Philanthropy in Action: Building Systems That Enable Long-Term Impact

Ignite Life Science Foundation (IgniteLSF) is a not-for-profit organisation working to bridge a critical gap in India’s scientific research ecosystem. While India has deep scientific talent, many promising ideas struggle to advance due to fragmented funding systems, delayed disbursals, and lack of sustained project support. 

Ignite was founded in 2019 by three individuals from diverse backgrounds: – Ramaswamy Subramanian, Professor at Purdue University; Jogin Desai, CEO of Eyestem; and K. Jayshankar, Managing Director of Empowered Learning, who shared a common concern. The challenge, they observed, was not the absence of talent, but the absence of continuity, structure, and timely support. 

As a private science philanthropy, Ignite supports high-quality life sciences research aligned with national priorities across health, agriculture, climate, and environmental sustainability. Its portfolio includes work on nitrogen fixation to reduce fertiliser dependence, vaccine research, antimicrobial resistance, and early detection and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. 

Ignite’s engagement extends beyond funding. The foundation remains closely involved throughout the project lifecycle, focusing on efficient execution, rapid fund disbursal, and ongoing scientific support. Its sustainability initiatives include building communities of scientists, partnering with like-minded foundations, supporting early-career researchers through the Ignite Fellow programme, and enabling young scientists to attend national and international conferences. 

To date, Ignite has funded over 40 research projects, organised multiple scientific forums, and supported dozens of students through travel grants. Through its work, Ignite ensures that scientific discovery is matched by real-world impact. 

Website: https://ignitelsf.in/

Shramdaan is a community-driven handloom initiative working across Bharat to create sustainable livelihoods, promote social inclusion, and preserve traditional textile knowledge through a scalable, development-oriented model. It currently supports approximately 2,000 active handlooms, enabling dignified, skill-based employment at the grassroots level. Shramdaan is part of a charitable trust “Mahakavi Pandit Bhuramal Samajik Sahkar Nyas”.  

A defining strength of this initiative is that all artisans engaged are first-generation weavers. The majority are rural youth with limited access to formal employment opportunities. Participants are trained from the ground up in handloom weaving, covering technical skills, quality standards, and work discipline. This structured approach transforms unskilled individuals into confident, self-reliant artisans. 

By addressing rural unemployment and reducing distress migration, Shramdaan strengthens local economies while safeguarding traditional craftsmanship. Operations are organised through decentralised, village-based handloom centres, allowing artisans to work within their own communities. This inclusive model promotes participation of marginalised groups, ensures environmental sustainability, and keeps cultural heritage alive within a modern livelihood framework. 

Shramdaan’s initiative, Apnapan, focuses on prisoner rehabilitation through skill development and dignified work. Handloom units are currently operational in six correctional facilities:-Tihar, Agra, Mathura, Banaras, Sagar, and Mirzapur, where incarcerated individuals receive structured training and income-generating opportunities. This effort supports personal transformation, skill acquisition, and smoother reintegration after release. 

Shramdaan and Apnapan operate as purely charitable, non-profit initiatives, guided by ethical and spiritual leadership rooted in values of service, compassion, and self-reliance.  

Vision: To build a scalable, inclusive handloom ecosystem in Bharat that empowers marginalised communities, transforms lives through skill-based livelihoods, and positions traditional crafts as a sustainable pathway for social and economic development. 

Website: https://shramdaan.in/ 

Entrust Family Office would be happy to connect you with the founders/team behind these initiatives and support you in your philanthropic endeavours.