We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Avaneesh Potti. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Avaneesh below.
Alright, Avaneesh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
Across all chapters, Hope4Spandana is dedicated to uplifting individuals with mental and physical disabilities, many of whom are overlooked by society. From children with neurological impairments to elderly individuals with mobility challenges and impoverished families struggling to survive, our work focuses on providing education, healthcare, and economic support.
One of the most impactful initiatives of Hope4Spandana has been the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program, where we provide individuals with disabilities the tools to become financially independent. For example, in rural India, Venkateswarlu, a man who had lost both legs to polio, was forced to beg for survival. With Hope4Spandana’s support, he was given the resources to start a poultry farm, which now generates a steady income, allowing him to support his elderly mother and his late brother’s children. This program has changed the lives of over 70 disabled individuals, allowing them to build sustainable livelihoods.
The impact of Hope4Spandana across all chapters includes:
1. Funding four schools for children with mental disabilities
2. Building medical care centers and distributing wheelchairs for elderly individuals who lack mobility
3. Providing PPE and medical kits during COVID-19, reaching over 15,000 people
4. Supplying food and basic necessities to orphanages and underprivileged communities
5. Running entirely on zero administrative costs, ensuring that all funds go directly to the cause
Hope4Spandana operates internationally with chapters across multiple states in the U.S., each working toward the common goal of breaking the stigma around disabilities and providing sustainable solutions for underserved communities.
As the President of PA Hope4Spandana, I have had the privilege of leading a dedicated team that has raised $30,000 over the past two years. While we are part of the larger Hope4Spandana network, our chapter has focused on tangible, high-impact projects that provide direct relief to underserved individuals. Our efforts have specifically gone toward:
1. Installing whiteboards in underprivileged schools in India, giving children access to better educational resources
2. Providing wheelchairs to elderly individuals, such as Swamulu, who had lost one leg in an accident and was left without mobility. With Hope4Spandana’s help, he received a wheelchair, restoring his independence and dignity.
3. Funding orphanages for multiple months, ensuring that children receive proper nutrition and care
4. Building small shops for impoverished individuals, helping them create sustainable sources of income
5. One of the most heartwarming moments came when we provided a wheelchair to Swamulu, who had spent years struggling to move without proper support. Seeing his joy and relief at finally being able to regain mobility reminded us why our work matters.
While Hope4Spandana functions on an international scale, PA Hope4Spandana has been instrumental in funding critical initiatives that bring life-changing support to those in need. Our work reflects the larger Hope4Spandana mission, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or circumstance, has the opportunity to live with dignity and hope.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Avaneesh Potti, and I serve as the President of PA Hope4Spandana, a chapter of Hope4Spandana, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with mental and physical disabilities. I am currently a senior at Downingtown STEM Academy and a starting varsity volleyball player, where I helped co-found and fundraise for the team.
My journey with Hope4Spandana began with a deep realization—many individuals, especially those with disabilities, face systemic neglect and a lack of basic resources. From a young age, I have been driven by a passion for creating tangible change and breaking societal barriers that prevent these individuals from living dignified lives.
I was particularly drawn to Hope4Spandana because of its zero-administrative-cost model, which ensures that 100% of the funds raised go directly toward helping underserved communities. I knew that if I wanted to make a meaningful impact, I needed to be part of an organization that prioritized transparency, efficiency, and direct action.
When I started the PA chapter of Hope4Spandana, there were zero volunteers, no fundraising infrastructure, and no established presence in our community. I saw an opportunity to rally passionate individuals who, like me, wanted to make a difference. Through persistent outreach, community engagement, and strategic event planning, I built PA Hope4Spandana from the ground up.
Today, what started as a one-person effort has grown into a thriving team of over 150 dedicated volunteers. These volunteers have been instrumental in organizing fundraisers, community service events, and outreach programs, allowing us to raise $30,000 over two years and directly improve the lives of hundreds of underserved individuals.
Beyond Hope4Spandana, I have been actively involved in leadership, business, and education through various roles, including:
1. Pennsylvania State President of Hope4Spandana
2. FBLA Region 9 Treasurer and Chapter Reporter
3. Finance Intern at SriLucky Inc.
4. Co-founder of my varsity volleyball team
5. Student teacher/researcher at Penn State
Building PA Hope4Spandana wasn’t easy—there were challenges in securing funding, gaining community trust, and recruiting volunteers who were equally committed to the cause. However, by focusing on our mission and impact, we have created a self-sustaining network of students and community members who are actively working to bring positive change. Today, PA Hope4Spandana is stronger than ever, proving that one idea, combined with a team of passionate individuals, can create an incredible impact.
Hope4Spandana, across all its chapters, focuses on providing education, medical support, and economic empowerment for individuals with disabilities and those living in extreme poverty. We operate by identifying urgent needs in underserved communities and directing funds to address those challenges immediately and effectively.
At PA Hope4Spandana, the chapter I lead, we have raised $30,000 over the past two years, and that funding has gone directly into life-changing initiatives, including:
1. Providing whiteboards in underprivileged schools in India, improving access to quality education for children who lack basic learning materials.
2. Supplying wheelchairs to elderly individuals, like Swamulu, who lost a leg in an accident and had been struggling to move independently for years.
3. Sponsoring orphanages for multiple months, ensuring children receive consistent nutrition and care.
4. Building small shops for impoverished individuals, enabling them to become financially self-sufficient rather than relying on aid.
The beauty of Hope4Spandana is that it doesn’t just provide temporary relief—it creates long-term, sustainable change. Instead of simply offering donations, we provide resources that empower people to rebuild their lives.
Unlike many organizations where a significant portion of funds is spent on overhead costs, Hope4Spandana ensures that every dollar raised goes directly toward the people who need it most. Our work stands out because:
1. We operate with zero administrative costs, meaning 100% of donations directly benefit our projects.
2. We emphasize self-sufficiency over charity, helping individuals become financially independent rather than dependent on ongoing assistance.
3. We engage youth leaders, allowing high school and college students like myself to take an active role in fundraising, project planning, and direct impact initiatives.
This hands-on involvement not only makes our work deeply personal and mission-driven but also inspires the next generation of changemakers.
One of my proudest achievements has been building the PA chapter of Hope4Spandana from the ground up. When I first started, there were zero volunteers, no structure, and no recognition in my community. I reached out to a small group of 10 friends, and together, we started laying the foundation—organizing small fundraisers, spreading awareness, and slowly growing our impact. Over time, through consistent outreach, engagement, and a shared passion for change, PA Hope4Spandana has expanded into a thriving network of over 150 volunteers. Seeing so many people rally around our mission and commit their time to helping others has been incredibly fulfilling.
Another defining moment for me was organizing a 5K run, which became one of our most successful fundraisers. The event brought together students, families, and local businesses, all united around Hope4Spandana’s mission. The fundraiser raised close to $10,000, directly supporting our initiatives to provide education, mobility aids, and financial independence to underserved communities. More than just a fundraiser, the 5K run created a sense of unity, reinforcing that change happens when communities come together for a cause bigger than themselves.
Watching PA Hope4Spandana grow from a small group of friends with a vision into a large-scale movement of volunteers, donors, and advocates has been the most rewarding part of this journey. It proved to me that no effort is too small, and every action contributes to a larger impact.
For anyone who wants to support a cause that guarantees real, measurable impact, Hope4Spandana is that organization. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply spread awareness, every action counts. I also want people to understand that helping underserved communities isn’t just about charity—it’s about giving people the tools to create their own futures.
If there’s one message I want to leave with potential supporters, it’s this: You don’t have to change the world overnight, but you can change someone’s world today.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that passion alone is enough to drive success. When I first started PA Hope4Spandana, I believed that having a strong vision and a deep passion for helping others would be enough to mobilize people, raise funds, and create lasting change. However, I quickly realized that while passion is a powerful motivator, it means nothing without structure, planning, and execution.
This became especially clear during our 5K fundraiser, which was set to be our biggest event yet. We had everything lined up—volunteers, food deliveries, insurance coverage, and rented equipment. But on the morning of the event, it rained. The entire plan we had worked on for months had to be rewritten in a matter of days.
Suddenly, we had to reschedule vendor deliveries, renegotiate insurance coverage, rebook rented equipment, and coordinate with all the participants and volunteers. Without a clear strategy and adaptability, all our hard work could have gone to waste. That’s when I truly understood that without planning, ambition is useless.
This experience forced me to shift my mindset. Drive and passion can set things in motion, but structure, strategy, and problem-solving keep them moving forward. Since then, I’ve approached challenges with a more balanced perspective—ambition fuels action, but execution determines success.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Building a strong base of supporters and donors for PA Hope4Spandana has required a combination of personal connections, strategic outreach, and impactful storytelling. Since our work focuses on real people with real needs, the most effective way to grow our support has been to showcase the direct impact of our initiatives and create genuine, meaningful connections with the community.
One of the key strategies has been leveraging personal networks. When I first started, I reached out to friends, family, and classmates, not just to ask for donations, but to inspire them to be part of something bigger. This approach helped turn casual supporters into dedicated volunteers, and from there, word of mouth expanded our reach.
Another crucial factor has been hosting engaging and community-driven events, like the 5K fundraiser. Rather than simply asking for donations, we created an event where people could actively participate in the cause, making them feel directly involved. This not only helped raise close to $10,000 but also strengthened the bond between Hope4Spandana and the local community.
A key part of our growth has been building strong relationships with corporate sponsors and local businesses. We have been fortunate to receive support from companies that believe in our mission and have helped us expand our reach. Some of our key sponsors include:
Event Sponsors:
RE/MAX Professional Realty
Chugh Financial Services
Velivolu Florida Farms
VRI Realty
Infinitude IT
Alliance Behavioral Health
Philadelphia Telangana Association
Telugu Association of North America (TANA)
Telugu Association of Greater Delaware Valley
North American Telugu Association (NATA)
Mana American Telugu Association (MATA)
Bryn Mawr Running Company
Food Sponsors:
House of Biryanis & Kebabs
Bombay Dhaba Audubon
Swades Groceries
Godavari
Bagel Bistro
MOD Pizza
Panera Bread
Kimberton Whole Foods
Kinnera Indian Cuisine
Wegmans
Wawa
ACME
Concord Bagel & Deli Cafe
Costco Wholesale
Bhavani Food Market
These businesses have supported us by funding our initiatives, donating essential resources, and providing food for our events. Their contributions have been instrumental in amplifying our reach and ensuring that our fundraisers have a tangible, lasting impact.
We’ve also focused on effective digital outreach, using social media, email campaigns, and visually compelling storytelling to share the stories of those we’ve helped. By showing where the money goes and how it changes lives, we’ve been able to build trust and encourage long-term support from donors and volunteers alike.
Ultimately, the most effective way to build a strong base of supporters has been creating a movement that people feel connected to. When people see that their involvement—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word—is making a real difference, they become not just supporters, but ambassadors for our cause.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hope4spandana.org/
- Instagram: @Hope4SpandanaPA
- Facebook: @Hope4Spandana
