AVI USA Auroville Notes
October 2026
Notes from three weeks of conversations with our project partners in Auroville.
- When
- October 4–22, 2026
- Who
- Matthew Binah and Alex
- Partners met
- More than 20
Between October 4 and 22, Matthew Binah and Alex met with more than twenty Auroville partners. Most conversations focused on fundraising strategy, supporting project reporting, and upcoming applications.
Here is what is new with some of the projects you support.
MorningStar
The new Birthing Center is nearly finished. Once the remaining interior work is complete, the space will open for education and for welcoming new births.
Sadhana Forest
Sadhana Forest continues to welcome volunteers from around the world to participate in ecological restoration, vegan and substance free living, and explorations of how to live with zero waste. Having lunch with the volunteers, it’s evident that they are inspired, cared for, and developing eco-conservation and forestry skills. Sadhana Forest is also moving into the third year of the Pulaha Fellowship, welcoming two new fellows.
Visiting Greenbelt Services.
Greenbelt Services
AVI USA recently sent funds to Greenbelt Services to fence and protect a piece of land in the northern Greenbelt. Before, it was mostly barren, and people were driving through it and using it as a place to hang out and drink. On our visit, we saw new living fences, bunds, water catchment, and holes dug and filled with compost. Now that the rains have begun, the holes are being planted with local indigenous trees.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are now led by a new and innovative core group. Marie oversees the Herbarium and education, Nasim the kitchen, Manju and others the consulting work, and Rishi the books and the gardens as a whole. We shared strategies for building relationships with the many people who visit and follow the Gardens.
Auro Orchard
Looking forward to the December Matching Campaign, Auro Orchard will raise funds to turn its main structure, until now used as a dormitory, into a learning center for workshops and education programs. The farm can become self-sustaining within the next few years, once the existing infrastructure is updated.
EcoFemme
EcoFemme is rebuilding its ambassador network. The team of young Tamil women leaders is building teams, sharing the work and moving things forward.
Savitri Bhavan
Savitri Bhavan is finding creative ways to share its large collection of content on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and to build a community of followers. It is also preparing a water-harvesting infrastructure project. Savitri Bhavan also graciously hosted the AVI USA partner gathering.
The AVI USA partner gathering at Savitri Bhavan.
ESF
From April 1, ESF will combine its sub-projects, including Reach for the Stars, Kids Care, Valarchi and Malarchi, into a single fund. It will support Auroville young people going to college, and school and college fees for children in outreach schools.
Horse to Human
Mirrabelle and Horse to Human are entering a new chapter. She is widening the project’s scope to reflect how it really works: a service open to everyone, where fees are suggested contributions and every gift supports the project as a whole.
Aurokiya
Aurokiya has applied for CSR funding for a mobile eye care van, and has a new space at Arka for eye yoga and related activities.
YouthLink
We encouraged YouthLink to welcome young people from outside Auroville looking for a gap-year experience, helping them find housing, internships and connections.
Fertile East Farm
Giri is preparing the farm’s December Matching Campaign, reaching out to friends and supporters in November and December.
Pitchandikulam, Matrimandir and AV Consulting
We also visited longtime partner Pitchandikulam, which collaborates on forest and ecology work with many Indian NGOs and Chennai municipal bodies. With Matrimandir we coordinated ongoing fundraisers and fundraising skills, and with AV Consulting we planned for sponsors and supporters.
Looking ahead
AVI USA is planning a 9-month business coaching program for partners, led by Rajiv, covering budgeting, planning and leadership. Partners will be invited to apply to join the first group.
Your gifts help our partners grow, adapt and plan ahead. Gifts through AVI USA are tax-deductible in the US.
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