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About Us
A registered youth organisation, committed to communities that deserve better.
Garad Foundation is a registered, youth-led non-governmental organisation based in Thane, Maharashtra. We were founded with a simple but deeply held belief that young people carry within them an extraordinary capacity to change the world around them. They just need the right support, the right space, and someone who believes in them.
We work at the intersection of social awareness, education, and youth empowerment three areas we believe are deeply connected. When a young person becomes more aware, they learn better. When they learn better, they lead more confidently. And when they lead, their entire community grows with them.
Today, Garad Foundation is a family of 230+ passionate volunteers, serving 2000+ students across 20+ villages in Thane and Palghar and we are just getting started
Our Journey
From a small idea in Thane to thousands of lives touched.
Every meaningful journey begins with a question. Ours began with: what can we — as young people — actually do to make things better? What followed was years of showing up, learning, stumbling, and growing — one initiative at a time.
The Beginning
A group of young people with a shared purpose
Garad Foundation was born in the lanes of Thane — not with a grand plan, but with a genuine desire to help. A small group of youth came together, united by their belief that social change is possible when young people choose to act.
Early Work
First steps into communities and schools
We began working with students and local communities in Thane — organising awareness programs, conducting leadership activities, and slowly earning the trust of the people around us.
Growing Roots
Reaching tribal villages in Palghar
We took our work beyond Thane and into the tribal villages of Palghar — distributing educational kits, setting up libraries, and bringing solar lamps to children who studied by candlelight. 20+ villages. Real people. Real change.
Today
2000+ students. 230+ volunteers. 6+ programmes. Still growing.
From Abhivyakta to Mission Bharari, from Shivshala to Project Urja — Garad Foundation today runs meaningful programmes that touch thousands of lives every year. And every year, we learn a little more about how to serve better.
What We Believe
Three pillars. One shared purpose.
Everything we do flows from three simple beliefs that guide every decision, every programme, and every interaction we have with the communities we serve.
Social Awareness
We gently help communities understand their rights, their options, and the world around them — so they can make choices with confidence.
Education
From books to guidance to learning kits — we make sure every child gets a real and equal chance to learn and grow.
Youth Empowerment
We nurture confidence, leadership, and kindness in young people — helping them grow into who they are truly meant to be.
Our Work
Making a Difference Through Our Work
Simple efforts, carried out with sincerity and care.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of running programmes that we are truly proud of — each one born from a real need we saw in the community around us.
Mission Bharari — Educational Kit Distribution
Bringing educational kits to tribal children in Palghar and Pune who need them most. Over 300 students have received books, stationery, and a quiet reminder that someone cares about their future.
Abhivyakta — Student Expression Platform
A stage where 250+ students from 35+ schools across Thane and Mulund speak, perform, and discover their voice through public speaking and Maharashtrian folk culture.
Making a Difference Through Our Work
Inspiring young hearts with the timeless lessons of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj shaping students with his strength, values, and spirit through meaningful activities.
Garad Granthalay — Community Library
A creative library with 500+ books set up in Bahadoli, Palghar built for rural and tribal students who deserve a nurturing space to read, explore, and dream.
Project Urja — Solar Lamps for Students
Portable solar lamps distributed to 1040+ students across 20 tribal schools so that no child has to study in the dark or risk their safety with an open flame.
Sandals for Children
A gentle but powerful initiative providing durable sandals to tribal students in Khardi so children can walk to school safely, reducing injuries and improving attendance.
Our Impact
Every number here is a real person.
We share these numbers not to impress, but to be transparent about the trust you place in us and to honour every student, volunteer, and community member who made these moments possible.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do.
Integrity
Every rupee, every programme, every report — transparent and accountable. Always.
Innovation
From books to guidance to learning kits — we make sure every child gets a real and equal chance to learn and grow.
Empowerment
Whether a student or a village — we always put empowerment first.
Sustainability
Every initiative we run is designed to create long-lasting strength in communities.
Vision & Mission
Where we are going — and why it matters.
VISION STATEMENT
In the next two decades, we envision youth as the true pillars of nation-building — driving positive change at the grassroots through education, selfless service, and the spirit of innovation.
MISSION STATEMENT
To lovingly support young people and communities through social awareness, education, and meaningful opportunities — so that lasting, positive change can take root and flourish in every corner of Maharashtra.
A Warm Welcome
You are warmly welcome to be a part of this journey.
If something about our story resonated with you even a little we would be so glad to have you with us. You don’t need to do anything grand. Volunteering a few hours, donating what you can, or simply sharing our story with one more person it all means the world to us and to the communities we serve.