Milaap: Bridging the Gap Between Need and Support in Healthcare and Other Critical Social Causes

In the face of India’s challenging healthcare landscape, where patients and their families bear a staggering 70% of medical expenses, Milaap, a leading crowdfunding platform of India, is emerging as a beacon of hope. Founded about a decade and a half back, by IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus Mayukh Choudhury and National University of Singapore alumnus Anoj Viswanathan, Milaap allows individuals to donate as little as 100 rupees, empowering them to directly support medical emergencies and long-term treatments in India.

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Bridging the Gap: Empowering Communities with Crowdfunding

India’s healthcare system faces a multitude of hurdles, including low medical insurance penetration and the high cost of tertiary care. This often leaves families on the brink of financial ruin when unexpected medical costs arise. Milaap steps in to fill this critical void, enabling individuals to access the necessary funds for life-saving treatments, cancer battles, organ transplants, NICU emergencies, and accident recovery.

The platform's impact is undeniable. To date, Milaap has facilitated over INR 1490 crores (approximately $185 million) in donations, impacting the lives of more than three lakh (300,000) patients with the support of over Six lakh (600,000) donors.

Simplifying the Giving Process: A Global Reach with DAFPay

“Milaap is dedicated to ensuring that online fundraising is as easy, fast, and secure as possible for our users,” says Co-Founder Mayukh Choudhury. “With the introduction of DAFPay, we are thrilled to offer a seamless donation experience, comparable to the simplicity of Apple Pay or Google Pay. This feature enables global supporters to effortlessly contribute to critical causes like life-saving treatments, education for the underprivileged, memorials, and more.”

DAFPay, Milaap’s recently-integrated payment feature, makes donating to Indian causes easier than ever for US-based individuals. This user-friendly platform allows for quick and secure contributions, breaking down geographical barriers and expanding the reach of support to those in need.

Extending the Lifeline: Reaching US Communities with Getcopayhelp

Recognizing the shared challenges of healthcare affordability in the US, the co-founders of Milaap launched their second venture: Getcopayhelp, a service dedicated to alleviating medication costs for patients with chronic illnesses. Getcopayhelp assists patients by identifying and enrolling them in financial assistance programs offered by drug manufacturers and charitable foundations. This dedicated team handles all the paperwork and follow-ups, allowing patients to focus on their health.

Strong Foundations: Recognition and Support from Global Organizations

Milaap’s presence in the US extends beyond Getcopayhelp. Established in 2015, the company has a registered entity and an office in Dallas, Texas. Partnering with the US-based 501©(3) organization Asset India Foundation, Milaap ensures that donations from American supporters are tax-deductible, maximizing their impact.

Milaap’s commitment to social change has earned recognition from leading institutions. The platform has received grants from USAID, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and significant investments from Vinod Khosla’s Khosla Ventures through Unitus Seed Fund. These endorsements further solidify Milaap’s credibility and commitment to its mission.

Connecting US Donors with Indian Needs: A Growing Diaspora

Milaap enables US-based individuals to initiate fundraisers for various needs in India, donate to existing campaigns, and even raise funds for rare medical conditions and memorial campaigns.

It  boasts a diverse donor base, with over 28% of its contributors hailing from the US. This reflects the growing desire of the Indian diaspora to give back to their homeland. Approximately 1/4^th of Milaap’s US donors are part of the Indian diaspora, further showcasing the platform’s ability to connect individuals with roots in India to causes that resonate deeply.

More Than Just Money: Empowering Individuals and Communities

Milaap’s impact extends beyond financial aid—it empowers individuals to actively engage in meaningful giving. Whether it’s for urgent medical needs of a family member or friend, funding higher education, or supporting animal rescue, Milaap effectively bridges the gap between needs and support. This fosters a strong sense of trust and community and encourages positive change across India.

The platform's success Is a testament to the power of crowdfunding in addressing critical needs and providing a lifeline for those facing financial hardship.

Join the Movement: Make a Difference with Milaap

For US donors looking to make a tangible impact on healthcare access in India, Milaap offers a user-friendly and effective platform. Explore donor-advised funds, corporate donation matching, and various other options to contribute to a cause that truly matters.

Visit milaap.org to learn more about how you can make a difference where it matters most!