About the Award

The Deepak Raj Rising Star Award honors an emerging Indian America leader who embodies the values of Deepak Raj: a distinguished investor, institution-builder, and philanthropist who has devoted decades to strengthening India-US ties through organizations like the India Philanthropy Alliance, Pratham USA, Indian American IMPACT, and the Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies at Columbia University. What defines Deepak Raj’s legacy is not a single philanthropic gift – but his leadership in creating and strengthening organizations, convening communities, and inspiring others to act.  

This annual award recognizes a young professional who is charting their own path in the same spirit – someone who is not just participating in philanthropy or civic life, but committed to leading, building, and bringing others along with them.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA

The honoree is “next gen” (under 40 years old), of Indian origin or with strong ties to India, is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and who has demonstrated:

1.     Meaningful Impact – Effective service to people and/or the planet, whether in India, for India, or the Indian American community, with outcomes that are visible and substantive

2.     Bold Leadership and Personal Initiative – A willingness to drive innovative approaches: starting something new, working on hard problems, or creating change through philanthropic, civic, or social impact work that includes contributing and/or mobilizing significant financial support

3.     Collaborative Spirit – A demonstrated ability to bring others along: building coalitions, mentoring peers, or cultivating communities toward shared goals 

4.     A Learning Mindset – Ongoing curiosity about how to maximize impact, including openness to evidence, feedback, and new approaches

5.     Inspiring the Next Generation – A track record of motivating other young Indian Americans to engage in service, giving, and civic life

6.     Commitment to IPA’s Principles of Effective Philanthropy – An orientation toward giving that reflects IPA’s core beliefs: supporting institutions over one-off projects focusing on outcomes rather than overhead metrics, directing resources where the need is greatest, and embracing collaborative and trust-based approaches to grantmaking.

Note: This award recognizes leadership, initiative, and impact, and not just the size of their financial contributions. Nominees at all resource and donation levels are equally welcome.

HOW TO APPLY

Any one can nominate a person using the form below for the Deepak Raj award. Self nominations are welcome. Please review eligibility and selection criteria for details.

KEY DATES & DEADLINES

April 20: Open for nominations

June 30: Closing date for submissions

July 31: Select and announce finalists

September 29: Winner will be recognized at the Philanthropy Summit in Dallas

AWARD BENEFITS & RECOGNITION

1.     A $10,000 grant to a nonprofit organization of the honoree’s choice. The organization must be issues-aligned with IPA (education, health, livelihoods, environmental protection, civic engagement, or development priorities in India or among the Indian American diaspora. The recipient organization is subject to approval by IPA.

2.     A profile on the IPA website and blog celebrating the honoree’s work and story

3.     Dedicated social media posts reaching IPA’s full network of Indian American philanthropists and leaders

4.     An invitation to speak at IPA’s annual Philanthropy Summit

5.     An invitation to join IPA’s NextGen Task Force as an advisor or active participant for the following year – connecting the honoree with a network of peers and senior leaders

6.     Personal introductions to IPA’s broader leadership network, including mentorship opportunities with IPA board members and alumni

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Submit your nomination using the Deepak Raj Rising Star Award Nomination Form (self nominations are welcome) .

1.     Your Information – name, email, organization or affiliation, and your relationship to the nominee (or “self nomination” if applicable)

2.     Nominee’s information – full name, email, city / state, and a 2-3 sentence biography

3.     Nomination description - <1,000 word description of how the nominee meets the selection criteria, with specific examples of their work, leadership, and impact

4.     Supporting links (optional) – up to 3 URLs pointing to articles, projects, or organizations the nominee has built or led

5.     If self-nominating – a personal statement (<500 words) describing your work and what drives your commitment to service and impact  

Email alex@indiaphilanthropyalliance.org with any questions.

Our heartfelt thanks

The IPA is tremendously grateful to it’s Next Gen Task Force for the development and management of this award.