GRAUS (Gram Unnayan Sangathon) was established in 1998 in Bandarban by a group of committed indigenous leaders and development practitioners who envisioned a society free from poverty, discrimination, and injustice. Founded on the principles of community participation, social inclusion, and sustainable development, GRAUS began its journey to stand alongside the poor and marginalized communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), helping them overcome socio-economic challenges and improve their quality of life.

What started as a small community-based initiative has evolved into one of the leading indigenous people-led development organizations in the CHT. Over the past 25 years, GRAUS has continuously expanded its reach and diversified its interventions to address the changing needs of vulnerable communities. Through strong community engagement and partnerships, the organization has worked across all eleven ethnic communities of the CHT as well as Bengali populations, directly benefiting approximately 100,000 people.

Throughout its history, GRAUS has implemented impactful programs in livelihoods, food security and nutrition, health, education, WASH, climate adaptation, disaster resilience, youth empowerment, gender equality, SRHR, GBV prevention, social cohesion, and natural resource management. The organization has also pioneered multilingual education initiatives and promoted sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation in the region.

Our work is supported by esteemed development partners and donors, including USAID, the European Union (EU), the Embassy of Switzerland, the Embassy of Sweden, AusAID, UK Aid, Comic Relief, Cordaid, and the Nagarikata Civic Engagement Fund (CEF). We have also collaborated with leading international agencies and technical partners such as the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, UNDP, CARE, Save the Children, World Vision, and Helen Keller International to deliver innovative and sustainable development solutions across the region.

 Today, GRAUS is recognized nationally and connected internationally through its registration with the NGO Affairs Bureau and the Department of Social Services, as well as its membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB). Guided by its founding vision and strengthened by decades of experience, GRAUS continues to empower communities and contribute to a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

At GRAUS, we believe lasting change begins with empowered communities. Together with our partners, we continue to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.