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From the US to India: Milaap fuels medical crowdfunding
Milaap has positioned itself as a crucial platform for fundraising, allowing families to gather financial support for life-saving treatments like cancer care, organ transplants, and emergency surgeries.
Mayukh Choudhury, Co-Founder of Milaap and Anoj Viswanathan, Co-Founder of Milaap. / Indian Diaspora
India’s healthcare system, where patients and their families bear nearly 70 percent of medical costs, often leaves individuals on the verge of financial collapse. Stepping in as a lifeline is Milaap, one of India's leading crowdfunding platforms, offering hope to those struggling to cover medical expenses.
Founded over 15 years ago by IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus Mayukh Choudhury and Anoj Viswanathan, an alumnus of the National University of Singapore, Milaap enables people to donate as little as 1,000 rupees to support urgent medical treatments and long-term care.
Milaap has so far raised over $185 million (approximately INR 1,490 crores ) in donations, helping over 300,000 patients with contributions from more than 600,000 donors.
Making Donations Easy with DAFPay
"Milaap is committed to making online fundraising as simple, fast, and secure as possible," said co-founder Mayukh Choudhury. With the introduction of DAFPay, the platform provides an easy and efficient way for global supporters to donate. This system, similar to Apple Pay or Google Pay, allows international donors to contribute effortlessly to causes such as medical emergencies, education, and memorials.
DAFPay is particularly beneficial for donors based in the US, providing a streamlined experience for those looking to contribute to Indian causes.
Expanding to the US with Getcopayhelp
Recognizing the burden of medical expenses in the US as well, Milaap launched Getcopayhelp, a service aimed at reducing medication costs for American patients with chronic illnesses. The initiative connects patients with financial assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies and charitable organizations, managing the paperwork and coordination so that patients can focus on their health.
In 2015, Milaap established a registered entity and office in Dallas, Texas, further extending its presence in the US. By partnering with the Asset India Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, Milaap ensures that donations made by US donors are tax-deductible, thereby maximizing their contributions.
Global Recognition and Support
Milaap’s work has attracted support from prominent organizations. The platform has received grants from USAID and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and secured investments from Vinod Khosla's Khosla Ventures through Unitus Seed Fund. These endorsements underscore Milaap’s credibility and commitment to driving social change.
Growing Support from the US and Indian Diaspora
A significant portion of Milaap’s donors comes from the US, accounting for over 28 percent of its contributors. A substantial number of these donors are part of the Indian diaspora, reflecting a strong connection to India and a desire to support causes back home.
Milaap offers US-based individuals the ability to start their own fundraisers or contribute to existing ones, supporting campaigns for rare medical conditions and memorials.
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