Nonprofit’s Holistic Approach Tackles Learning, Empowerment, and More

By Anjali Mahadevia

On this International Day of the Girl, a recent fundraising success story underscores the ongoing global commitment and crucial fundraising efforts devoted to increasing girls’ access to education. Last month, the annual Washington, D.C. gala for Pratham USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education in India, raised $822,000 in a single evening—highlighting the organization’s commitment to education as well as addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and women’s empowerment. The September 7 event drew over 300 attendees.

The gala struck a balance between thought-provoking discussions and lighthearted moments, offering attendees a chance to engage with Pratham’s mission while building connections in an inviting atmosphere.

Pratham, which is celebrating 25 years of service, has maintained a 100% rating on Charity Navigator for 12 consecutive years, placing it among the top 3% of U.S. nonprofits for transparency and financial health. This rating underscores the organization’s efficient use of donations, with contributors able to direct funds to areas of greatest need. Pratham's flexible funding model, which allows donors to experiment with unrestricted giving options, coupled with one of the highest dollar-to-impact ratios in the nonprofit world, makes it particularly attractive to philanthropists seeking measurable results and seeking an active role in shaping and supporting initiatives.

Last month’s event also highlighted Pratham’s extensive reach: In the past year, the organization engaged 650,000 children across more than 20,000 communities. Through partnerships with government agencies, Pratham extended its proven learning programs to an additional 8.3 million children in 14 Indian states.

Comedian Nimesh Patel delivered the keynote address, balancing humor with discussions on serious issues. A live video call with a young beneficiary of Pratham’s Second Chance Program provided attendees with a firsthand account of the organization’s impact.

Pratham’s mission focuses on promoting girls’ education, addressing a critical challenge in India where over 50% of 10-year-olds cannot read at grade level. The Second Chance Program has been instrumental in this effort, helping over 11,500 women and girls earn high school diplomas, while nearly 300,000 mothers have been equipped with tools to support their children’s education. The organization says their educational model has enriched the lives of more than 36,000 girls and women, expanding their opportunities for both higher education and career prospects.

The organization focuses on the benefits of educating girls and women—not just for the individuals, but for their communities, encouraging smaller, healthier families and empowering women to use their voices and make better choices in areas like healthcare, employment, and education. Pratham's efforts extend beyond academic education, providing life skills and teacher training to its students with the intent that they will help educate children in their own communities, creating a more sustainable system.

The Washington gala also emphasized the interconnectedness of education, women’s empowerment, and climate advocacy. Pratham recognizes that education is crucial for informed decision-making, and empowering women strengthens communities to tackle environmental challenges.

Through its ASER initiative—which surveys over 500,000 young people across India—Pratham gathers critical insights to inform its strategies and policies, in a data-driven approach that underpins the organization's efforts to effect systemic change in education.

As the gala concluded, the significance of Pratham's mission resonated with the departing attendees. The evening not only celebrated past achievements but also illuminated a path forward, where education serves as a powerful catalyst for social change, reaching far beyond classroom walls to shape a more equitable and sustainable future.

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