About Us

Our Story

About Us

The Dandekar Family set up Raintree Foundation in 2018 with a planetary focus to address the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. The foundation is committed to building sustainable, resilient and thriving ecosystems.

The Raintree Foundation believes in the delicate balance between the health of the planet and the welfare of its people. Through the foundation, the family is dedicated to fostering ecological and economic resilience while enriching nature and humanity.

Our approach is simple yet profound, we take a holistic view of environmental and social challenges by considering the broader ecosystem within specific geographical regions. This approach is not just a strategy, it’s our foundation and our commitment to ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.

We believe that by addressing the interconnectedness of our world, we can create lasting change and a thriving planet for all.

Our Landscape Approach

The Raintree Foundation philosophy for reversing climate change is a sustainable landscape management approach. This is a holistic approach to managing landscapes that aims to improve ecosystem health and biodiversity, while also supporting sustainable economic development and addressing the challenges of climate change.This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems, social systems, and economic systems, and seeks to balance these needs in a way that benefits both people and the environment.

Sustainable landscape management also involves engaging with local communities to ensure that local needs and priorities are taken into account. This can include working with farmers and other land managers to promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, as well as involving local communities in the design and implementation of projects.

Overall, a sustainable landscape management approach to reversing climate change involves a comprehensive and integrated approach that recognizes the complex interconnections between natural ecosystems, social systems, and economic systems.

Our Founders

Leena Dandekar

Founder, Raintree Family Office and Raintree Foundation

Leena Dandekar is the founder of Raintree Family Office and Raintree Foundation. Raintree Foundation is the outcome of the family’s deep-seated passion and commitment to climate action. Their aim is to build climate resilience in vulnerable communities. Leena is committed to driving the vision of “Dignity and Wellbeing for Planet and People.” With a focus on impact investments and catalytic philanthropy to deliver the social impact agenda of the family, Leena set up the Raintree Family Office and the Raintree Foundation

Abha Dandekar

Co-founder, Raintree Family Office and Raintree Foundation

Abha Dandekar is a co-founder at Raintree Family Office and Raintree Foundation. She is involved in the strategic decision-making, spearheads Human Resources and manages the Community Mental Health program at Raintree Foundation.

Vivek Dandekar

Co-founder, Raintree Family Office and Raintree Foundation

Vivek Dandekar, Co-founder at Raintree Family Office and Raintree Foundation, is deeply committed to mental health and environmental issues.

Stories of Change

Biodigesters - Transforming Lives

In a world where sustainability matters more than ever, Raintree Foundation embarked on a mission. India's heavy reliance on traditional biomass for energy, including wood and farm waste, prompted action. The numbers were striking: an estimated 782 million people would rely on traditional biomass by 2030.

Raintree's vision was clear: provide an eco-friendly energy source and improve health by reducing reliance on smoke-inducing cooking stoves.

This initiative involved installing 62 biodigesters across nine villages in Velhe Taluka. These biodigesters harnessed cow dung and organic waste to produce clean biomass energy.

The numbers speak volumes:

62 households benefited, generating 124 kg of clean biomass energy daily.
A remarkable annual reduction of 679.8 kg in emissions across nine villages.
Monthly savings equivalent to 75 trees in firewood.
An impressive 98% compost fertilizer output.
A notable 85% reduction in firewood expenses, saving INR 6458 per family per year.
Approximately 75 trees saved monthly, reducing pressure on biodiversity hotspot forests.
A significant reduction in time spent collecting firewood, freeing up hours for productive activities, as reported by women managing the biodigesters.

Crucially, the project empowered women, who played a pivotal role in managing the biodigesters. Initially burdened with managing smoke-inducing stoves and its health repercussions, they now reported a 15% decrease in eye irritation. Furthermore, time saved from collecting firewood provided opportunities for more productive endeavors.

In conclusion, the Biodigesters Project is about transforming lives, empowering communities, and promoting a sustainable, healthier future. Through this initiative, Raintree Foundation demonstrates the profound impact of innovative, eco-conscious projects on individuals and our shared world.

Inspiring Story of Determination: Sonali Dixit's Journey with Raintree Foundation

In the heart of Raintree Foundation's mission lies the unwavering belief in the power of determination and the potential for transformation, embodied by individuals like Sonali Dixit.

Sonali's journey with Raintree Foundation began in 2021 when she joined as a Community Resource Person . Her path to this point was not without its challenges. Despite facing personal hardships, including the responsibility of caring for a disabled sibling and having to halt her education, Sonali's thirst for knowledge and her resolute spirit guided her towards Raintree Foundation.

Raintree Foundation offered Sonali an opportunity to thrive despite the odds. She found herself in a nurturing environment where her determination could flourish.

The Journey: Sonali’s role as a Community Resource Person encompasses multiple responsibilities – managing 5 women’s groups, 1 village association, 1 farmer group, 6 farm ponds, and 7 biodigesters. Her contributions extend beyond mere numbers; she conducts village-to-village meetings on gender and mental health, effectively connecting with people of all ages.

What sets Sonali apart is her relentless dedication and her innate ability to acquire new skills swiftly. While working in watershed ecology, she has evolved into a specialist, even mastering the delicate task of controlling oxygen levels in water within a short span. Raintree Foundation, with its expert guidance and educational opportunities, has been instrumental in her remarkable growth.

Sonali’s success story is a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless women in the village. She has triumphed over adversity, standing firmly on her own feet, caring for her family, and seizing opportunities that came her way. She exemplifies the profound impact of hard work and determination.

Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the boundless potential of individuals when given the right support and opportunities.

Nasima Shaikh: A Remarkable Journey of Transformation

Nasima Shaikh, once a homemaker in Sakhar Village, transformed into a beacon of resilience and determination through her association with the Raintree Foundation. Encouraged by village elders and her education, she stepped into community engagement, eventually leading her to become a proactive change-maker.

Nasima's journey began with joining the women's self-help group, a crucial step that propelled her into a leadership role within the community. Subsequently offered the position of Community Resource Person (CRP) at the Raintree Foundation, Nasima faced communication challenges initially but received vital training to enhance her skills.

Specializing in "Mental Health and Gender" at Raintree, Nasima faced unique challenges in conveying critical topics within her community due to limited discussions on these matters. Despite the hurdles, her perseverance triumphed, and she effectively educated women and adolescent girls in nine villages on various important subjects.

Today, Nasima dedicates significant time to educating her community and receiving respect and engagement from them. Guided by mentors at the Raintree Foundation, she skillfully balances work, education, and family responsibilities, epitomizing resilience and empowerment.

Nasima Shaikh's remarkable journey symbolizes triumph over adversities and serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring positive change within her community and beyond.

How Farm Ponds are Changing Lives in Velhe

How Farm Ponds are Changing Lives in Velhe However, beneath the serene façade, the lives of farmers like Dnyanoba Phanse have been marked by a constant struggle against water scarcity, leaving their crops and dreams in jeopardy. For three decades, Dnyanoba's only source of income has been farming, but the post-monsoon months proved to be a challenging ordeal. Water scarcity often meant he couldn't cultivate a second crop, limiting his agricultural prospects.

The monsoons in Velhe bring generous rainfall, with an annual average of 2500 mm. However, this abundance is deceptive, as the period after January is characterized by extreme water scarcity. The lack of water availability severely hindered agriculture and livestock, with more than 90% of Kharif paddy fields remaining fallow during the rabbi season. The community was caught in a vicious cycle, struggling to make ends meet as opportunities for livelihoods shrank.

In the face of these dire circumstances, the Raintree Foundation introduced a game-changing initiative known as the "Farm Pond." The primary objective of the farm pond is to ensure secure water availability during the rabbi season, allowing farmers to cultivate a second crop and tend to horticultural crops. This initiative has brought about a transformation that is altering the very landscape of Velhe taluka.

Dnyanoba Phanse's life underwent a remarkable change with the introduction of the farm pond. "In the past, battling with water shortage and scarcity was a huge problem. This farm pond has changed our lives. Now I can water the newly planted 100 mango trees in my farm post the paddy season. I have also started a second business of fisheries in the same farm pond. Fish are growing and have a huge demand in the local market. This has certainly increased my income," Dnyanoba remarked with a smile that mirrored the prosperity he was experiencing.

The farm pond collects rainwater during the monsoon, providing a lifeline during the dry spells that typically plague the region. With the stored water, Dnyanoba has diversified his agricultural endeavors, planting 100 mango trees that are thriving, thanks to the continuous water supply from the farm pond. The additional income from selling these mangoes has made a significant difference in his financial well-being.

Not content with just horticulture, Dnyanoba ventured into fisheries, further enhancing his earnings. The farm pond became a flourishing ecosystem for fish, and Dnyanoba's market-savvy approach has turned this venture into a profitable business. The demand for his locally sourced, fresh fish is growing steadily, and he now contributes to the local market while bolstering his income.

The benefits of farm ponds extend beyond individual success stories. The water stored in these ponds is primarily used for high-value crops and horticulture, making the best use of a precious resource in an area prone to water scarcity. Moreover, the opportunity to engage in fisheries within the same pond provides an additional source of income and employment, offering a glimmer of hope in a region where opportunities were dwindling.

In Velhe Taluka, where the climate is changing, the farm ponds have emerged as a lifeline for agriculture, horticulture, and local livelihoods. Dnyanoba Phanse's journey from water scarcity to prosperity serves as a shining example of the transformative power of innovation and community-driven initiatives. The farm ponds are proving to be more than just a reservoir of water; they are reservoirs of hope, helping to secure a better future for the people of Phanshi village and beyond.

Sandeep Kumbhar and Nilesh Kilake : From Potter to Protector: How Raintree Foundation is Creating Environmental Champions in Velhe

In the picturesque village of Sakhar in Velhe, one might expect the locals to be deeply connected to the land. Sandeep Kumbhar, a potter by profession, certainly is. However, Sandeep is not just any potter; he's a biodiversity protector, and his story is emblematic of a transformative movement led by the Raintree Foundation.

Four years ago, Raintree Foundation embarked on a mission to conserve the environment in Velhe. Their efforts resonated with young individuals like Sandeep, who always harbored a passion for environmental work but never had the chance to explore it. Raintree's environment conservation awareness programs became the bridge that connected Sandeep with his lifelong dream.

Sandeep, who also owns a hardware shop in his village, began attending Raintree's meetings and soon became an active member of the Village Development Committee and Farmer Groups in the area. He found himself at the forefront of the forest fire prevention group, a dedicated team of youngsters working tirelessly to control forest fires in the region.

Nilesh Kilake, another young enthusiast from Sakhar village, shares a similar story. He too had a deep love for the environment but lacked the opportunity to pursue his passion. Raintree's environment initiatives offered him a platform to join the conservation mission. Today, Nilesh serves as a Community Resource Person with Raintree and is a member of the Biodiversity Management Committee formed by the organization to conserve the local biodiversity.

Nilesh's role involves generating awareness about snakes and overall biodiversity among community members. He's become the beloved "dada" (elder brother) of kids in the area, organizing nature trails and birdwatching sessions for local schools. Together, Sandeep and Nilesh represent the grassroots transformation catalyzed by the Raintree Foundation's impactful efforts.