Education
Expanding access to meaningful learning and creating brighter opportunities for children and young people.
Explore education projects →Since 1974
Opportunity, Not Charity.
For more than five decades, India Development Service has partnered with grassroots organizations to create sustainable change through education, health, livelihoods, women’s empowerment and environmental action.
50+
Years of grassroots impact
270+
Projects supported
18+
States across India
5M+
Lives impacted
90%+
Funds directed to projects
What we support
Creating opportunity across communities
IDS supports community-led initiatives that address interconnected challenges and help people build secure, healthy and self-reliant futures.
Health
Improving healthcare access, wellbeing and community awareness for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Explore health projects →Livelihoods
Supporting skills, entrepreneurship and sustainable income opportunities that strengthen families.
Explore livelihood projects →Agriculture
Helping farming communities access knowledge, resources and environmentally responsible practices.
Explore agriculture projects →Women & Girls
Advancing education, dignity, safety, leadership and economic independence for women and girls.
Explore empowerment projects →Environment
Protecting natural resources and helping communities respond to climate and environmental challenges.
Explore environment projects →Explore our work
Discover where change is happening
Explore more than five decades of IDS-supported initiatives by location or by year.
Featured projects
Community-led change in action
A closer look at organizations creating lasting impact with local knowledge, leadership and commitment.
Girl Empowerment
Uttar Pradesh
Milaan Foundation
Supporting adolescent girls to continue their education, strengthen leadership skills and become confident changemakers in their communities.
View project details →
Women Empowerment
Maharashtra
Urja Trust
Helping homeless young women and trans youth access safe spaces, healthcare rights and essential services without discrimination or stigma.
View project details →
Environment
Maharashtra
GreenYatra
Building climate literacy among primary-school children through practical environmental education and sustainable everyday habits.
Read the project story →Our story
Rooted in partnership since 1974
India Development Service began in Chicago with a group of immigrant students who believed that sustainable development must begin with the knowledge, dignity and leadership of local communities.
Today, IDS continues to support grassroots organizations across India through seed funding, partnership, networking and long-term commitment.
“Each person deserves the opportunity to shape their own future
and live with dignity.”
Our journey
More than five decades of grassroots partnership
Explore defining moments in the IDS journey—from its founding in Chicago to decades of supporting community-led development across India.
1974
A milestone in our journey
India Development Service begins
IDS was established in Chicago to support economic and social development in India through grassroots partnership.
Your support matters
Help create opportunity that lasts.
Every contribution helps trusted grassroots partners provide practical tools, knowledge and opportunities that communities can carry forward for generations.
$50
Can support one villager
$75
Can support one child
$2,000
Can support a primary school