By IANS

Washington : In commemoration of India's 60th birthday, United Way International (UWI), a global network of non-profit organisations operating in 45 countries, has announced the launch of United Way Friends of India programme in several Indian cities.

With a grant of $250,000 from Barry Griswell, CEO of Principal Financial Group, UWI is to generate resources in North America from non-resident Indians, businesses and other sources to add more United Ways across India.

Cities of Ahmadabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Chennai, Hubli-Dharwad, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa, New Delhi and Pune have been identified to begin this work.

UWI has set up United Way India Fund to invite and encourage multinational corporations, non-resident Indians and all individuals interested in the welfare of Indian citizens, to contribute to the Fund, a UWI announcement said.

US-India Business Council, representing over 250 of the largest US companies investing in India, has applauded UWI, a new corporate member, for expanding their philanthropy in India and encouraged its members to consider supporting their in-country activities.

United Way, with its community building expertise, will make an ideal philanthropic partner for concerned multinational corporations and individuals and provide them a viable opportunity to impact critical human issues in India, UWI said.

To-date, the United Way India Fund has received funds from The Deshpande Foundation, FedEx, LG, Murthy Law Firm, Principal Financial Group and The Sunil and Nita Wadhwani Foundation.

Through United Way, citizens of India and local communities will receive greater organised support, it said. The United Ways will be able to play a significant role in shaping the local philanthropic landscape across India by leveraging United Way reputation, network of relationships and expertise to empower the voluntary sector and build civil society that delivers impact.

Strong United Ways in India will bring together all sectors of local communities to address problems. They will ensure consistent brand experience in accountability to donors, volunteer leadership and promotion of giving and volunteering, UWI said.

The local United Ways together in India will serve as a national network that can collaborate on problems common to all areas of India or to respond to disasters, it said.