Success
In a world where social inequity often leaves the most vulnerable with limited access to essential resources, Sandeep Singh is on a mission to change lives. As the Founder-President of the Children’s Heart Foundation, Sandeep has dedicated his life to supporting marginalized communities in India through education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. His journey from the corporate world to becoming an influential social entrepreneur is a testament to his passion for social change and his unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.
The Beginning of a Dream
Sandeep Singh’s journey into the nonprofit world was not born out of convenience or mere interest, but a deep-seated passion for making a difference. With over 12 years of corporate experience in the NGO sector, Sandeep understood the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. His rural roots provided him with a firsthand understanding of the struggles faced by these communities, fueling his determination to drive impactful change.
In 2021, with a clear mission to improve the lives of vulnerable populations, Sandeep founded the Children’s Heart Foundation in Virar, Mumbai. Despite being relatively new in the nonprofit space, his approach was grounded in years of experience and a sincere desire to create a better future. The Foundation’s vision was clear: to provide support for marginalized communities in the areas of education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Vision and Mission
Children’s Heart Foundation was established with the intention of filling the gaps left by existing systems. Sandeep envisioned a world where every individual—regardless of their social or economic background—would have access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities for growth and development. He firmly believes that change can happen quickly with the right engagement, collaboration, and resources.
The Foundation operates with a holistic approach, providing sustainable solutions to empower communities. Its unique selling proposition lies in its ability to offer not just immediate relief but long-term empowerment. By combining education, healthcare, and economic support, the Children’s Heart Foundation strives to build a social ecosystem that allows individuals to grow, contribute, and thrive.
Challenges and Struggles
Like many entrepreneurs, Sandeep faced numerous challenges in the early stages of establishing the Foundation. From securing funding to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, the road to success was fraught with obstacles. However, Sandeep’s ability to remain resilient and adaptable helped him overcome these hurdles.
“Funding constraints were one of our biggest struggles,” Sandeep admits. “But I quickly learned to diversify our funding sources and build stronger relationships with donors. The process of engaging people to contribute to our cause required more than just appealing to their sense of generosity—it required showing them the measurable impact of their contributions.”
Alongside funding, talent acquisition also posed a challenge. In the nonprofit sector, recruiting skilled individuals who are aligned with the organization’s mission can be difficult. However, through strategic planning and a commitment to building a cohesive and motivated team, Sandeep was able to overcome this issue and create a workforce that is dedicated to the cause.
Personal challenges also played a significant role in shaping Sandeep’s entrepreneurial journey. Coming from a rural background, he deeply empathized with the struggles of individuals in underserved communities. This empathy, combined with his professional experiences, became the driving force behind the Children’s Heart Foundation’s success.
The Impact
Since its inception in October 2021, Children’s Heart Foundation has made significant strides in improving the livelihoods of marginalized communities. Through its educational programs, the Foundation has provided children from disadvantaged backgrounds with access to quality schooling and resources. Healthcare initiatives have helped improve access to essential medical services, particularly for those living in remote or underserved areas. Furthermore, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to create economic opportunities for individuals, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families.
“Our programs have been life-changing for many,” Sandeep explains. “We believe that by empowering individuals with knowledge, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we can break the generational cycle of poverty and create lasting change.”
The impact of the Foundation’s work is not just limited to the individuals it serves, but also extends to the communities they inhabit. The Foundation’s approach has helped create a ripple effect, improving the overall social ecosystem and laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the Children’s Heart Foundation aims to expand its reach to more marginalized communities, both within India and beyond. Sandeep envisions the Foundation diversifying its programs to address not only social challenges but also environmental ones. By focusing on sustainable development practices, the Foundation hopes to address pressing environmental issues while continuing to deliver support to those in need.
Sandeep’s ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive society, one where everyone has access to opportunities for growth and development. Through constant evaluation and refinement of its programs, the Foundation seeks to ensure that its initiatives remain effective, efficient, and impactful.
Inspiration and Learnings
Sandeep draws much of his inspiration from Ratan Tata, a revered figure in Indian business and philanthropy. Tata’s commitment to giving back to society resonates deeply with Sandeep, especially in the areas of education and healthcare. “Ratan Tata’s generosity and his unwavering support for social causes have always inspired me,” Sandeep says. “He is a true example of how business leaders can use their influence to create a positive social impact.”
As an entrepreneur, Sandeep has learned the importance of staying true to one’s mission, even when faced with setbacks. He has learned that building a successful social enterprise requires a delicate balance between social goals and financial sustainability.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned is that impact-driven work requires perseverance,” he says. “You have to stay focused on the long-term vision while being flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. And most importantly, you have to build trust with your team and the communities you serve.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Sandeep’s advice is clear: “Stay true to your purpose. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, and always be ready to learn from your experiences. The journey is tough, but it is incredibly rewarding when you see the difference you are making in people’s lives.”
He also emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and a clear business plan. “Your team is your most valuable asset, and a strong business plan is essential for sustainability. You must have a vision and be prepared to adjust your approach as needed.”
Recognitions and Awards
Sandeep’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. His work through the Children’s Heart Foundation has earned him numerous accolades, including the Pride of Bharat Award in 2024, the Bharat Business Award in 2024, and the Business and Community Award in 2024. In 2025, he was recognized with the India Brand Icon Award and the Padma Mahan Award, cementing his status as a key figure in the social entrepreneurship space.
The Road Ahead
Sandeep Singh’s journey as a social entrepreneur is far from over. The Children’s Heart Foundation is poised to grow and expand its programs, with plans to serve even more communities in need. With his passion, resilience, and strategic thinking, Sandeep is well on his way to creating a lasting impact on society.
As he looks to the future, Sandeep remains grounded in his mission: to create a more equitable world where every individual has access to the resources they need to thrive. And with his leadership, the Children’s Heart Foundation is undoubtedly on the path to achieving just that.
Through determination, passion, and a steadfast commitment to social change, Sandeep Singh is proving that even in the face of adversity, positive change is not only possible—it is inevitable.
