TEAM Aid and Global Indian Diaspora Foundation Announce Partnership to Support Community Members in Times of Distress
Chicago-based GIDF joins TEAM Aid in a working partnership to bring timely help, guidance, and compassion to families facing their most difficult moments.
TEAM Aid is pleased to announce a working partnership with the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF), a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening ties between the Indian diaspora, the United States, and India. Together, the two organizations will work to serve community members in their moments of distress, when a sudden loss, emergency, or crisis leaves families far from home needing guidance and support.
For many in the Indian diaspora, the hardest moments come unexpectedly. The unexpected death of a loved one or a medical emergency can leave families facing unfamiliar procedures, complex documentation, and urgent decisions, often while grieving and often across continents. TEAM Aid was founded to stand with families at exactly these times, coordinating the repatriation of remains and related services so no family has to navigate that path alone.
This partnership brings together TEAM Aid’s hands-on experience in crisis coordination with GIDF’s broad network of community organizations, professionals, businesses, and civic institutions. The goal is simple: when distress strikes, help should be easier to find, faster to reach, and better coordinated.
About the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation
Guided by the motto “Connecting Cultures, Empowering Trade,” GIDF works to strengthen the relationship between the Indian diaspora, the United States, and India through community engagement, cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and strategic partnerships. The Foundation envisions the diaspora as a catalyst for stronger U.S.–India relations, inclusive growth, and a more interconnected global community.
Its priorities include promoting people-to-people connections between the two nations; facilitating partnerships in trade, investment, and entrepreneurship; celebrating India’s cultural heritage while fostering inclusion and civic participation; connecting government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and businesses through public–private partnerships; elevating diaspora voices through community leadership; and encouraging innovation and sustainable development.
As a convening platform, GIDF brings together stakeholders across government, business, culture, and civil society, translating shared interests into practical collaborations with measurable community benefits. Headquartered in Chicago, it is well positioned to connect India’s global diaspora with the Midwest’s civic institutions and community networks.
GIDF is led by Rakesh Malhotra, President and Founder; Abhi Raina, General Secretary and Co-Founder; Chetan Notaria, Director of Community Outreach; and Binnie Saini, Marketing Director.
Why This Partnership Matters
Community is at the heart of both organizations. GIDF’s mission is to bring people and institutions together to strengthen communities and expand opportunities across the United States, India, and the global diaspora. TEAM Aid’s mission is to make sure no family stands alone when tragedy strikes.
Through this partnership, TEAM Aid and GIDF will work together to raise awareness of the support available during emergencies, connect families in distress with the right people and resources more quickly, and extend TEAM Aid’s reach across Chicago and the wider Midwest.
Cultural celebrations, business collaboration, and civic engagement all build community, but moments of loss and hardship test its true meaning. By joining hands, TEAM Aid and GIDF commit to meeting that test together.
Shared Values, Shared Purpose
GIDF is guided by the core values of inclusivity, collaboration, integrity, excellence, and community, which closely align with TEAM Aid’s commitment to compassionate, transparent, and dependable service.
“Every family that reaches out to us is facing one of the hardest days of their lives,” said Mohan, Founder and President of TEAM Aid. “Partnering with GIDF strengthens our ability to respond quickly and connect families with the support they need. We are grateful to Rakesh Malhotra and the GIDF team for their commitment to serving our community not only in times of celebration but also in times of need.”
“Global Indian Diaspora Foundation NFP would be pleased to collaborate with Team Aid and serve as an extended arm in Illinois. We strongly believe in supporting meaningful, impact-driven initiatives that create lasting value for the community,” said Rakesh Malhotra, President & Founder, GIDF
Looking Ahead
TEAM Aid and GIDF look forward to working closely together and sharing updates as the partnership grows. Community members, organizations, and volunteers who wish to support this work are encouraged to reach out to either organization.
If you or someone you know is facing an emergency or the loss of a loved one, please contact TEAM Aid through www.teamaid.org. You do not have to face it alone.
