named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Merasi Learning Centre
Community-driven school offering free tutoring in English, Math, Hindi, computer skills, financial literacy, and health to Merasi children aged 6–16; established in 2007
Music Merasi
Traditional music instruction program taught by community musicians, meeting six days a week to preserve Merasi musical heritage and instruments
Sammelans - Children’s Meetings
Annual gatherings at Lok Kala Sagar Sansthan where Merasi youth share music, experiences, and build unity; grew from 12 participants in 2014 to 125 in 2025
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Youth Leadership Development Programs 1 activity
- Developing youth leadership and life skills in the Merasi communityProvides a safe learning environment where Merasi youth build leadership, teaching, and life skills through participation in educational and cultural programs, including community-building activities led by youth leaders.
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Traditional & Cultural Performing Arts 1 activity
- Preserving intangible cultural heritage through music educationEngages in the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) music through structured music instruction using heritage-specific instruments and materials, integrated into weekly classes for Merasi youth in Jaisalmer, India.
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After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- Providing free education and cultural preservation programs for Merasi youthOffers community-driven classrooms providing elementary tutoring in English, Math, Hindi, financial literacy, health, and basic computer skills, alongside traditional music instruction through the Merasi Curriculum taught by recognized musicians. The program serves over 850 children aged 6 to 16 across five skill-based levels in Jaisalmer, India.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Building local educational capacity through fellow collaborationsHosted American India Foundation Banyan Impact Fellows who worked with Merasi teachers to co-design activity-based curricula in English, Math, and Hindi, enhancing local teaching methods and materials.
- Expanding community cultural gatherings for Merasi youthOrganizes and sponsors annual Sammelan gatherings at Lok Kala Sagar Sansthan, growing participation from 12 children in 2014 to 125 students in 2025, where youth leaders and Merasi students guide village children in shared music and community-building experiences.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$94K
Contributions & grants$94K100%
Program service revenue——
Investment income$110%
Other revenue$61
expenses
Total expenses$124K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$64K
Grants paid out$42K
balance sheet
Total assets$134K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$120K
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -20.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAREN LUKAS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - TREASURER | 45 | $57K |
board members · 3
- ASHA KHAN MERASI — DIRECTOR
- JEANNE FEENEY — BOARD CHAIR
- SARWAR KHAN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 6
Who they work with
- American India Foundation Partner — Hosts Banyan Impact Fellows at Lok Kala Sagar Sansthan who collaborate with Merasi teachers to develop curricula.
- Lok Kala Sagar Sansthan Partner — Collaborates with Folk Arts Rajasthan to provide education and music preservation programs for the Merasi community in Jaisalmer.
- Lok Kala Sagar Sansthan Partner — Collaborating non-profit organization working with Folk Arts Rajasthan to support the Merasi community.
- Playing For Change Partner — Partners annually through Playing For Change Day, connecting Merasi youth with multicultural musicians to raise funds for music schools.
- Pratham Books Partner — Supports literacy at Merasi School through book donations and participation in All India Read Day, including installation of STEM pocket libraries.
- Waterbridge Outreach Books Partner — Collaborates globally to provide books, clean water, and gender-specific lavatories at Merasi School.
strategies · 2
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Driven Cultural Preservationmethodology: community-drivenBy centering local stakeholders in defining program goals and design, the organization ensures cultural authenticity and community ownership, because programs led by the community are more sustainable and responsive to real needs.
- Culture-Integrated Education for Empowermentmethodology: culture-integrated educationBy embedding cultural and musical heritage into education, the organization strengthens cultural identity and enhances learning outcomes, because culturally relevant curricula increase engagement and empower marginalized communities like the Merasi youth.