India Philanthropy Forum 2026
India Philanthropy
Forum 2026
Opening Address | 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
- Anchors in Uncertainty: Philanthropy as a Stronghold for Humanity in Times of Crisis
This opening sets the tone for the day, reflecting on the role of philanthropy in navigating uncertainty and global disruption. It positions philanthropy as a force that anchors trust, restores hope, and enables collective action in an increasingly complex world.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Lunch & Networking | 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Keynote | 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
- Bridges Beyond Borders: Fueling the Power of Collective Action
This keynote brings alive the central theme of the convening, highlighting the role of collaboration across geographies and sectors in shaping the future of philanthropy. It emphasizes the importance of collective action, stronger partnerships, and connected ecosystems in addressing shared global and local challenges.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Lunch & Networking | 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Panel Discussion | 9:30 AM – 10:10 AM
- Insight to Impact: Shaping Philanthropy Through Research and Evidence
From data to decisions, this session unpacks how research and evidence can sharpen the impact of philanthropy in India. Drawing on insights from the India Philanthropy Report and India Nonprofit Report, the panel explores what the numbers reveal about funding trends, development outcomes, and persistent gaps, while examining how academia and civil society intersect to drive meaningful change. The conversation highlights how stronger evidence-building can guide philanthropic priorities, enabling more strategic, informed, and effective action.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Lunch & Networking | 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Fireside Chat | 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- The Point of No Returns: Why Philanthropy Needs an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Philanthropy holds a distinct and often underleveraged ability to invest purely for social returns. This fireside chat examines how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset to philanthropy can unlock this potential, moving beyond traditional grantmaking to more strategic, risk-tolerant approaches. It explores why philanthropic capital is uniquely positioned to back nonprofit leadership, build institutional capacity, and generate long-term social value through patience and flexibility.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Lunch & Networking | 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
TED-style Talk | 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
- Small is Beautiful: Rethinking Scale and Impact
In this TED-style talk, we hear from a nonprofit leader leading a micro, local organization about how scale can mean something entirely different when you are deeply embedded within community ecosystems. Drawing from lived experience, the talk reflects on the realities of sustaining small organizations, the depth of trust built through one-on-one engagement, and the limits of conventional growth models.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Break | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Panel Discussion | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
- Banking on Giving: The Prominent Role of Family Philanthropy in India
This session explores how the rise of private wealth in India is shaping a new era of family philanthropy. Bringing together wealth advisors and financial leaders, it examines how private capital can move beyond traditional giving toward more strategic, long-term impact. The discussion also highlights the role of family offices, advisory ecosystems, and sustainable finance in unlocking greater flows of catalytic capital.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
TED-style Talk | 12:15 PM – 12:30 PM
- Equal Say: Navigating Power Dynamics as a Nonprofit Leader
This TED-style talk examines how power shapes the donor–doer dynamic, influencing decisions, language, and what gets valued and funded. Through the lens of a nonprofit leader, it highlights how these imbalances can limit learning and impact, and makes the case for more equitable, trust-based partnerships.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Panel Discussion | 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
- The Hidden Value: Philanthropy as a Value-Oriented Practice
Beyond capital, philanthropy is deeply shaped by values, purpose, and personal conviction. This session brings funders into conversation on the “why” behind giving, exploring how family values, legacy-building, spirituality, and a desire for meaningful contribution influence philanthropic choices.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Lunch | 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Panel Discussion | 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
- Crafting India’s Future: Reviving India’s Ancient Arts
India’s crafts and textiles carry deep cultural and historical significance, yet many traditions remain undervalued and at risk. This session examines how philanthropy can play a role in sustaining these art forms by enabling risk-taking, long-term investment, and support for artisan livelihoods. It explores how institutions, businesses, and nonprofits can work together to strengthen ecosystems, build markets, and ensure that India’s crafts are both preserved and reimagined for global audiences.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Panel Discussion | 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
- Winds of Change: Narratives that Support a Climate-Just Transition
This session brings together philanthropists, funders, sector experts, and grassroots' voices to examine how climate priorities can be integrated with health, livelihoods, and agriculture to build resilient, prevention-focused systems. It also explores philanthropy as a key orchestrator that convenes actors, aligns efforts, and shapes pathways for systemic climate transition.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Panel Discussion | 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
- A Billion Times Stronger: Strengthening the Philanthropic Ecosystem in India
India’s vast nonprofit ecosystem is a lifeline to billions, yet the capital, capacity, and networks needed to sustain and scale impact remain uneven. This session brings together grassroots leaders, philanthropists, diaspora voices, and sector experts to strengthen these connections. It also spotlights dialogue with Global Majority countries facing similar challenges, exploring how more connected ecosystems and coordinated action can advance shared SDG goals and drive meaningful, lasting change.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Closing Remarks | 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
- India for the World, the World for India
The closing reflects on key insights from the day, positioning philanthropy as catalytic, intergenerational capital. It reinforces India’s role as a global hub for innovation and collaboration, and the importance of building lasting partnerships for collective impact.
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
Dr. Nitya Khemka
Trustee, Khemka Foundation
See you at IPF London 2026!
Exciting programming, speakers, thought-provoking panels and more!
For further queries or information, write to us at ipflondon2026@dasra.org
