Since 2008, Indian-American citizens have contributed over three billion dollars to universities across the United States. This substantial giving underscores the significant impact of the diaspora community on research, innovation, and access to higher education in America. A new study by Indiaspora, a leading non-profit organization, highlights how Indian-Americans, many of whom credit their graduate and postgraduate experiences at US universities for their professional success, are making transformative contributions.
Indian-American donors have made historic donations to higher education institutions nationwide. This support not only honors the institutions that shaped their lives but also ensures that future generations have equal opportunities in learning, innovation, and leadership development. Prominent donors include Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon, who contributed $100 million to the New York University School of Engineering, and former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, who donated $50 million to the Yale School of Management, one of the largest gifts to any business school. Entrepreneur Deshpande donated $20 million to MIT to establish the Center for Technological Innovation.
Other individuals, including Monte Ahuja in Ohio, Satish and Yasmin Gupta in Texas, and Kiran and Pallavi Patel in Florida, have reshaped medical and educational programs through their philanthropy. M.R. Rangaswami, the founder and chairman of Indiaspora, noted that by investing in universities, Indian-American donors, who value education, are demonstrating their commitment to the United States, fostering growth for Americans of all backgrounds.
While some of the largest donations have been directed towards specific universities, the study also points out significant support for community colleges, state schools, and urban universities, reflecting a broader commitment to increasing access. The majority of the funds have been allocated to medical and health sciences, engineering, and business programs, with $140 million dedicated to cultural initiatives.