FAQs

1. How does the Foundation work with NGO partners in India?
The Foundation makes careful selection of the projects and the non-profit partners working at the grassroots level and provides financial assistance and technical support through linkages. The progress of the projects is monitored periodically and on the basis of satisfactory progress future installments are disbursed.

2. What proportion of funds raised actually reaches to the NGOs?
Today, 95% of the funds raised reach to the NGO partners for various projects and activities undertaken by them. Only 5% of the total funds raised are spent on administrative and fund raising costs. This 5% amount is deducted as administrative cost from the donations received.

3. How can I support the work of the Foundation?
You can support the Foundation.s work by donating for various causes, projects, and also by contributing to the endowment fund. You can also organize events, awareness meetings, and fund raisers in your area. The contributions to MF are exempt from tax under the IRS rules. Please send your check in favor of:

Maharashtra Foundation and mail it to:

Maharashtra Foundation
P.O.Box 2287
Church Street Station
New York NY 10008

The tax exemption receipt is sent immediately and the donor is also periodically informed about how the funds are being utilized.

4. What happens to the funds once they are donated by me?
The funds received are immediately deposited in the Foundation's bank account. If the donor has identified the cause for which the funds should go, the funds are assigned to the appropriate cause / project. Such disbursements are made once in a month. If the donor wants the Foundation to use its discretion to choose the appropriate cause, the Foundation reviews the funding need of the ongoing projects or the future projects of the NGOs, and the amount is allocated for that purpose. In respect of the Foundation sponsored projects, the funds are disbursed is installments in order to ensure their accountability. The future installments are disbursed on receipt of the progress report of the project activities. The partner organizations are encouraged to share their difficulties and achievements at pre determined intervals. The Foundation also assists the NGOs by providing linkages, net work opportunities, and technical assistance. The Foundation deducts 5% amount from all the donations received to meet the administrative costs.

5.What types of projects are supported by the Foundation?
Projects and activities in Education, Health, Economic Empowerment, Environment, and Women.s Empowerment are supported by the Foundation. The Foundation also gets involved in emergency relief and assistance work whenever natural disasters strike in India as well as the United State. One-Village-One-Computer (IT for Social Change), Bharat Vaidya (Barefoot Doctors), Child Sponsorship, Annual Awards for Progressive Literature and Social Services are some of Foundation's flagship projects. In the United States, Foundation has extended support to programs such as Meals on the Wheels, MAYTRIN (Empowerment through dialogue), and the Carter Foundation.

6. Does the Foundation work only in Maharashtra?
Though the concentration of Foundation's work is in Maharashtra State, it has been supporting projects in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerla, Tamilnadu, West Bengal and the United States.

7. What are the Foundation's achievements so far?
Founded in 1978 by like-minded Maharashtrians, the Foundation has so far provided assistance worth $ 8 million contributed by more than 1000 generous donors. About 400 non-profit organizations in India are supported by the Foundation.

8.How does one seek funding support from the Maharashtra Foundation?
NGOs with good track record of performance and transparent financial management are encouraged to submit their project proposals for receiving funding from the Maharashtra Foundation. The proposals are received and reviewed by the Foundation round the year. The over all goal of the proposed projects / activities should be .enhancement in the quality of life of the poor and vulnerable people. and the solutions proposed in the proposal should make a long term impact in addressing the challenge of poverty. NGOs seeking assistance should summit the NGO Profile form (available on the Foundation.s website) and attach a brief (not more than 4 typed pages) proposal along with a budget (one page). If the proposal meets the Foundation's selection criteria (current program focus and legal requirements) the NGO is requested to send additional information required, if any. Within a reasonable period of time the NGO is informed about the outcome. The proposals are received and processed throughout the year. The fund allocations are made once in a year, usually in January. A memorandum of understanding is signed with the NGO and the funds are disbursed in installments. Periodic progress reports are expected from the NGO and the future disbursements are contingent upon satisfactory progress report. The NGO is encouraged to share difficulties, if any, in achieving the expected outcomes to ensure openness and mutual understanding. Please visit Foundation's website (www.maharashtrafoundation.org) to learn more about the procedure for requesting funding from Maharashtra Foundation.

The NGO Profile form is also available on the website. The Foundation prefers and encourages electronic communication. All the communications should be addressed to: sunitadhumale@yahoo.com. If the NGO does not have Internet facility, a typed copy of the documents should be send to: Maharashtra Foundation India Bhupesh Gupta Bhavan, 2nd Floor, 85 Sayani Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai 400025