The first project launched by SARTHI in the area was on the issue of drinking water and reviving rural industries. Between 1980-1985 it worked with the support of local community and donors like Durabji Tata trust & OXFAM India. After SARTHI was registered as an independent organisation in Oct. 1985, support was received from the HIVOS (Netherlands). Other donors included Save the Children Fund (United Kingdom) and Canadian Hunger Foundation (CHF), SDC (Inter Cooperation), in the area of health, education and integrated rural development projects etc. SARTHI has also received funds from the Central & State Government as well as CAPART (Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology) for drinking water and TRYSEM (Training of Rural Youth for Self-Employment) for wasteland development. It has also collaborated with various NGOs and networks, within as well outside the state, in its efforts to have sustainable livelihood systems for the target groups. Since the past years SARTHI is funded mainly by the MACARTHER Foundation and the FORD Foundation for women’s empowerment and reproductive health. In addition, SWASHAKTI project is funding projects for women’s economic empowerment and rights. At present SARTHI is funded by ACTIONAID, UK as a major funding agency.

SARTHI liaised with various NGO’s and networks towards furthering its cause of empowering women and men through access to, and control over, resources. Over the years it has joined hands with the following organizations and networks for its varied and dynamic interventions:

Organizations

Networks

SARTHI received the Commendation for exemplary work for drought relief done during 1985-87 from the Government of Gujarat. In 1997, it received Commendation for Biogas Programme from the CHF & AFPRO. The Government of Gujarat recognizes SARTHI as an important partner for many programs such as Joint Forest Management, Women’s Development, Integrated Population and Development Programme. SARTHI is a member of: RMK (Rashtriya Mehila Kosh), CAPART, Governing Body of Panchmahals District Rural Development Authority (DRDA) & District Watershed Advisory Committee, District Mahila Suraksha Committee, District Implementation Committee, District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) Committee on Education, State level Working Committee of Forest Department, State Level Committee of Women Economic Development Corporation and National Association of Water Resources Development Agencies. SARTHI is also working as a Technology Resource Center supported by CAPART.