Robb Report Celebrates the Season of Givers this December by Spotlighting India's Most Influential Philanthropists

It’s that time of the year again, Christmas, the season of giving, when we’re reminded of the quiet joy that comes from bringing a smile to someone’s face. Yet some individuals embody this generosity all year round. This Christmas, Robb Report India celebrates these extraordinary givers: the philanthropists who pour their heart and soul into uplifting others.

India’s biggest philanthropists often work quietly, but their impact is anything but subtle. From healthcare and education to rural development and large-scale social reforms, these leaders are shaping the country’s future through consistent, long-term giving. The list spans visionaries like the Poonawalla family supporting health and education, Rohini Nilekani driving systemic change, the Bajaj family advancing rural development, and the Hindujas strengthening social welfare. At the top stands the Shiv Nadar family, contributing the highest amount in 2025 and redefining what institutional philanthropy can achieve in India.

Let's take a look at the most philanthropic families and individuals of the country.

1. Shiv Nadar Family

Shiv Nadar and his family are widely respected for their long-standing commitment to education, arts, and culture. Consistently ranked among India’s most generous donors, they drive their giving through the Shiv Nadar Foundation. Guided by the philosophy of “Creative Philanthropy”, the Foundation aims for long-term, high-impact socio-economic transformation.

2. Ambani Family

The Ambani family carries out most of its philanthropic work through the Reliance Foundation, focusing on rural transformation, education, healthcare, disaster response, and sports development. Their approach is holistic and scalable, designed to uplift both urban and rural communities. With a three-part strategy direct engagement, strong partnerships, and the use of technology the Foundation works to build leaders who can guide communities towards a more sustainable future.

3. Bajaj Family

The Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Trust (JKBT), founded by the Bajaj Group, continues the legacy of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj. The Trust works towards sustainable rural development through initiatives in water, agriculture, livelihoods, and education. Deeply inspired by Gandhiji and Acharya Vinoba Bhave, the Foundation promotes self-reliance and sustainability in rural India under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Gaon.

4. Kumar Mangalam Birla Family

Working alongside the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, the Aditya Birla Capital Foundation leads community programmes across healthcare, education, sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and sports. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, these efforts have positively impacted over 5.5 lakh lives so far and earned the National CSR Award for work in the priority area of Sports.

5. Gautam Adani and Family

The Adani Foundation focuses on strategic social investments that create long-term, sustainable outcomes. Its work empowers children, women, youth, and marginalised communities through education, health and nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, community development, and climate action. Operating across 7,071 villages in 22 states, the Foundation’s work aligns with national priorities and global SDGs, positively impacting 9.6 million people.

6. Nandan Nilekani

Nilekani Philanthropies is driven by a belief that a good society is shaped not by the state or markets alone, but by a strong, active Samaaj, our societal communities. Their work centres on ecosystem building and social initiatives, encouraging collaboration between Samaaj, Sarkaar, and Bazaar so each can do what it does best. This collective strength helps create resilience in the face of complex and evolving challenges.

7. Hinduja Family

The Hindujas draw deeply from India’s rich tradition of service and philanthropy. Guided by the founding principle of giving back, Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja set aside a major part of his personal wealth for the welfare of those in need. Today, the family continues to grow that initiative and focus primarily on healthcare and social welfare.

8. Rohini Nilekani

Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies focuses on social causes and systemic change. Their belief is simple: using data as a public good and building informed, data-driven narratives can strengthen society. Their approach emphasizes using "risk capital" to fund innovative, long-term, and scalable solutions that address root causes of social issues, with a strong belief in trust-based collaborations and the use of technology for public good.

9. Sudhir Mehta and Samir Mehta

The UNM Foundation, named after Shri U.N. Mehta, founder of the Torrent Group, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to community healthcare, education, arts and culture, and ecology. Its initiatives, which is now taken forward by his sons Sudhir and Samir Mehta aims to create lasting and meaningful improvements in society through sustained social and philanthropic efforts.

10. Poonawalla Family (Adar and Cyrus Poonawalla)

The Villoo Poonawalla Charitable Foundation works primarily in health and education. Over the past eight years, it has made quality healthcare more affordable for low-income families and educated over 49,000 students through its schools. The Foundation also prioritises sanitation and cleanliness, aiming to improve overall quality of life in the communities it serves.