Recognition and Ratings
PRASAD is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
PRASAD is deeply committed to maintaining strong financial health and accountability and transparency about its programs and operations. As a result, PRASAD has received top ratings and recognition from charity rating organizations and other publications:
GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information about nonprofit organizations. Platinum is their top level.
4-stars, Charity Navigator’s highest rating, indicates that PRASAD adheres to sector best practices.
At Great Nonprofits, volunteers, donors and beneficiaries share their experiences with and rate their charities of choice.
PRASAD was featured on the respected financial website “The Street” as one of 30 recommended charities, top-rated for transparency, accountability, and financial health.
History
The charitable work of PRASAD has its roots in the 1930s, when Bhagavan Nityananda offered food and support to villagers in the Tansa Valley in Maharashtra, India. Swami Muktananda continued this great work through the 1960s and 1970s.
In 1978, under Swami Muktananda’s guidance, volunteers began offering medical services through the Shree Muktananda Mobile Hospital.
In the early 1980s, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda expanded the philanthropic initiatives in the Tansa Valley to include nutrition, community development, and medical services such as a hospital and diagnostic center, the provision of modern eye care and comprehensive dental care, a mobile clinic and tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS programs.
In 1992, Gurumayi initiated the establishment of PRASAD as a central organization to oversee and support humanitarian projects around the world.
The PRASAD Project is an effective and acclaimed humanitarian organization that holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Global Activities
PRASAD has three fundraising licensees, in Australia, France and Spain. These entities are dedicated to raising funds and bringing global visibility to PRASAD’s work around the world, particularly the programs in India.
● India – PRASAD Chikitsa is based in Ganeshpuri, India, in the rural Tansa Valley. PRASAD Chikitsa touches thousands of people every year through its healthcare programs and sustainable community development initiatives.
● United States – The PRASAD Project’s main office is located in Liberty, New York. PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program provides dental services and dental health education to children in Sullivan County and some areas of Ulster County in New York.
● México – PRASAD de México provides free eye surgeries to remove cataracts and correct strabismus (crossed eyes).
The PRASAD Project
PRASAD is a not-for-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life of economically disadvantaged people around the world. PRASAD is a philanthropic expression of the Siddha Yoga path. The PRASAD Project was initiated in 1992 by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, spiritual head of the Siddha Yoga path.
PRASAD takes a HOLISTIC approach to creating SUSTAINABLE programming in collaboration with the communities we serve and in harmony with the natural environment, resulting in LIFE-CHANGING impact across generations.
Values
PRASAD’s values manifest Siddha Yoga philosophy in the arena of philanthropic work.
- PRASAD Recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of each person
- Respects and loves others
- Affirms the spirit of generosity that creates abundance
- Believes that human beings have within themselves great virtues, wisdom and capabilities