Beneficiaries

Founded in Bandarban in 1998, GRAUS (Gram Unnayon Sangathon)- Organization for Rural Socio-economic Development- is a leading ethnic people-led development organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged and underprivileged communities across the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh.

Guided by the principles of inclusion, dignity, and sustainable development, GRAUS works irrespective of race, religion, or ethnicity, with a strong commitment to empowering marginalized ethnic communities.

GRAUS is nationally recognized and internationally connected, registered with the NGO Affairs Bureau and the Department of Social Services of Bangladesh, and is a proud member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, reflecting its strong commitment to environmental sustainability, ethnic community rights, and global collaboration.

With a dynamic ethnic community-led governance structure and a skilled workforce of over 360 gender- and ethnic-sensitive professionals, GRAUS has built strong institutional capacity to design and implement impactful development programs throughout the region. The organization works across all eleven ethnic communities of the CHT alongside Bengali populations, ensuring inclusive, participatory, and culturally responsive development interventions.

Over the years, GRAUS has successfully partnered with renowned national and international organizations including World Food Programme, UNICEF, UNDP, CARE, Save the Children, World Vision, Helen Keller International, and many others to deliver sustainable solutions in livelihood development, food security and nutrition, climate adaptation, disaster resilience, WASH, health care, education, youth empowerment, gender equality, SRHR, GBV prevention, social cohesion, and natural resource management.

GRAUS also possesses strong operational and financial management systems, including software-based monitoring, reporting, and financial controls. With its own warehouse facility and a 50-acre agricultural demonstration farm, the organization is well-equipped to support emergency response, disaster risk reduction, and practical training on sustainable organic agriculture.

At GRAUS, we believe lasting change begins with empowered communities. Through innovation, partnership, and community leadership, we continue to work toward a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Home

GRAUS envisions the remote river ecosystem as a living corridor of resilience, where layered rock formations, lush greenery, and tranquil waters frame community life and sustainable development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

What We Do

Discover how GRAUS drives transformative community development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts through climate‑smart agriculture, maternal and child health, WASH programs, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. We connect vision with action to empower disadvantaged communities and shape a brighter future.

AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION

GRAUS strengthens climate‑resilient farming and nutrition security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts - empowering farmers with innovative methods, diverse crops, and community gardens to boost food production and household well‑being.

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EDUCATION

GRAUS empowers marginalized children with inclusive, multi‑lingual education, safe lodging, and school feeding programs- reducing dropouts and nurturing brighter futures through equity, care, and community‑driven learning.

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Livelihood & Economic Development

GRAUS drives sustainable livelihoods by equipping communities with skills, entrepreneurship, and market access - empowering women, diversifying incomes, and building resilient local economies.

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Health and WASH

GRAUS drives health system strengthening with nutrition, MNCH, and WASH- ensuring safe water, sanitation, and community care through nurses, referral systems, and innovative solutions that reduce disease and build resilient families.

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NRM and Climate Action

GRAUS promotes sustainable NRM and climate action through VCF committees, forest conservation, and climate‑adaptive farming - driving reforestation, resilience, and inclusive leadership to combat environmental degradation and strengthen ecosystems.

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Gender Equity and Women & Youth Empowerment

GRAUS advocates gender equity and youth empowerment through SRHR awareness, GBV prevention, safe spaces, and economic opportunities- empowering women and youth to thrive, lead, and build resilient, inclusive communities.

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DRR and Humanitarian response

GRAUS strengthens disaster resilience and humanitarian response through cash‑for‑work, shelters, tree plantation, and local committees-delivering relief in floods, infestations, and health crises while restoring ecosystems and empowering communities.

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GRAUS' Footprint beyond boundaries