About the Award

The Deepak Raj Rising Star Award honors an emerging Indian American leader under 40 who embodies the evolving legacy of Deepak Raj, an investor and philanthropist who has spent decades strengthening India-U.S. ties and improving life for marginalized people and groups through supporting organizations including the India Philanthropy Alliance, Pratham USA, Indian American IMPACT, and the Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies at Columbia University. His philanthropy has also focused on tackling important societal issues in the United States. The award looks for a sustained pattern of leadership rather than a single act of generosity: building institutions, convening communities, and inspiring others to act.

The Deepak Raj Rising Star Award honors an emerging Indian American 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.

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.

Our heartfelt thanks

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

Email alex@indiaphilanthropyalliance.org with any questions.