Friends for Education International or FFEI in short was first started as “Ambedkar Scholarships” in 2003 by Benjamin Kaila, California, USA. Ambedkar Scholarships was later renamed as “Friends for Education International”  or FFEI. It is registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit registration in 2008. FFEI is devoted to improving the quality of life for the underprivileged individuals and communities in India and of Indian origin. The inspiration behind FFEI is the philosophy of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.

US Tax exemption: 26-2234981

Popularly known as Babasaheb (meaning revered father), Dr B R Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and the first law minister of Independent India. He was the emancipator of millions of ex-untouchable (or Dalits) who have been suffering under the unique socio-religious exploitative system called caste in India for centuries. He was also a pioneer in making laws to help women, labor, minorities etc. He was an untouchable who educated in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany and received several degrees from London School of Economics, UK, Columbia University, US etc. He was a multifaceted personality with expertise in law, journalism, economics, constitutional making etc. 

The is the inspiration behind FFEI and FFEI is designed to support the underprivileged and other marginalized sections who were denied education, wealth, and dignity of life for centuries under the draconian hierarchal and birth based Caste system.

FFEI executed a wide range of projects since 2003 depending on the funding it got for each of those projects in a specific year. Like any living breathing organization, FFEI is continue to evolve based on the requirements and the funds at its disposal.

Following are some of the programs FFEI executed since 2003.

• Ambedkar Scholarships: Scholarships to brilliant students from underprivileged communities
• Scholarships to students from scavenging families: For caste oppressed individuals and communities through support organizations working in India for their liberation
• Ambedkar Awards: For individuals working on Ambedkarite philosophies for social change
• Ambedkar Microloans: Loans to individuals to set up, stabilize and improve their life
• Ambedkar Abroad loans and scholarships: Supporting students of Indian origin by means of interest free loans, make them a force multiplier for social justice change after they settle 
• Ambedkar Libraries: Providing help to establish libraries in marginalized localities
• Healing Hands: Help to individuals effected by caste related atrocities and for a valid reason
• Institutional Help: Support institutions that help tribals living in remote areas, and orphanages

• FFEI activities are transparent and visible/accessible to anyone interested. It publishes all its activities on its website. FFEI also gives access to the beneficiaries it the donors wanted to have a direct contact with the beneficiary.
• FFEI has been running with volunteers only. Till 2020, it never had a paid employee in its payroll.
• FFEI has no or negligible overhead expenses. Since 2003, its expenses are less than 2% of its total expenditure.
• FFEI is run by the individuals who came from the similar background it intends to serve.

• Students and individuals from all parts of India.
• Indian origin students studying abroad such as the US, Russia, Phillipines, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc
• Students from Nepal.

Historically, FFEI’s overhead costs are less than 2%. 98% of the donated amount will be used for various projects.

Historically, FFEI’s overhead costs are less than 2%. 98% of the donated amount will be used for various projects.

Cheques/checks can be sent to

• USA: Friends for Education International, USA

Address: 2755 Sanborn Ave La Crescenta CA 91214

• Online via our website: https://friendsforeducation.org/. Please contact us if the site has issues  
• India: 

Bank: Corporation Bank, Nampally, Hyderabad

A/C Name: Friends for Education International (India Chapter)

A/C number: 052400101005605

A/C Type: Savings

IFSC Code: CORP0000524

• USA:

Bank: US Bank

A/C Name: Friends for Education International

Account number: 157520132422

Routing number: 122235821

You can reach any or one of the following board members with any questions

• Benjamin P Kaila, USA    [email protected]
• Ganganithi Sivapandian. USA    [email protected]
• Gurbux Singh Bagha, USA     [email protected]
• PVV Rao, India [email protected]

Not at present. Please let us know if you have a potential donor and we will contact him/her.

FFEI wishes to have a pool of volunteers in its mission to help marginalized students and individuals with minimal or no overhead costs.

You can help us in

• Maintaining our website
• Acting as ground-level activists to identify students/individuals in need
• Introducing FFEI to potential donors