Dhan Foundation

The Kalanjiam initiative encourages community banking among financially and communally disadvantaged women, farmers, and fishermen. In 14 Indian states, the programme has organised around 1.5 million impoverished households into 55,000 self-help groups in urban, rural, coastal, and tribal settings. The programme has aided in the improvement of access to financial services, the development of relevant production and marketing capabilities, and the creation and strengthening of physical capital in the form of assets that lead to the generation of income.

The Vayalagam Tankfed Agriculture Development Programme is a project of the DHAN Foundation that works to improve the livelihoods of farmers in tankfed areas of Tamil Nadu, India. The project provides farmers with access to improved agricultural inputs, training, and marketing support. It also works to improve the management of tank water resources. As a result of the project, farmers have seen increased crop yields, improved incomes, and reduced vulnerability to drought.

DHAN Foundation prioritizes "ICT for the poor" to bridge the urban-rural and rich-poor divide. It establishes diverse Community Resource Centres, providing tailored e-services and enhancing digital literacy. The foundation facilitates remote access to vital resources and consultations, develops multimedia content and software for agriculture, and supports community radio stations and user groups. It collaborates with stakeholders to mobilize resources, ensuring sustainable impact.

The DHAN Academy, a collaboration between DHAN Foundation and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, is a renowned Development Management school. It offers a two-year post-graduate programme in development management (PDM) for fresh graduates, along with short-term management development programmes for NGOs, researchers, and Government agencies. The Academy conducts research activities, generates case studies, and develops teaching materials. It houses two specialized centres: Advanced Centre for Skill and Knowledge on Mutual Insurance (ASKMI) and Advanced Centre for Enabling Disaster Risk Reduction (ACEDRR). These centres focus on research, training, and policy advocacy in micro-insurance and disaster risk reduction, respectively. The Academy aims to excel in development management through training, capacity-building, and research initiatives.

This programme was launched as a response to the 2004 tsunami. It focuses on restoring livelihoods and conserving coastal ecosystems. It promotes people's organisations among vulnerable communities, including disadvantaged fishermen, coastal farmers, and women engaged in allied activities. CALL facilitates access to financial services and livelihood support while conserving coastal resources to reduce poverty and vulnerability. It also establishes business-based organisations, disaster management committees, early warning systems, and partnerships with local authorities to enhance disaster preparedness and coordination during emergencies.