Our Work

At Prana, we believe lasting change happens when individuals have the opportunity to thrive and the organizations that serve them are equipped to grow. That’s why we focus on two interconnected areas: strengthening economic opportunities at the grassroots and building up the leaders and systems that make transformation possible.

venn diagram prana

Economic Empowerment

We partner with local organizations to expand grassroots economic opportunities through microenterprise support and creative financial solutions. From small business loans to community-led models that go beyond traditional microfinance, we help individuals build sustainable livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty. Our approach centers on co-creating locally relevant, dignified pathways to economic resilience.

A young entrepreneur proudly represents microfinance success in a vibrant market emphasizing accountability and community support.
cal waterfront workshop.pdf (2000 x 1400 px) - 4

Organizational Empowerment

We strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations and local leaders driving economic and community transformation. Through leadership development, strategic guidance, and operational training, we equip these changemakers to grow their impact and sustain their work for the long term. By walking alongside them, we help unlock their full potential to lead locally rooted, lasting change.

Impact Stories: KS | CSS South Asia 

Three individuals, who appear to be women, are depicted in an outdoor setting, possibly engaged in sewing or textile work. The woman in the center is seated at a traditional sewing machine, actively working on a piece of pink and white fabric. She is wearing a red shawl or garment. To her left, another woman stands, holding up a large piece of maroon and white patterned fabric. She is wearing a red sari with orange and gold accents, and several bangles on her wrists. To the right of the sewing machine, the third woman stands, draped with a similar piece of maroon and white fabric. She is wearing an orange sari with grey and gold details, and a light green long-sleeved garment underneath. The background features a weathered brick structure with wooden window coverings. The scene suggests a rural or semi-rural environment and highlights traditional craftsmanship.

Meet KS (initials used to protect her privacy), an entrepreneur from West Bengal, India. Born into poverty, KS and her husband struggled day after day to make ends meet. Determined to improve their situation, KS used a ₹6,000 microloan (~US$70) to purchase a sewing machine and started a small garment business. 

A second advance of ₹8,000 (~US$95), supported by Prana International, enabled KS to expand her business, hire two workers, increasing her income significantly. 

Today, KS not only supports her family, but also pays for her sons’ education and creates jobs in her community. KS’s story is just one example of the many lives transformed through contributions from Prana.

Highlights of work

Establishing authentic long-term relationships with organisations align with one of Prana’s values of ‘Partnership not patronage’, collaborating as equals while being cognisant of local culture, traditions and the need for dignity.

A Glimpse into our work: 

A group of approximately fifteen individuals of varying ages and genders are gathered outdoors in what appears to be a village or rural setting. They are standing on a dirt or unpaved ground in front of a simple, possibly single-story building with a thatched or tiled roof. A white banner with text, partially obscured, is visible behind some of the people on the left side of the frame. Some individuals are looking towards the camera, while others are looking in different directions or interacting with each other. Their clothing appears to be casual and typical of the local region, with a mix of colors and patterns. The background includes lush green vegetation, suggesting a tropical or semi-tropical climate. The overall impression is that of a community gathering or possibly an event taking place in this village.
A group of approximately ten individuals are gathered in a brightly lit indoor space, seemingly participating in a workshop or presentation. Most of the people are facing a man who is standing and gesturing as if speaking to the group. He is wearing a pink collared shirt and dark pants. The attendees are standing and sitting, casually dressed. Some are looking towards the speaker, while others appear to be listening attentively. The setting includes white walls with several sheets of paper and diagrams affixed to them, suggesting a brainstorming or teaching session. There are also a few red chairs scattered around the room. The overall atmosphere appears to be engaged and interactive.

Impact Stories: EMC South Asia

A classroom or meeting room setting is captured with approximately fifteen individuals seated around several tables, seemingly engaged in a workshop or training session. The room is well-lit with fluorescent ceiling lights and natural light filtering through windows covered with maroon curtains on the right side. The attendees are a mix of adults, and they appear to be reviewing papers or listening to someone who is standing at the front of the room near a whiteboard. The person standing is wearing a light-colored shirt and dark pants and seems to be addressing the group. The tables are arranged to encourage interaction, with people sitting in small groups. Some tables have laptops and projectors, suggesting a presentation or interactive session is taking place. The walls are painted a light color, and there are speakers mounted in the corners of the room. A ceiling fan is visible but not in motion. The overall atmosphere suggests a focused and collaborative learning environment.

Highlights from January 2025 visit:

"I thought there was something wrong with me and I needed to change who I am to be successful, but now I understand we have different leadership styles and it's not only okay but I need to bring more of who I am when I lead and work with others."

- A Participant

A group of approximately ten individuals are gathered in a brightly lit indoor space, seemingly participating in a workshop or presentation. Most of the people are facing a man who is standing and gesturing as if speaking to the group. He is wearing a pink collared shirt and dark pants. The attendees are standing and sitting, casually dressed. Some are looking towards the speaker, while others appear to be listening attentively. The setting includes white walls with several sheets of paper and diagrams affixed to them, suggesting a brainstorming or teaching session. There are also a few red chairs scattered around the room. The overall atmosphere appears to be engaged and interactive.