs of marginalized communities, it strives to chart a new path toward equality and inclusion in India.

About the Godrej DEI Lab The Godrej DEI Lab, housed within the Godrej Industries Group, works on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion both within the Group and across corporate India. It was founded in 2023 and is headed by author and senior corporate leader, Parmesh Shahani.

About the Godrej Industries Group The Godrej Industries Group (GIG) serves 1.1 billion consumers, globally, across businesses in diverse industries, including consumer products, real estate, agriculture, financial services and chemicals. Godrej was founded in 1897 to help build economic independence for India. We are committed to growing and strengthening this legacy of innovation for a cause; building for a more sustainable future, while placing our planet and people alongside profit.

GIG houses several rapidly growing businesses that are the leaders in their respective categories. Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) is an emerging markets FMCG leader in Home and Personal Care, with a growing presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Godrej Properties (GPL) is India's leading real estate developer by sales and brings the Godrej philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate industry. Godrej Agrovet's (GAVL) portfolio businesses address key challenges faced by Indian agriculture, improving the productivity of Indian farmers through innovative products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields. Godrej Industries (Chemicals), the group's oldest business, is India's leading manufacturer of oleochemicals and surfactants. Godrej Fund Management (GFM) is the real estate private equity arm of the group. Godrej Capital (GC), the newest company in the group, is a fast-growing financial services business.

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