Feature

From Humble Beginnings to Trust-Based Giving: The Journey of GMSP Foundation

How the Sachdev Family is Uplifting Marginalized Communities through Equity, Trust, and Compassion

GivingPi Editorial Team

28th January 2025

“Money’s true value lies in how it’s used to help others. No one should be without basic needs or human dignity. Philanthropy, for us, is about standing with communities, sharing what we have, and creating opportunities for lasting change.”

“I generally feel that God is my silent partner,” reflected Ramesh Sachdev, his words carrying the weight of decades spent building not just wealth but a legacy of giving. “When you sit down to eat your food, you pray to God, and in our culture, we believe that you take some prasad (offering) for God. Similarly, on the wealth side, you want to take this money out to give it to others, to help and support others.”

This philosophy became the cornerstone of the Sachdev family’s journey, one that began in humble surroundings and transformed into a model of strategic philanthropy. Rooted in their values of love, trust, and humility, Pratibha and Ramesh established God My Silent Partner (GMSP) Foundation in 2006. Now led by their daughter Sonal Sachdev Patel, the Foundation supports grassroots initiatives that uplift marginalized communities in the UK and India.

From Humble Beginnings to a Shared Purpose

Ramesh and Pratibha’s approach to giving is deeply tied to their early experiences. “Growing up in Mombasa, Kenya, life was tough,” Ramesh reflected. “I was one of 13 siblings in a two-room home. We didn’t have much money, but we were rich in love from our parents, and that shaped the kind of people we became.”

When Ramesh was 19, his father borrowed money from a friend to send him to London, hoping for a brighter future. “We were lucky to have British passports—something many didn’t,” Ramesh said. “That privilege wasn’t lost on me; I carried my family’s hopes with me.” Determined to build a better life, he focused on earning honestly. “Back then, all I wanted was to make money because I grew up poor. But I was clear that I would do it honestly, with my mind, vision, and hard work.”

For Pratibha, giving back was always an intrinsic part of life. With a degree in child development and experience as a headmistress, she believed in nurturing children’s potential through love and support. Her early work with a Danish volunteer, was giving childcare, health, hygiene and sex education to rural African teenage girls, and building a school using free raw materials like bamboo, mud, sisal ropes and used tires, cemented her lifelong commitment to uplifting others.

Her belief in giving was deeply influenced by her father’s teaching: “10% of what you earn doesn’t belong to you.” Even during the couple’s early years in London, when money was tight, Pratibha set aside 20 pence from every two pounds of housekeeping money. “It wasn’t about how much we had; it was about the habit of giving,” she reflected.

As Ramesh focused on growing their business, Pratibha’s entrepreneurial vision led them to establish a successful nursing home business, driven by her commitment to serve the elderly. For her, it was never just about building wealth but about improving lives.

Ramesh’s perspective on wealth shifted after meeting spiritual Guru Morari Bapu in 1989. “I wasn’t interested in Kathas or religion; I was only interested in making money,” he admitted. “But when my wife introduced me to spiritual teachings and took me to a Katha, that was a turning point for me. It helped me see wealth not just as something to accumulate but as a way to create change. That’s when I truly started thinking about giving back to the community.”

This spiritual awakening, coupled with their growing success and shared mission, inspired Pratibha and Ramesh to formalize their commitment to giving by founding GMSP Foundation in 2006.

Ramesh Sachdev during a field visit in India, engaging with communities supported by GMSP Foundation

“It’s not about prescribing solutions or just writing a cheque. Those closest to the problems know what’s needed best. Our role is to trust them, stand alongside them, and provide the resources they need to lead effectively—being true partners in their journey.”

- Pratibha Sachdev

Sonal Sachdev Patel engaging with community members during a field visit

A New Chapter: Intergenerational Leadership

Over the years, the foundation has evolved into a catalyst for grassroots change, committing over £13 million to projects that reflect the family’s values of trust, love, and humility. Today, under the leadership of Pratibha and Ramesh’s daughter, Sonal Sachdev Patel, GMSP has entered a new chapter—building on its founding principles while expanding its reach and deepening its impact.

Sonal’s journey into leadership wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. “My connection to India and understanding of the foundation’s potential inspired me to take on this role,” she shared.

Taking the helm also required trust and collaboration within the family. “I’ve been really lucky that my parents were willing to let go,” Sonal reflected. “Many next-gen leaders face resistance from parents unwilling to relinquish control.”

Ramesh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Sonal’s leadership in elevating the foundation. “GMSP is what it is today because of Sonal,” he said. “She’s taken it to another level, made it more strategic and progressive.”

Sonal’s position as a family member enabled her to advocate for new approaches while upholding the foundation’s core values. She recalled pushing for a 10–15% grant increase to help partners manage rising inflation—an effort initially met with uncertainty but ultimately embraced. “As a family member, you know when to push and when to step back. You can drive change gently and respectfully in ways outsiders can’t,” she explained.

Pratibha Sachdev and Sonal Sachdev Patel engage with community leaders and changemakers during a field visit in India

Driving Impact through Nurturing Leadership

At the core of GMSP’s work is a trust-based giving model that redefines the relationship between funders and grantees. This approach prioritizes equity, humility, and shared humanity, empowering grassroots leaders and local organizations to develop sustainable solutions. “It isn’t the people on the ground who are our target audience—it’s the grassroots organizations, the community leaders. They’re the ones we partner with and answer to,” Sonal explained.

The family’s philosophy of giving is deeply rooted in what they call “spiritual solidarity”—the belief that their purpose on Earth is to improve themselves while helping others. “True philanthropy begins with giving what you have—your time, energy, and love—long before financial resources,” Sonal said. This belief drives GMSP’s partnerships, ensuring their efforts empower individuals while addressing systemic challenges.

Central to GMSP’s approach is listening to grassroots leaders and respecting their expertise. By providing multi-year, unrestricted funding, the foundation ensures partners can focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term survival.

One such partner is Sol’s ARC, which develops inclusive education solutions to address inequities faced by vulnerable populations, improving their employment and learning outcomes. Reflecting on their partnership, Sol’s ARC’s Executive Director, Sonali Saini, shared:

“GMSP has been a cornerstone of support for Sol’s ARC since 2016, marking the beginning of our journey with our very first international donor. They have been far more than funders; they are our advocates, cheerleaders, and unwavering pillars of strength. We vividly recall the heartfelt visit of Sonal and her mother, Pratibha, to our modest center, where we worked with neurodivergent children and young adults. Their belief in our vision ignited a partnership that transformed our work.”

When GMSP joined forces with Sol’s ARC, the organization was reaching only a few hundred individuals. Today, through partnerships with NGOs and four state governments across India, it has touched the lives of over 4 million people. Together, they have built equitable programs in education and livelihoods, fostering inclusion on a national scale.

What sets GMSP apart, according to Sol’s ARC, is their commitment to unrestricted funding, which allows organizations to experiment with bold new ideas and adapt to crises.

“Their unrestricted support enabled us to address critical gaps, pilot innovative projects, and navigate moments of crisis with resilience. Beyond finances, their emotional presence has been a beacon of hope. The family’s unwavering faith in Sol’s ARC often gave us the courage to keep going, especially when we doubted ourselves.”

Beyond financial support, GMSP strengthens its partners by offering pro bono legal aid, access to its network, social media promotion, and opportunities to secure additional funding. These efforts ensure grassroots organizations have the resources they need to thrive.

Recognizing that meaningful change requires resilient leadership, GMSP also invests in the well-being of grassroots leaders. Mentoring, self-care programs, and capacity-building initiatives are central to this approach. “The people driving change need to be supported too,” Sonal emphasized.

Over the years, GMSP has supported over 43 organizations across India and the UK. It has also expanded its focus to underserved regions like India’s northeastern states. By addressing critical issues such as child protection, legal justice, and women’s empowerment in these often-overlooked areas, the foundation works to ensure equity for marginalized communities.

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Two young students actively engage in learning in a classroom supported by one of GMSP Foundation’s partners

A Gender Lens in Philanthropy

GMSP’s work is guided by a gender lens that recognizes women and girls as powerful catalysts for change. “We started with a gender lens,” Sonal explained, “but soon realized there are so many other lenses—race, caste, class, sexual orientation. At its core, our belief is that we are all sparks from the same light, deserving of respect and honor, regardless of outward attributes or identification.” However we understand that it is with these lenses that we can see what drives systemic inequality and shift our power to the most marginalized.

This perspective informs GMSP’s initiatives in both the UK and India, ensuring its work is intersectional and inclusive. In the UK, their work focuses on violence against women and girls in marginalized communities, addressing issues that intersect with racial and economic inequalities. In India, the foundation supports organizations working on child protection, legal rights, and community safety, ensuring women and girls have the resources and networks they need to thrive. “For us, it’s clear. By supporting women and girls, you uplift everyone,” Pratibha emphasized.

Learning from the Challenges

Navigating intergenerational collaboration has been a key learning for the foundation. Sonal highlighted the importance of honoring the elder generation’s legacy while introducing new approaches. “You need to work effectively with the older generation, respecting their goals, their wisdom and recognizing that they earned this money,” she reflected.

Another challenge has been amplifying grassroots voices in conversations often dominated by funders. “It’s disheartening how funders listen to me more than grassroots leaders,” Sonal observed. This has reinforced GMSP’s commitment to ensuring those closest to the issues are heard and respected.

Over time, GMSP has also embraced more equitable practices. “I used to naively expect NGO leaders to share their knowledge without compensation. That was so extractive,” Sonal admitted. Now, the foundation ensures grassroots leaders are fairly compensated for their expertise, reflecting its respect for their contributions.

Scaling the foundation has also presented its own complexities. Being a non-endowed organization means funding depends on business revenue, making financial resilience critical. To mitigate this, GMSP holds reserves and practices prudent fiscal planning.

The team has also learned that funders hold significant power—and that shifting this dynamic requires deliberate action. Unrestricted funding, taking time to understand grassroots organizations’ work deeply, and championing them to other funders are some of the ways GMSP has embraced its role as a true partner. “We think of grassroots leaders as family—our role is to support them, celebrate their successes, and open doors for them,” Sonal shared.

Shaping the Future: Vision for India@2047

As India approaches its centenary of independence, the Sachdevs hold an ambitious vision for the nation’s progress and equity. “I have visions of India being the topmost country in the world,” Pratibha said. “They’re going to be an example to everybody.”

This optimism is matched by a clear understanding of the financial impact philanthropy can achieve in India. “£50,000 in the UK is nothing… but in India, it goes a long way,” Ramesh emphasized. Sonal encourages fellow philanthropists to take the first step, no matter how small, while involving younger generations in the process. “Don’t be afraid. Don’t feel like, ‘I don’t know how to do this.’ There’s so much support out there—get support. Making a start is what matters,” she urged.

The Sachdevs are deeply proud of their Indian roots, regularly visiting to connect with communities and witness the impact of their work firsthand. “Most of our wealth will be put into GMSP Foundation, and we are very optimistic about India’s potential,” Ramesh shared. Sonal reinforced this with a call to action: “The diaspora will play a crucial role in supporting grassroots communities and those at the margins. We must do our very best.”

Through GMSP Foundation, the Sachdev family has created a model of philanthropy that honors local wisdom, empowers communities, and ensures resources reach those who need them most. By investing in grassroots leadership and embracing trust-based giving, they demonstrate how thoughtful collaboration can address systemic inequities and uplift marginalized communities. Their journey reflects a steadfast commitment to building a world where equity, inclusion, and opportunity are within everyone’s reach—a vision powered by love, trust, and a shared determination to create lasting change.