GRAUS History and Governance

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GRAUS History & Governance

GRAUS (Gram Unnayaon Sangathon) began its journey in 1998 with a noble vision to stand in solidarity with the poor and marginalized communities. As a people-centered organization, GRAUS aims to build a socio-economically sustainable society where discrimination and injustice are eradicated, no one suffers from hunger, and no life is destroyed by poverty. Through active participation in the GRAUS development process, the organization strives to empower individuals and communities, fostering resilience and promoting inclusivity.

The mission of GRAUS is to improve the standard of living of the poorest and most underprivileged people by enhancing access to diversified food production and consumption, healthcare services, economic opportunities, safe water, and sanitation. By building resilience to disasters and sustainably managing natural resources, GRAUS empowers communities and fosters collaboration among stakeholders to create a thriving and resilient community where every individual can lead a healthy and prosperous life.

Over nearly two and a half decades of relentless efforts, GRAUS has embraced new approaches to support disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, bringing meaningful and lasting changes to their lives. The organization has adapted to changing circumstances, providing timely and essential services, particularly to the poor and marginalized. GRAUS follows a community-focused, people-centered approach, aligning its work with national policies and the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

GRAUS holds legal registration with the NGO Affairs Bureau and the Department of Social Services in Bangladesh, demonstrating its commitment to regulatory compliance. Additionally, GRAUS is an active member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), enhancing its capacity for sustainable development and environmental conservation.

With a focus on community engagement, GRAUS is one of the most dynamic organizations operating in the three hill districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), directly benefiting approximately 100,000 vulnerable individuals. GRAUS has a young, dynamic, and indigenous people-led general board and an experienced executive board that effectively implements development programs. The organization’s geographical coverage spans seven Upazilas in the Bandarban Hill District, with offices in each operational area. GRAUS works with all eleven ethnic groups in the region, in addition to the Bengali population, and is supported by a staff of 360 gender- and ethnic-sensitive professionals.

GRAUS has demonstrated a strong track record of impactful project implementation, leveraging strategic partnerships with local NGOs in the CHT. These collaborations have been essential in addressing regional challenges, such as improving health and nutrition, enhancing livelihoods, promoting education, and conserving natural resources. By combining technical expertise with grassroots knowledge and trust, these partnerships have fostered community ownership and long-term sustainability.

In Rangamati District, GRAUS partnered with organizations like SANGRAI, ASHIKA, and Taungya, while in Bandarban District, collaborations included AKS, BNKS, Tahzingdong, and Kothowain. Together, these partnerships have empowered marginalized populations, enhanced resilience, and fostered lasting change.

GRAUS has a robust financial system, utilizing software-based tools for internal control, database management, and monitoring. It also has an internal auditor and financial management trainer to ensure transparency and accountability. The organization operates an efficient online monitoring and reporting system, while its central warehouse serves as a key resource for disaster relief and risk reduction efforts. GRAUS also manages a 50-acre demonstration plot of fruit orchards and agricultural crops, providing practical lessons on sustainable organic farming.

Since its inception, GRAUS has been committed to supporting underprivileged communities and achieving sustainable development. Over the past 25 years, the organization has successfully implemented initiatives in areas such as community empowerment, livelihood development, healthcare, agriculture, micro-enterprise promotion, nutrition, natural resource management, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), and infrastructure development, including schools and health centers. These achievements have been made possible through strong partnerships with organizations such as the World Food Programme, Helen Keller International, BRAC, CARE, UNICEF, UNDP-CHTDF, United Purpose, Solidarités International, World Fish, UN-FAO, Simavi Netherlands, Manusher Jonno Foundation, NGO Forum for Public Health, Partners in Health and Development (PHD), Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights (BSEHR), the Department of Women’s Affairs, and the Bandarban Hill District Council (BHDC). Gender inclusivity remains a central priority across all of GRAUS’s projects.

Looking to the future, GRAUS emphasizes innovation and transformative approaches to address emerging challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and socio-economic resilience. Drawing on decades of experience and strong partnerships, GRAUS remains dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful change for marginalized communities, helping them break the cycle of poverty, achieve self-reliance, and build a more equitable society through inclusive development initiatives.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

GRAUS

GRAUS is governed by a 21-member General Body that provides overall strategic direction to the organization. This General Body elects a 7-member Executive Committee (EC), which is responsible for establishing policy guidelines and overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations. At the core of this structure is the Member Secretary of the EC, who also serves as the Executive Director. The Executive Director plays a crucial role in guiding the team and staff members to ensure that GRAUS’s activities align with its mission and objectives.

To streamline operations, the Executive Director organizes monthly meetings where all relevant agendas, including issues raised from field operations, are discussed. During these meetings, the Executive Committee engages in decision-making, adopting a two-way communication approach (both bottom-up and top-down). This participatory process ensures that the perspectives of field staff and community members are considered in policy formulation and implementation.

Beyond these monthly meetings, GRAUS holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the end of each financial year, attended by all members of the General Body. During the AGM, the Executive Committee presents a comprehensive review of decisions made throughout the year. Sectoral heads, on behalf of the Executive Director, provide detailed progress reports, highlighting achievements, challenges, and learnings from their respective areas. They also address any questions or concerns raised by the General Body.

A key part of the AGM is the financial review. The annual budget is thoroughly examined, and the proposed budget for the upcoming financial year is discussed and approved by the members. This rigorous process of governance and accountability ensures that GRAUS remains transparent, effective, and aligned with its goal of empowering disadvantaged communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

This governance structure allows GRAUS to maintain a balanced and inclusive decision-making process, ensuring that both strategic oversight and field-level insights drive the organization’s mission to achieve sustainable socio-economic development.

Gram Unnayon Sangathon

GRAUS History & Governance

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

GRAUS

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