The Swarna Chalasani Economic Empowerment Fund
On September 11th, 2001, a beloved Sakhi volunteer, Swarna Chalasani, was lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Her loss of life devastated our entire community.
Swarna was vested in elements that later manifested into Sakhi’s Economic Empowerment Program. She assisted with job training skills, advocated for empowerment and entrepreneurship among women, purchasing sewing machines for individuals and teaching ESL classes. Outside of Sakhi, Swarna volunteered at hospitals, sponsored children’s education through UNICEF, and petitioned and advocated for women’s’ rights internationally.
Thanks to the Swarna Fund, we have funded survivors who have completed their Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in fields ranging from social work and early childhood education to biomedical engineering and computer science, as well as those who have used funds to complete training in business skills, certification programs as physician’s assistants, more advanced ESL classes, and residency programs to become doctors and nurses.
OTHER DONATION OPTIONS
1) Donate by Mailing Your Check to:
Sakhi for South Asian Survivors
P.O. Box 1333
Church Street Station
New York, NY, 10008
2) Make a Stock or Wire Transfer Gift
A gift to Sakhi for South Asian Survivors using long-term appreciated stocks and mutual funds can provide you a tax advantage. For stock transfer instructions, contact Zainab Muzaffar, Associate Director of Development and Communications, at
3) Make a Matching Gift
Your generosity can be doubled — even tripled — with a matching gift from your company. For more information on matching gifts, contact your HR department or our Associate Director of Development and Communications.
4) Make a Tribute Gift
Honor a family member, friend or colleague with a tribute gift.
5) Leave a Legacy
Create a lasting legacy by designating Sakhi for South Asian Survivors to receive a specific amount or a percentage of the balance of your estate in your will or revocable trust. You can share the below sample language with your drafting attorney.
Sample Bequest Language
“I give and bequeath to Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, a New York City 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization (the sum of ________ dollars), (all or ____% of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate) for its general purposes.“
6) Retirement Plans & Life Insurance Policies
By naming Sakhi for South Asian Survivors as the beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy, you designate a significant gift to a cause you feel strongly about, with little financial commitment now. You may also be eligible for additional tax benefits. We recommend that you consult your tax advisor for more information.
7) In-Kind Donations
There are many ways to support Sakhi’s programs and services. Some ways are through in-kind donations and pro-bono services.
- We are always looking for event space to host our workshops and fundraisers.
- We accept office supplies and computers in good working condition.
- During our annual gala, we are in need of silent and live auction items.
- Pro-bono services such as graphic design or writing.
Unfortunately due to space limitations, we are unable to accept clothing donations. Please contact a local domestic violence shelter for clothing donations.