Shloka Ambani, wife of Aakash Ambani, has carved her own path in the social sector, co-founding ConnectFor, a non-profit she likens to a “Shaadi.com for volunteering.”
Bridging the Gap for Good
Shloka Ambani recently shared insights into her journey with ConnectFor, a unique non-profit organization she co-founded with Maniti Shah. Launched with a simple yet powerful idea, ConnectFor aims to connect individuals eager to volunteer with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that need their help.
She describes ConnectFor as a “Shaadi.com for volunteering,” highlighting its core mission: to serve as a bridge. Many people want to do good but struggle to find the right opportunities, while countless NGOs are in need of support. ConnectFor steps in to facilitate these connections across India.
Making a Tangible Impact
Since its inception, ConnectFor has achieved significant milestones. The organization currently boasts a network of 100,000 volunteers collaborating with over 1,000 NGOs nationwide.
This extensive network has translated into substantial savings for non-profit organizations, with ConnectFor helping them save over Rs 21 crore through facilitated volunteer work. The organization initially focused on Mumbai but quickly expanded its reach across the country.
Shloka noted that their vision is constantly evolving. What started as a local initiative organically grew, with opportunities like corporate engagements “falling into their laps,” leading to collaborations with major companies like Amazon.
The Challenges of Social Work
Despite its success, Shloka admits that working in the social sector comes with its own set of challenges, particularly financial ones. She candidly stated that “social work doesn’t pay well,” making it difficult to attract and retain talent.
According to Shloka, a strong intrinsic motivation is crucial for anyone looking to work in this field. It requires individuals to be deeply inspired by the positive stories and impact they witness around them, as external rewards are often limited.
The Power of Support
Shloka credits much of ConnectFor’s survival and growth to the unwavering support from their families, especially their husbands. She emphasized that the belief and encouragement from their loved ones were instrumental in keeping their vision alive.
Both Shloka and her co-founder expressed pride in how their husbands champion their work, often boasting about ConnectFor’s achievements to their friends and colleagues. This strong personal support system has been a significant factor in their continued success in a challenging sector.
- ConnectFor, co-founded by Shloka Ambani, acts as a bridge between volunteers and NGOs.
- It has connected 100,000 volunteers with over 1,000 NGOs, saving them more than Rs 21 crore.
- Despite financial challenges inherent in social work, the organization’s vision expanded organically.
- Family support, particularly from their husbands, has been vital for ConnectFor’s sustained efforts and achievements.
ConnectFor’s journey showcases how dedication and a strong support system can drive meaningful change in the non-profit world.
