Who We Are

Learn about our journey, mission, and the people behind Karunya Trust

About Karunya Trust

Empowering communities since 1998

Karunya Trust is a Non Governmental Organization registered under Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 which was inaugurated on 5th September 1998 by Dr. P. C. Alexander, former Governor of Maharashtra. For over two decades, the Trust has been working alongside vulnerable communities across Maharashtra, India.

Karunya Trust’s vision and mission are rooted in Mother Teresa’s philosophy of compassionate service, upholding the dignity and well-being of the poor and marginalized. Inspired by the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to live a life of dignity, regardless of their social or economic circumstances, the organisation began its journey with a commitment to serve the most vulnerable. Today, Karunya Trust has grown into a development organisation working across urban settlements and tribal communities, implementing comprehensive programmes in integrated education, holistic health, sustainable livelihood, good governance, safe habitat, and sustainable environment.

Rather than addressing challenges in isolation, Karunya Trust works with communities to understand their needs, strengthen local capacities, and create sustainable solutions that continue long after an intervention is complete. Every programme is built on participation, partnership, and the belief that lasting change happens when communities themselves become active leaders in their own development.

Across its six core areas, Karunya Trust currently implements 18 programmes and initiatives, reaching children, women, youth and families from HIV affected and infected, rag-picking, slum and tribal communities, and other vulnerable groups with holistic and community-centred interventions.

Our Vision

The guiding principle that drives everything we do

“A just and harmonious society rooted in the gospel values of love, freedom and peace.”

Our Mission

What drives our work every day

Karunya Trust will restore human dignity of women, children, youth, elderly and differently abled by addressing the issues of Integrated education, holistic health, sustainable livelihood, governance and conservation of natural resources. It will facilitate the process of empowerment by promoting community-based organizations, capacity building, networking, partnerships with like-minded NGOs and Civil society organizations. It will promote development process by mobilizing the potentials and resources available within and outside the community.

Our Core Areas

Six integrated pillars driving holistic community development

Integrated Education

Education creates opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Karunya Trust supports children, adolescents, youth, and adults through non-formal education centres, remedial classes, school redevelopment, smart classrooms, scholarships, academic support, exposure visits, extracurricular activities, and opportunities that encourage them to continue learning and build confidence for the future.

Holistic Health

Good health is essential for individuals and families to thrive. Through healthcare support, nutrition, psychosocial care, awareness programmes, counselling, sports, medical assistance, constructing sanitation units, and drinking water facilities, Karunya Trust works to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being across different stages of life.

Sustainable Livelihood

Economic stability enables families to make informed choices about their future. Karunya Trust promotes livelihood opportunities through vocational training, skill development, career guidance, and support for income-generating activities, helping individuals become more self-reliant.

Good Governance

Strong communities are built when people understand their rights and actively participate in local decision-making. Karunya Trust strengthens grassroots institutions through Self-Help groups, children's parliaments, Child rights committees, community mobilisation, access to government schemes, and advocacy for social entitlements and rights.

Sustainable Environment

Communities and the environment are closely connected. Karunya Trust promotes environmental stewardship through tree plantation, sustainable agriculture, and awareness initiatives that encourage responsible use and conservation of natural resources.

Safe Habitat

Safe and secure housing is the foundation of a life with dignity and opportunity. Karunya Trust enables tribal and underprivileged families to access safe and secure housing solutions, ensuring dignified living conditions.

Beneficiaries Reached

Villages & Communities

Active Projects

Volunteers & Supporters

Years of Service

Our Presence

Where We Work

A living network serving vulnerable communities across Maharashtra

Hover or click a region to explore

Maharashtra, India

Operating across 150+ villages, urban slums, and tribal regions. From headquarters in Powai, we reach the most vulnerable through six integrated development themes.

Since 1998

28 years of continuous community service