In a society where access to quality education often determines the course of a person’s life, organisations that work quietly and consistently at the grassroots level create the most meaningful impact. Gunjan Foundation is one such institution that has dedicated more than two decades to empowering underprivileged children through education. Since its establishment in 2004, the Foundation has worked with clarity of purpose—ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of learning and growth.
Founded and led by Ms. Sushma Singhvi, Gunjan Foundation was created to address the educational challenges faced by children from economically weaker sections of society. Over the years, the Foundation has supported more than 2,300 students across India, many of whom are first-generation learners. These students often come from families of daily wage earners, migrant workers, domestic helpers, and single parents. For them, education is not just academic progress—it is a path to stability, confidence, and long-term independence.
Gunjan Foundation follows a comprehensive approach to education. Rather than focusing solely on tuition support, the organisation addresses the broader ecosystem required for a child to succeed academically. This includes covering school fees, books, uniforms, transportation, and access to learning resources. By removing these barriers, the Foundation ensures that students can focus on learning without the constant pressure of financial insecurity.
One of the Foundation’s key initiatives is Gunjan-Sashakt, which supports school education from Nursery to Class XII. During the academic year 2024–25, more than 260 students benefited from this program. A significant number of these students are enrolled at Shishu Kalyan Senior Secondary School in Gurugram. Gunjan-Sashakt plays a vital role in strengthening foundational learning and preventing dropouts during crucial academic years.
For students aspiring to pursue higher education, Gunjan-Utkarsh serves as a gateway to opportunity. This program supports college and vocational education in diverse fields such as engineering, medicine, law, nursing, commerce, and computer applications. Each year, approximately 40–45 students receive financial support and mentorship under this initiative. Many beneficiaries go on to graduate and secure employment, becoming financially independent and contributing to their families’ well-being.
Recognising that academic success also depends on communication and confidence, Gunjan Foundation introduced Gunjan-Aayaam. This initiative focuses on English language development, personality enhancement, and academic reinforcement through online classes and learning modules. Students enrolled in Gunjan-Aayaam have shown marked improvement in confidence, communication skills, and examination performance, particularly in board examinations.
Gunjan Foundation’s work extends beyond the Delhi-NCR region through its regional chapters. The Jaipur Chapter focuses on higher education scholarships, computer training, English language programs, career counselling, and initiatives promoting girls’ education. Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Chapter supports underprivileged students through scholarship programs, monthly educational kit distributions, and the Swadhyaya Sadan—a self-learning centre that provides a safe and structured study environment.
Transparency and accountability remain core values of Gunjan Foundation. The organisation has received multiple recognitions for its impact and governance, including being listed among the Top 20 NGOs Making a Difference by LBB Delhi-NCR, Top 10 Most Impactful NGOs by Brand Honchos, and Top 5 NGOs by Crowdwave Trust. It has also earned repeated Gold Category ratings from the Give Foundation, reinforcing donor and stakeholder trust.
Beyond accolades, the Foundation’s greatest achievement lies in the lives it transforms. Students supported by Gunjan Foundation often become role models within their communities, inspiring younger siblings and peers to pursue education. Many alumni remain connected to the Foundation, returning as mentors or volunteers and strengthening the cycle of empowerment.
As Gunjan Foundation moves forward, it remains committed to expanding access to education, enhancing skill-development programs, and fostering long-term self-reliance. Through consistent effort and collective support, the Foundation continues to nurture education as a powerful tool for lasting social change.
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