Over the past 17 years, Indian-American citizens have collectively donated more than $3 billion to American universities, a new study confirms. This generous giving highlights the impact of the Indian-American community on the advancement of research, innovation, and access to higher education in the United States. Indiaspora, a leading non-profit organization, has reported that many Indian-Americans, who often credit their professional success to their US university experiences, are significantly contributing through philanthropy.
The Indian-American community has made historic donations to higher education institutions throughout the country. These donations not only express appreciation for the institutions that shaped their lives but also provide future generations with equal opportunities for learning, innovation, and leadership development. Noteworthy donors include Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon, who donated $100 million to New York University’s School of Engineering, and Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, who contributed $50 million to Yale’s School of Management, one of the largest donations to any business school. Entrepreneur Deshpande also gave $20 million to MIT, helping establish the Center for Technological Innovation.
Individuals like Monte Ahuja, Satish and Yasmin Gupta, and Kiran and Pallavi Patel have also made important contributions, transforming medical and educational programs through their generosity. M.R. Rangaswami, the founder and chairman of Indiaspora, commented that these Indian-American donors, who place a high value on education, are showcasing their dedication to the United States through their investments in universities, helping Americans of all backgrounds to thrive.
While some major donations were directed towards specific prestigious universities, the study also emphasized significant support for community colleges, public schools, and urban universities, signaling a broad commitment to improve access to education. A large portion of the funds has been allocated to medical and health sciences, engineering, and business programs, with $140 million designated for cultural initiatives.