Philanthropic Partners – The Lit Gala

Our Approach

How Partners
Are Selected

Each year, The Lit Gala aligns with a charitable partner whose work embodies the spirit of Diwali, light over darkness, and hope over hardship. Organizations considered for partnership demonstrate the potential to create meaningful, sustainable change in communities where support is needed the most. This approach reflects a shared commitment to compassion, empowerment, and the belief that strong families and communities build a stronger world.

The selection process is guided by three central pillars: community impact, measurable outcomes, and cultural alignment.

Community Impact

The ability to create a ripple effect, where support transforms not just individuals, but entire families and communities.

Measurable Outcomes

The ability to demonstrate clear, transparent, and verifiable impact, with every dollar raised tied to measurable outcomes and accountability to donors remaining central throughout.

Cultural Alignment

A shared connection to South Asian communities and the spirit of Diwali: generosity, renewal, and collectively uplifting communities.

$295,409+ Raised · 2023–2025

2026 Partner

Save a Family Plan

SAFP — Save a Family Plan

The Lit Gala is proud to announce Save a Family Plan as its official 2026 charity partner. Founded in India in 1965, SAFP is dedicated to helping impoverished families achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency, breaking the cycle of poverty through empowerment, sustainable housing, and community development.

Through this partnership, the Lit Gala aims to amplify awareness of Save a Family Plan's mission and directly fund programs that transform lives.

The Lit Gala will leverage both of SAFP's Family Development and Community Development Programs to create a philanthropy program focused on sustainability through empowerment and housing-related projects.

Tax Receipts Available: Donations made through The Lit Gala to Save a Family Plan may be eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Please contact us at info@thelitgala.com for details.

Visit SAFP Website Make a Donation

Sustainable Homes

Safe housing provides the foundation for families to pursue education, employment, and a healthy lifestyle, breaking the poverty cycle at its root.

Solar Panels

Rooftop solar systems bring electricity so parents can work and children can study after dark, with exterior lighting for family safety.

Family Development

Families gain skills to start small businesses and earn sustainable income for financial independence, with access to local resources and community support.

Sanitation

Toilets built within the home's compound safeguard families from dangers of distant facilities, with education in safe hygiene practices that save lives.

Biogas

Clean-burning biogas for year-round cooking, a much safer option than open fires that create serious health and safety risks for families.

Community Development

Field staff connect families to local resources, teach health and hygiene, and offer opportunities for meaningful community engagement.

Impact to Date

Three Years of
Lasting Change

Each charity we support creates ripple effects far beyond the immediate donation, transforming families, communities, and futures.

2023 · Year I · Inaugural

The Mariam Society

$60,409

The inaugural Lit Gala raised $60,409 for The Mariam Society, funding education for an astounding 180 girls in rural India, achieving 90% of Mariam Society's ambitious goal to educate 200 girls by 2024. Each girl supported represents not just an education, but a shift in vulnerability to opportunity, opening doors to new futures for entire families.

180 girls' education funded · Rural India

Learn about The Mariam Society →

2024 · Year II · Toronto Star Feature

Handi-Care International

$105,000

The Second Annual Lit Gala raised $105,000 for Handi-Care International, a non-profit dedicated to empowering children with disabilities in rural India. Funds raised directly supported programs enabling children with physical and developmental disabilities to access education, therapy, and community resources.

Empowering children with disabilities · Rural India

Learn about Handi-Care International →

2025 · Year III · Record-Breaking

H2O4ALL

$130,000

The Third Annual Lit Gala broke all records, raising $130,000 for H2O4ALL and facilitating the charity's inaugural entry into India. Every dollar raised is bringing clean, safe water to communities in need, transforming lives one drop at a time.

Clean water for 10,000+ people · India · Record-breaking year

Learn about H2O4ALL →

In Their Words

From Our Charity Partners

The Mariam Society was honoured to be selected for the inaugural LIT Gala in 2023. Reimagining Diwali through a contemporary lens, Toronto's Indo-Canadian community curated a signature evening that united hundreds in celebration while harnessing that collective energy to drive meaningful change. It was deeply moving to witness an event that not only celebrated cultural heritage, but also stood as a powerful expression of purpose in action. Surpassing all expectations, it generated transformative support for girls' education in rural India, shifting vulnerability into opportunity, and opening doors to new futures. The LIT Gala stands as a testament to what is possible when culture, community, and change-makers come together, delivering elegance with impact.

The Mariam Society

2023 Charity Partner

When H2O4ALL was chosen as the beneficiary of the LIT Gala fundraising initiative, we were thrilled by the opportunity to expand our safe water projects to India. The LIT team demonstrated incredible energy and creativity in securing additional donations beyond ticket sales, maximizing the impact of the event. Their professionalism and dedication were reflected in every aspect of the gala — a truly spectacular event and an unforgettable experience. The final amount raised far exceeded our expectations, enabling H2O4ALL to deliver even more safe water projects than we had originally envisioned. It has been a privilege to work alongside the LIT Gala team, and thanks to their efforts, thousands of people in India now have access to safe water and healthier lives.

H2O4ALL

2025 Charity Partner

Make a Difference

Every Dollar
Transforms a Life

Can't attend the gala? No problem. Donations are still welcome and go directly to Save a Family Plan, funding programs that create lasting change for families in India. To make an impact, donate now!

Donate Now

$50

Provides clean cooking fuel for one family for a month

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$150

Funds sanitation facilities for a family of four

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$500

Installs a rooftop solar system for one household

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$2,500

Funds a family's complete development program