$100,000 in Unrestricted Donations: Shah Happiness Foundation Launches Volunteer Excellence Awards
Recognizing South Asian Volunteers Driving Change Across the U.S.
The Shah Happiness Foundation, in collaboration with the American South Asian Network (ASAN), proudly announces the Volunteer Excellence Awards (VEA), a groundbreaking initiative to spotlight and celebrate the invaluable contributions of South Asian volunteers across the United States.
With generous support from the Sarva Mangal Family Trust, the initiative will award $100,000 in unrestricted donations to 40 outstanding nonprofits, each recognizing their most impactful and dedicated South Asian volunteers.
📌 Nominations are now open – apply at volunteerexcellenceawards.com
About the Shah Happiness Foundation & Sarva Mangal Family Trust
The Shah Happiness Foundation, led by Manu and Rika Shah, serves as the philanthropic arm of the Sarva Mangal Family Trust. The Trust has long championed initiatives that drive long-term impact through education, empowerment, and community service.
“Volunteers are the quiet force behind nearly every meaningful movement,” said Manu Shah, founder of the Shah Happiness Foundation. “This initiative is our way of honoring their selfless work and giving nonprofits the freedom to grow their mission through unrestricted funding.”
“Celebrating volunteerism in the South Asian community helps bridge generations,” added Rika Shah, co-founder. “It sends a powerful message to our youth that joy comes not just from achievement, but from giving.”
The American South Asian Network (ASAN): Empowering the Diaspora
American South Asian Network is a national nonprofit organization focused on empowering young South Asians in the U.S. through business growth, civic engagement, community involvement, and cultural celebration.
“There are over 6 million South Asians in the U.S., many of whom quietly make a difference in their neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, and shelters,” said Nitin Bajaj, co-founder of ASAN. “The Volunteer Excellence Awards are our way of ensuring their impact is seen, honored, and amplified.”
“The greatest impact often begins with a single act of kindness,” said Lyra A, co-founder and Youth Director at ASAN. “We’re thrilled to celebrate those who care enough to give their time.”
Why Recognizing South Asian Volunteers Matters
Seva, the spirit of selfless service, is a deep-rooted value in South Asian culture. Yet, many volunteers working across education, healthcare, community development, and civic services remain unseen and unrecognized.
The Volunteer Excellence Awards aim to:
- Elevate powerful stories of service
- Inspire more volunteerism in the South Asian community
- Strengthen the collective impact of South Asians across the U.S.
What the Awards Offer
- $100,000 in total unrestricted donations distributed across 40 nonprofits
- Recognition across diverse age groups and service categories
- National visibility for nonprofits and their volunteer (s)heroes
 Nominate Today
The Volunteer Excellence Awards are more than just recognition, they’re a movement to celebrate service, inspire future generations, and empower nonprofits.
Nonprofits across the country are encouraged to nominate their most impactful South Asian volunteers, whether they are educators, event organizers, front-line workers, or mentors.
Why it matters:
- Volunteers uplift your mission every day, this is your chance to uplift them
- Recognition boosts engagement, morale, and retention
- Winning nonprofits receive flexible funding to further their impact
đź“ť Nominations are now open. Apply today at volunteerexcellenceawards.com
