CASP (Community Aid and Sponsorship Programme) was founded by Dr. Sharatchandra Gokhale (1925–2013), a visionary social scientist, author, and champion of marginalized communities. Guided by his values of equity, dignity, and justice, CASP has been working for decades to support underprivileged children and families across India.

At CASP, we see children not merely as beneficiaries, but as partners in their journey towards education, self-reliance, and a brighter future.

Our Vision

To build resilient and self-reliant communities by empowering underprivileged children and families, fostering human development rooted in equity, dignity, and justice.

Our Mission

To empower and educate underprivileged children, families, and communities through participation, advocacy, and sustainable development programmes.

Our Approach

CASP works to:

• Enhance educational sponsorships for underprivileged children.

• Empower communities to actively participate in child development.

• Build partnerships for long-term impact.

• Increase awareness about child welfare and community development.

CASP operates through units in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Raigad, and Gujarat, with its Head Office located in Pune, Maharashtra.

Child Sponsorship is a programme that provides educational support to children from economically weaker sections (EWS), helping them continue their education while living with their families. Support may include school fees, educational materials, healthcare assistance, life skills, and community development initiatives.

CASP provides support through three categories:

• Balwadi: 3–6 years

• Sponsorship: 6–21 years or until completion of Class 12, whichever is earlier

• Scholarship: 18 years onwards until completion of higher education, or up to 21 years, whichever is later

Yes. Child Sponsorship creates meaningful and lasting impact. Sponsors receive periodic progress reports and updates, allowing them to become active participants in a child’s development journey. CASP believes sponsorship is not merely financial assistance—it is a relationship built on care, trust, transparency, and accountability.

How does CASP ensure proper use of donations?

CASP follows a robust monitoring process that includes:

• Home and school visits

• Background verification

• Regular tracking of academic progress

• Documentation and reporting

CASP also publishes audited financial statements and annual reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

A sponsored child receives support until completion of education or up to 21 years of age. In addition to educational assistance, CASP promotes holistic development through life skills education, vocational training, healthcare support, and community-based programmes.

CASP strongly believes that children grow best within a family environment. Therefore, children continue to live with their parents, relatives, guardians, or foster families and are never institutionalized.

Children may be referred by schools, parents, community members, sponsors, or CASP staff. A Development Promoter (DP) visits the child’s home and school, conducts an assessment, and submits recommendations before support is approved.

A Development Promoter is CASP’s link with the child, family, and community. The DP:

• Identifies deserving children

• Verifies information through home and school visits

• Maintains regular contact with families

• Tracks educational progress and important life events

Preference is given to:

• Girl children

• Orphans

• Children with disabilities

• Children of single parents

• Children of widows

• Children whose parents have serious medical conditions

• Children from economically vulnerable families

Additional criteria include:

• Age between 3–14 years at enrolment

• Regular school attendance

• Satisfactory academic progress

• No support from other agencies

• Living with family, relatives, or guardians

Special cases may be considered based on individual circumstances.

Yes. Sponsorship may end if:

• The child completes education or reaches the age limit

• The child discontinues studies

• The family’s economic condition significantly improves

• The child gains employment

• The child is unwilling to continue

Yes. CASP may extend support in exceptional cases, especially if:

• The child has strong academic performance

• Discontinuing support would interrupt education

• A girl child is completing higher education

• The family remains economically vulnerable

Sponsors receive:

• Sponsorship appeals and case histories

• Receipts and acknowledgement letters

• Child progress reports

• Thank-you letters from children

• Updates on achievements and important life events

• Newsletters and annual reports

• Festival and special occasion greetings

CASP welcomes support from:

• Individual donors

• Groups and associations

• Corporate organizations

• Government institutions

• Indian and international donors

• Foundations and agencies

CASP supports:

• General category children

• Children with physical or intellectual disabilities

• Orphans

• Children of leprosy-affected parents

• Children of prison inmates

• Children of seriously ill parents

• Children of single parents

• Other economically vulnerable children

• ₹10,000 per year: Supports one child’s education, healthcare, and life skills development (approximately USD 115).

• ₹1,00,000 per year: Supports ten children and their educational journey.

Donations can also be made in foreign currencies such as USD, AUD, and others, based on prevailing exchange rates.

Additional contributions are used for educational expenses not covered under regular sponsorship. Larger contributions may be invested securely and utilized for future educational needs.

Yes. CASP follows a one-child, one-sponsor approach to maintain a meaningful and transparent relationship.

Yes. Sponsors are welcome to support multiple children.

CASP encourages sponsors to commit for at least 3–5 years, and preferably until the child completes education.

If a sponsor is unable to continue, CASP works to identify another sponsor or provides interim support through its own resources to ensure the child’s education is not interrupted.

Yes. Donations to CASP are eligible for tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, as applicable.

Donations can be made through:

• Online payment gateway

• Net banking

• Debit/Credit cards

• Cheque

• Bank transfer

Yes. CASP provides receipts for all donations. Digital copies can also be shared when required.

Yes. All online payments are processed through secure payment gateways.

CASP maintains strict confidentiality and does not store or share sensitive banking information.

Yes. In compliance with Government of India regulations, passport details may be required for donations received from foreign nationals.

Yes. CASP accepts donations in foreign currencies, subject to applicable regulations and reporting requirements.

Please inform CASP so that donor records can be updated and communication remains uninterrupted.

Yes. The donation receipt issued by CASP serves as proof for claiming tax exemption under Section 80G.

You can reach us through the contact information provided on the website, including email, phone, or by visiting our offices.

Yes. CASP is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and protective environment for every child enrolled in its programmes. We have a comprehensive Child Protection Policy that guides all interactions involving children and safeguards their rights and well-being.

All CASP staff, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and visitors are expected to be aware of and adhere to this policy. Any interaction between sponsors or donors and sponsored children is facilitated and supervised by the CASP team to ensure the child's safety, privacy, and best interests are always protected.

By maintaining these safeguards, CASP ensures that child sponsorship remains a positive, ethical, and secure experience for both children and supporters.