Tanya Pinto
Everyday Hero Award
Marketing Research Education Foundation
WinnerView recognitionAbout Baal Dan
One promise became a global network of care.
Baal Dan means "donation to children" in Hindi. Since 2005, our volunteers have connected donors with trusted organizations caring for children who are too often missed by larger systems.
Founder & president
Tanya Pinto
Tanya is a research and AI strategy leader, humanitarian storyteller and nonprofit founder whose career spans advertising, global field communications and human-centered technology at Microsoft.
"The cycle of poverty was broken in one generation in my own family, all because an orphan had a chance to have an education."
She founded Baal Dan after taking a three-month sabbatical in 2005 to volunteer at Mother Teresa's Shishu Bhavan orphanage and Kalighat home for the dying in Kolkata, India. She made the journey in honor of her grandfather, Ramesh Gupta, who was orphaned, received an education and went on to win a Filmfare Award.
While continuing her professional career, Tanya built Baal Dan as an entirely volunteer-run charity. What began as a personal promise grew into nearly $2 million raised and food, education, care and essential infrastructure reaching over 14,000 children across 14 countries.
Recognition & honors
Service recognized over time.
These honors recognize Tanya Pinto's humanitarian leadership and Baal Dan's commitment to transparent, direct support for children.
Baal Dan Charities
Silver Seal of Transparency
Candid
EarnedTanya Pinto
Award for Leaders of Excellence
National Association of Asian American Professionals, DFW
NomineeTanya Pinto
John Curtin Medal
Curtin University
Winner for humanitarian leadership and youngest recipient at the timeView recognitionTanya Pinto
Woman of the Year Award
Harvard Women's Empowerment Conference (WECAN)
WinnerTanya Pinto
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Award for Uplifting Human Values
WinnerSelected public recognition
Ideas shared on respected platforms.
What guides us
Care before scale.
We believe a child's first needs are fundamental rights: safety, shelter, nutritious food, clean water, medical care and education.
Directness
Resources should reach children through people who understand their lives and communities.
Dignity
Children are never fundraising props. Their safety, routine and privacy come first.
Stewardship
Focused grants, regular reporting and volunteer leadership keep overhead consistently low.
Local strength
The goal is to build the capacity of community organizations, not replace them.
Our people
Entirely volunteer-run.
Board members, advisors, contributors and volunteers donate their time and are not monetarily compensated by the charity.
Governing board
Provides fiduciary oversight and votes on annual grants.
Special advisors
Offer expertise in programs, regions and nonprofit stewardship.
Volunteers
Support research, audits, events, communication and operations.
Donor voices
Why people give to Baal Dan.
“Tanya and the volunteers who are part of Baal Dan have done such amazing things. Others should learn from the efficiencies she has built over the years.”
“Everything about your charity begins with you following a path to help so many children in just the right way. You make small things big.”