What is the Projects Group's mission statement?

To identify projects aimed at providing basic education to underprivileged children. Emphasis is on projects implementing innovative approaches to education. Make sure that the projects we are committed to are funded and monitored constantly. Asha-NYC/NJ has decided to start funding projects in areas that are currently not extensively covered by other Asha chapters. For example, assuming that two projects meet all our requirements, we would preferentially fund the project in the state with the lower literacy rate, and that is located away from an urbanized regions. We are actively seeking out projects in Central and North India - areas that do not have a very incidence of Asha-supported projects.

How do we work?

After evaluating a project proposal, we decide whether we want to fund it for at least 2/3 years. The new selected projects are assigned a coordinator and he is responsible for monitoring progress and also make sure regular funding payment is sent. We work with other branches, to share Project funding effort.

We coordinating with other focus groups and provide them up to date information on various projects that are being executed. We decide the budgeting requirements for each project and come up with an Annual estimate on supporting various projects.

Who can submit a Proposal for a project?
What are the Project selection criteria?

Asha chapters receive project proposals from different non-profit organizations in India. Members of Asha go through these proposals carefully, and correspond with the organization, soliciting more information where required. Various factors are considered like the past history of the organization, objectives of the project, proposed plan of action, number of children covered, number of people involved in its implementation, an itemized budget, and any other relevant information. Finally, an Asha member visits the project site (at his/her own expense) to evaluate first-hand the organization, the site and the feasibility of the proposed project. It is only after (s)he and the members are completely satisfied that the project is approved for funding. The chapters of Asha are fairly autonomous and it is up to them to choose projects independently or work with other chapters jointly in funding projects. Asha strongly encourages members and people from the local community to recommend projects that they have first-hand information about and which could be monitored by people they know well in India.

Who does the final selection?

The Projects group does, after going through the proposal, we often try to initiate a site visit either by an Asha member or by someone we as group rely upon (such as friends or relatives) to visit the project site. It is only after making sure that was there on the paper is same as what it actually is, that the project is approved for funding.

How are Projects monitored? Are funds being used properly?

Asha requires the organization conducting the project to provide complete financial aid, narrative reports (and photographs, if possible) on the progress of the project at least once a year up to four times a year. In addition, members of Asha going to India visit project sites unannounced to evaluate for themselves the progress of the project and verify the reports sent by organization. Asha reserves the right to terminate funding at any time if it is not completely satisfied with the progress. Realizing that the children involved are the ones most affected if such a situation arises, members of Asha invest a lot of effort up front in choosing the projects and the organizations implementing them.

Here are the some guidelines that could be used when making project site visits.

How long does Asha fund these projects?

Project proposals usually specify the duration for which funding is required from Asha. At the end of the term, some of the projects attain self-sufficiency through support from the Indian government, some are taken up for financing by other organizations who are satisfied with the progress they have made, and some of them apply to Asha again for funding. Keeping in mind the need to broaden the scope of its impact in India, and the need to ensure that existing projects continue to thrive, Asha decides on a case-by-case basis the appropriate course of action. This could be either continuing support for the project, or recommending it to other chapters of Asha and/or other organizations that Asha works with.

What are Asha's organizational costs?

Asha has ZERO organizational cost. Asha has a dedicated set of volunteers who bear the cost of all administrative expenses from their own pockets. So one hundred percent of your contributions go toward supporting these projects in India.

Projects Page