Small steps, lasting change.
Funding small, genuine grassroots organizations that educate underprivileged children across India — from urban slums in Delhi and Hyderabad to remote villages in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and the brick-kiln communities of Bihar.
Disbursed to grassroots education projects
Grants funded across 33 partner organizations
Underprivileged children impacted in India
Volunteer-run, zero overhead
Founded in 2006 in the Bay Area by a small group of Indian-American volunteers, Small Steps Foundation has spent nearly two decades funding small, genuine grassroots organizations that educate underprivileged children across India.
We are agile where large foundations are slow, and rigorous where small donors cannot be. Every dollar donated is a dollar delivered — admin costs are covered separately, never from program funds.
What we do
Education, from the ground up
We fund small, effective partners across India who deliver formal, non-formal, remedial, and vocational education to the children who need it most.
Formal & Non-Formal Education
Funding schools, parallel schools, and remedial classes so every child can learn.
Educating the Girl Child
Prioritizing the education and development of girls in under-served communities.
Remedial & Vocational Training
Bridging learning gaps and building skills that lead to livelihoods.
Children in Special Circumstances
Rehabilitation and education for the most vulnerable children.
Impact by the numbers
Disciplined, audited, transparent
Nearly two decades of audited disbursements across 33 partner organizations — one consistent mission.
Annual project disbursements
Key insights
Peak year (2014) — scaled rural school infrastructure
Longest continuous partnership (HIMWATS, since 2011)
Median annual cost per child sponsored
Of donor funds spent on overhead
From the field
Stories of impact
Reports and reflections from our partner schools and the children they serve.
20th Anniversary Gala
Sunday, November 15, 2026 · San Francisco Bay Area, California
Join us to celebrate two decades of grassroots impact and help us scale what works.
Our partners
Small, genuine, grassroots
We fund and stand beside effective non-profits working directly with children across India.
Small Steps Foundation is agile where large foundations are slow, and rigorous where small donors cannot be. Every dollar reaches a child.
Their volunteers visit our school, know our students by name, and truly partner with us. That is rare.
Get involved
Take a small step with us
Donate
Every dollar is a dollar delivered. Admin costs are covered separately — never from program funds.
Give now →Volunteer
Join a 100% volunteer-run team. Lend your skills in outreach, events, or partner support.
Get involved →Partner
Run a grassroots education non-profit in India? We fund small, effective organizations.
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