About Us
Aakkam Foundation is a compassionate and tightly knit community of individuals united by a shared vision: to create a positive impact on the lives of children, women, and society as a whole. Our platform brings together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering unity and harmony in pursuit of a noble cause. We firmly believe that genuine acts of charity begin within oneself, driven by a sense of personal fulfillment. At Aakkam, we have nurtured a family of passionate individuals who collaborate actively to address social issues and support one another in their mission to give back to society. Together, we strive to create a better world and uplift the lives of those in need. By dedicating our time, resources, expertise, and skills, we strengthen our collective desire to make a difference, leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.
Our Vision
Our vision at Aakkam Foundation is to empower and uplift the socioeconomic status of children, individuals in need, and the wider community. Through our unwavering commitment, we aim to bring about positive change by providing comprehensive support in the form of financial resources, physical assistance, and intellectual guidance. By addressing the multifaceted needs of those we serve, we strive to create a society where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Together, we aspire to foster sustainable progress, improve livelihoods, and create a brighter future for all.
Our Mission
Our mission at Aakkam Foundation is to make a profound investment in the lives of children, individuals in need, and the wider community. By providing them with the necessary resources, support, and opportunities, we aim to empower them to become agents of lasting change within their own lives and communities. Through our unwavering commitment to their growth and development, we strive to unlock their full potential, foster self-sufficiency, and create a positive ripple effect that transcends generations. Together, we believe in building a future where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the ability to shape a brighter and more prosperous community.
Our Specialty
At Aakkam, we specialize in revitalizing schools in need, creating an enhanced educational environment that fosters the growth and well-being of children. Our dedicated school identification team closely collaborates with the respective school Headmasters (HM) to assess their essential requirements. These needs are categorized into children’s necessities, classroom requirements, and office supplies. Prioritization is given to items that directly benefit the children, followed by classroom and office supplies, all within our allocated budget per school, which is set at Rs. 50,000 + transportation costs. In exceptional cases, when the need arises, we allow a 10% flexibility in the budget allocation.
We procure essential amenities such as stationery, chairs and tables, water purifiers, sports equipment, computers, printers, and more. We also plan to undertake a wide range of improvement projects, ranging from repairing leaking roofs to adding sanitary facilities and fixing flooring.
Our top priority is to paint the entire school premises, as we firmly believe that vibrant colors can create a refreshing and cheerful atmosphere for the children. To accomplish this, we have established partnerships with NGOs specializing in school painting, namely “Pattampoochigal” and “Thoorigai Thuligal.” We collaborate with these organizations by providing all the necessary materials, while they contribute their expertise to ensure that the schools are painted in a vibrant and aesthetically pleasing manner. Together, we work diligently to create an inviting and visually appealing environment for the students, enhancing their overall school experience.
Our Story
During the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, a remarkable endeavor took shape – one that would bring about positive change for society without even stepping outside our homes. It all began with an abundance of time during the lockdown, which led to virtual reunions among friends. As we reminisced about old times, a common thread emerged from those conversations: the desire to give back to the community that had played a vital role in our personal growth.
During those virtual calls, numerous ideas were exchanged, and from those passionate brainstorming sessions, the seed of AAKKAM Foundation was sown.
It was born out of a shared vision to make a difference and a collective determination to channel our efforts towards supporting rural schools in need of essential educational infrastructure and sports-related resources.
Pooling our resources and funds, the foundation’s initial efforts were directed towards helping these underserved schools. As time went on, more like-minded individuals joined Team Aakkam, each contributing their unique skills, experiences, and passion to support the foundation’s mission. Together, we embarked on a journey that expanded beyond the realm of education, encompassing a wide range of social needs.
Through the dedication and commitment of our growing team, the Aakkam Foundation has continued to evolve, becoming a beacon of hope and a force for positive change. We strive to address the pressing social issues that affect our communities, working tirelessly to uplift and empower those in need.
As our journey continues, we remain steadfast in our resolve to create a brighter future for all. With every step forward, we are fueled by the belief that collective action, even in the face of challenging circumstances, has the power to transform lives and build a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Volunteers
Meet Our Aakkam Family
Yoganand
Design Systems Engineering Lead, Chennai Tamil Nadu, India
Janani
Entrepreneur – Kids Books, Chennai Tamil Nadu, India
Tanvi
Information Technology Analyst, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Kavitha
Director, Edge Technology Group at Akamai, CA, USA
Our Testimonials
Kiranmayi Abburi
Senior R&D Manager at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
I have come to realize that what makes us human is our ability to have compassion, and empathy toward the whole creation. Education helps people become actualized in their own individual way. Aakkam Foundation is a testimony that every life in this world matters and we all are in this together. This is my way of doing something that makes me truly happy as I make new bonds, touch, and be touched by more lives. In a nutshell “living life to the fullest”
Abiram Angamuthu
Assistant Professor, Karunya Institute of Technology
My pursuit to live a life for a bigger purpose has been fulfilled by Aakkam Foundation. Being Part of Aakkam makes me happy as I get to work on projects that create a larger impact on kids and people in need. Here I am able to build my ideas into life-changing projects and collaborate with like-minded individuals as we create a new promising future for the younger generations.
Tanvi Dutta
Data Analyst, Optum - United Health Group
Choosing to be part of Aakkam aligns with the wisdom of the proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Aakkam offers me the opportunity to give back to the community that has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. Contributing time, knowledge, and/or resources to facilitate positive change in others’ lives, thereby building a stronger community, brings me immense joy and adds depth to the meaning of life.
Kavitha Venkatesan
Director Of Engineering, Edge Technology Group at Akamai Technologies
Aakkam gives me an opportunity to give back to society and to help touch lives in ways meaningful to them and to me. With Aakkam, you exactly know where every bit of your donation goes and it is incredibly fulfilling to see your donation and efforts change lives.
Aakkam FAQ'S
AAKKAM translates to ‘Creation’. AAKKAM Foundation serves as a collaborative platform, bringing together individuals with shared values from around the world to engage in impactful projects aimed at fostering positive change for the betterment of humanity.
Yes. Contributions to the Aakkam Foundation INDIA & Aakkam Foundation USA both are eligible for tax exemption.
For India Tax is exempted under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This allows donors to claim tax benefits. The 80G Registration Number for the foundation is AAITA9135EF20231, granted on 24/10/2023.
For USA we are exempted from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3), so Donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC section 170.