Our Impact

At SHDF, we’re rewriting futures. For more than two decades, we have awarded over twelve thousand scholarships, helping economically disadvantaged individuals, their families, and their communities achieve greater stability and a brighter future.

Our Impact By the Numbers

13,000+

Scholarships

30+

Disciplines Studied

Man wearing blue turban, making notes in notebook

75%

Women Recipients

70%

Of our students’ families earn less than $100/month

$5M+

Awarded

65%

From rural areas

Investing in Potential

SHDF makes higher education possible for students striving to overcome vast social and economic obstacles. Read their stories.

Read All Success Stories

Tanjot Kaur

“I suffer from Septic arthritis - an infectious disorder in my left leg. That couldn't stop me from being at the prestigious IIT Madras for my post graduate studies and my dream of becoming a Scientist. Born and raised in a financially challenged family, I had to struggle in my school and college days. My father ran a small rented grocery shop which he discontinued due to ill health. The family lived on small pension of my grandfather who also passed away recently. I managed to get admission in B. Tech (Biotechnology). My uncle guided me to apply for an SHDF scholarship. I scored well and received this scholarship. As one of the SHDF scholarship recipients I wish to tell all the students to remain motivated. Being strong opens up the closed doors of your destiny. I also want to convey my deep gratitude to SHDF and Nishkam for the help they provided me. Without this help, I, Tanjot could never stand in IIT where millions are dreaming to study.“

Jagjit Singh Gill

“I was born in a simple family. My father wasa working in a local hosiery factory. I had a dream to go into a medical profession but looking at my family's crumbling financial situation it did not seem possible. However, life is full of possibilities and so is the support. I took admission in Bachelors of Physiotherapy. In the initial year, my uncle and my father's friends helped me in paying tuition fees but this way of support filled me with self-condemnation. I shared the problem with college professors who guided me to approach Nishkam for an SHDF scholarship. I did that, fulfilled the criteria and got the scholarship. The SHDF scholarship not only assisted me it boosted my morale. I currently work as a Consultant Physiotherapist at Movewell Physiotherapy Clinic and have me own clinic in Ludhiana. I would like to thank SHDF for their support and for building my confidence.“

Ramandeep Kaur

“Ramandeep had dreamed of being an IT professional since her school days. Her family struggled to pay her tuition fees on her father's income from a small snack shop near village Sadia and her mother's tailoring work after she gained admission into a B. Tech program. "I got a notice to pay the fee on time otherwise I couldn't appear for the exam. I was teetering on the brink of collapse. One of my friends shared the SHDF scholarship opportunity and luckily it opened the door of possibility. SHDF Scholarships made my studies affordable, and through this help, I paid the fee on time and appeared for the exam, and scored very well. I was able to complete my graduation and later did and MBA in Information Technology which in turn helped me to teach students in Kendra Vidyalaya in Faridkot. I want to convey big thanks to SHDF and Nishkam for enhancing my career. Without you, it wouldn't be possible"“

Darshan Ram

“"Education has made it possible for me to achieve my dreams and will keep me charged for the future. I am the only postgraduate among my community (potter- Kumhaars) where youth mostly become school dropouts before reaching 10th standard, then indulge in traditional ancestors work.” Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle helped him to apply for the SHDF scholarship and he got the scholarship and passed the Master's degree in Computer Applications with distinction.“

Simran Kaur

“Simran’s father, a lottery seller, had a small stall on rent that hardly yielded any profits. It was a struggle to afford the household and education expenses of his two daughters. His alcoholism led to divorce when Simran was just 8 years old; her maternal uncle raised them both. Simran got admitted in Diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Her uncle found it difficult to bear the rising expenses of education. Her younger sister was also pursuing a Graphic Designing course. Simran discussed the problem with her teacher who guided her to apply for the SHDF scholarship, which she was awarded thrice. Later she went on to complete her B.Tech in ECE from Amritsar College of Engineering & Technology (ACET) and is currently working as a Test Engineer at TestingXperts - a Next Gen Specialist QA & Software Testing Company, Chandigarh. “As one of the SHDF scholarship recipients, I wish to tell all the students who are hardworking and passionate that they can indeed achieve their dreams. I wish all the success in the world to SHDF's deeds and the donors who are playing a significant role in building a better future for many.”“

Sandeep Singh

“His father was a tailor in the village and the family had little to live with. He completed his polytechnic diploma and engineering course successfully with the help of SHDF Scholarships. He was awarded scholarships three times and earned distinctions in each semester. “One day I had seen a scholarship ad in my college's notice board. It was the first stepping stone for my success. I read all the instructions carefully and after finding myself eligible for it, I applied and provided all the necessary documents for the SHDF Scholarship to Nishkam Delhi where they assisted me completely and helped me receive the financial assistance I badly needed then." Sandeep said, "I wanted to pursue my higher studies in such a course which would ensure me a job once I graduate. When I saw my father, a tailor barely able to meet the family needs, I couldn’t help but think of my responsibilities as the eldest son and the desire to help my family as soon as possible.” With the help of the scholarship, a tailor’s son was able to pursue his life's ambition. He is presently working as a Customer Engineer in NCR Corporation India - a leading software- and services-led enterprise provider in the financial, retail and hospitality industries.He said, “SHDF is helping a lot of students with their humanitarian welfare approach, especially those from lower-class families like me. It is very gratifying indeed, supporting our endeavors”.“

Puneet Kumar

“Puneet’s father was earning a very meager income from a small shop, his mother was a teacher in a school and Puneet being the eldest among his siblings was giving tuition classes to children after college hours. After completing his 12th standard Puneet aced the engineering entrance testand got admitted into B. Tech. in Mechanical Engineering course in Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology. He was brilliant in academics and he also earned distinction in engineering exams as well but financialscarcity stood as a road block. The family’s earnings were spent not only on him but on his two younger siblings who were in school. He came to know about SHDF scholarships when one of his friends shared the advertisement and he applied. He was granted the scholarship thrice. Later, he completed his B.Tech course 2011. He is presently Leading Quality Assurance Function in the same firm (L&T) in Oman and also doing MBA in Consultancy Management through Work Integrated Learning Program (WILP) from BITS Pilani. In the future, he would like to be a Management Consultant. Puneet paid off the debt from his parent’s shoulders and helped his younger siblings in supporting their education. He said, “Many are talking about morality….but this selfless help issomething beyond religious and governmental organizations, helping humanity in a true and transparent way which is extraordinary and remarkable”.“

Pooja Sharma

““My name is Pooja Sharma, hailing from Amritsar. My family consists of my parents and two siblings. My father, who runs a small dairy shop in the city, was always worried as he could not make ends meet with his fluctuating monthly income. Even though I wished, I couldn’t support my family financially. While my father helped me pay the college admission fees, I could see the dilemma he was facing while managing everyday expenses along with the education expenses of my siblings. I wished to work and was always dreaming of a top-notch corporate job after my studies. I have been taught that nothing in life comes easy and that it requires hard work to materialize aspirations. I discussed my financial problem with my friend and it was then, that I heard about SHDF Scholarships given through Nishkam. Immediately I applied for the scholarship and cleared all the processes and got the scholarship two times. My merit and aptitude along with your support helped me in getting the scholarship and I completed my studies successfully. I attended a campus interview for Tata Consultancies (TCS) and devoted 8 long years as an Information Technology Analyst. This was the real turning point of my life. Now my parents are really proud of me and I’m literally thrilled. After that, I climbed the ladder of success as a Technical Lead in HCL Technologies and presently working as a Senior Systems Engineer at IBM. This financial aid from SHDF has relieved me from the pressure of dropping out of college, and as a result, I have been able to concentrate on my studies and plan for my future. I am extremely grateful to SHDF for enabling deserving students to access quality education with selfless support.”“

Love Great Singh

“Love Great’s father was a Peon in Jammu and Kashmir government in PahalgamAnantnag. He was earning a very meager salary to support the family of five. Love Great got admission in Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and he was giving tuition classes to earn something. But it was not sufficient to support his expensive education of sixty thousand rupees annually. At the same time, his elder sister was pursuing B.Ed., and younger brother was studying in 12th class. Upon learning about the SHDF Scholarship, he successfully applied for it and completed his engineering degree with distinction. He was placed in The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd as a Trainee Marine Engineer and later enhanced his qualifications and promotions through experience and dedication. He is currently working as a Second Engineer at that firm in Lonavala, Pune. I received the right backing to move ahead.” he shared. “ it was by chance that a friend told me about the scholarship. For me, it seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime which helped in crafting my bread and butter in a field where millions want to get in (Merchant Navy).”Thanks to the support of SHDF and Nishkam I am accessing the opportunities and delivering my best with élan."“

Latashi Bector

““I got stressed and disheartened as my father suffered from a chronic illness, a disease called dissseminated herpes zoster, affecting us both mentally and financially. It was the worst time of my life because my father lost his voice for 3 months and my mom sold her jewelry tocarry out medical expenses.. But we had to move in our lives so I got admitted to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College in Computer Science Engineering and then I came to know about SHDF's scholarship invitation in an advertisement. I studied for it and passed the test. I got a scholarship from them and it definitely helped me a lot to help in those stressful times. I was very happy and my parents were proud. I am very grateful for being able to receive my first scholarship from SHDF. They are supporting students like us and help us in reaching higher levels and achieve greater heights in our lives. Today, I am working in the field of Cyber Security in Security Operations Center (SOC) as an Associate Manager at Virtual Employee Pvt. Ltd. Noida. I feel honored to be connected with such a great foundation and I pray for their long-term success.”“

Kamaljeet Singh Hunjan

“He was just 8 years old and his sister was just 5 years old when they lost their father. This put their family in a very precarious financial condition on their mother’s teaching salary. After completing his schooling, Kamaljeet managed to secure a good score in theengineering entrance exam and gained admission in Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Mechanical Engineering. But his family had no idea how to meet the expenses. Kamaljeet shared the problem with one of the professors in the college and got a direction to apply for the SHDF Scholarship. He fulfilled the requirements, and with the help of the SHDF Scholarship received thrice, he completed his engineering degree. “SHDF has helped so many of us without expecting anything in return. This is the most divine deed.” Kamaljeet expressed. He is currently working as an Engineer in DENSO Haryana Pvt. Ltd, Manesar, Gurgaon and is supporting his sister in her studies.“

Harsimran Singh

““Every time I think of all the hardships faced in my life, I realize that it is the education I received that makes me feel proud of myself and keeps my head held high. I hope that many more like me are recipients of SHDF's scholarships and can look forward to a bright future.” Harsimran lived in a small town in Cheeka, Kaithal (Haryana ) throughout his childhood. His father is a farmer having a small agricultural land of just 2 acres.His family faced a financial crunch when he was pursuing his college studies. He got admission in B.Sc. (Graphics & Animation) at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. The cost of purchasing a laptop and other expensive gadgets as per course requirements was prohibitive. He discussed the problem with his friends and teachers and got to know about the SHDF scholarship. He met all the criteria and got the scholarship twice, and succeeded in his goal to become a videographer and cinematographer.“

Partnering for Impact

Since 1999, SHDF has partnered with Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council to implement our scholarship program in India. Nishkam staff spread awareness and collect applications from qualified students across rural Punjab. SHDF then reviews these applications and allocates need-based scholarships.

Our selected scholars are then able to complete their education and find professional jobs in fields like architecture, engineering, healthcare, information technology and more. By funding Nishkam’s infrastructure and outreach efforts, SHDF scholarships reach those most in need of education access.

Support A Student Annually

A Message of Gratitude

We have had the privilege to play a small role in transforming lives through higher education. None of our impact would have been possible without the generous support of our partners and donors.

To each organization and every individual that has invested in our mission – to each and every one of you, thank you. Whether through a one-time gift or ongoing sponsorship, you have helped to rewrite countless futures. Your generosity is literally life-changing.

We are inspired every day by the resilience and determination of our students and alumni. Your donations have opened doors for them that they never dreamed possible. The extraordinary success stories you now see are a testament to their dedication and your generosity.

Donors Make Our Mission Possible

Give Today

B.R.

California

“Everybody gathered here, has had somebody, at some point in their family, get an education against all odds, and by doing so, changed the trajectory of generations to come…. Those who founded this organization and set out on this journey, have made a huge contribution to society. Scholarships are a fuel to individuals who are already driven, and hence the efficacy to a large extent is guaranteed. However, the level of achievement will depend upon their belief levels…. I posit that people do not perform to a potential, but to a belief level…. In our tradition, Guru Gobind Singh, at a time of incalculable odds and horror, raised the belief level of his followers. He made hawks out of sparrows in spirit…. We must find ways to raise the belief level in recipients so that they aim higher than they would otherwise. In that way, we give them not just the fuel to navigate the immediate constraints, but infuse them with an inexhaustible spirit and liberate their spirits to take flight when life weighs them down…. I am pleased to note that SHDF holds workshops to impart leadership and entrepreneurial skills.”

D.S.

Mississippi

“Thank you for doing such great work for our youth. Education is power.”

N.B.

Illinois

“What a noble cause and a seva much needed.”

G.B.

Maryland

“Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use in Punjab to change families for generations to come.”

D.A.

Toronto

“It gives me great pleasure to be part of this program. I feel fortunate in joining hands with SHDF to fulfill my dream of supporting education for needy children.”

G.B.

Florida

“This is a great program. I grew up in Punjab and I remember the struggle my family had in securing the fees for my studies. Luckily, I had an uncle who helped, and I am eternally grateful to him. I now want to be that ‘Uncle’ to other deserving children.”

S.S.

Washington

“I am so impressed by these scholarships. This is definitely needed in the rural areas and will have a tremendous effect on those families’ lives.”

T.S.G.

Indiana

“I am so happy to be able to help in this effort. Those in need often get ignored since they do not have the resources to push for help. Thank you for thinking of them and for asking me to join in this venture.”

G.S.B.

Virginia

“Having travelled and lived in the rural areas, I have seen poverty directly. This project helps those children who have great potential but are unable to study and achieve their goals due to lack of resources. By supporting these students, we are sowing seeds for many generations.”