Background and History
Impact Initiative (IMI) is a national humanitarian and development organization established in 1995 and headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The organization is officially registered with the Social Welfare Ministry and the NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh. For nearly three decades, IMI has been actively addressing humanitarian and development challenges, focusing on marginalized and crisis-affected communities across the country.
Originally founded as Rangdhanu Development Center (RDC), the organization rebranded to Impact Initiative (IMI) in December 2020 following a unanimous decision by its General Board. This transition reflects the organization’s evolving vision, expanded scope of work, and commitment to delivering greater national and global impact while maintaining the same legal identity and registration.
IMI specializes in youth development and implements a wide range of integrated programs, including education, skills development (TVET), livelihoods, WASH, community-based healthcare, food security and nutrition, climate change adaptation, entrepreneurship development, and humanitarian emergency response. The organization has played a significant role in responding to protracted crises, including the Rohingya humanitarian response in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
Driven by a human-centered and community-based approach, IMI designs and implements localized, scalable solutions to reduce poverty and enhance resilience. Its work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), national development priorities, and emerging global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and socio-economic inequalities.
IMI is particularly committed to harnessing Bangladesh’s demographic dividend by empowering youth through skills development, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. The organization also promotes inclusive development by integrating gender equality, disability inclusion, and protection-focused programming, including child protection, labor rights, and elderly care.
The organization is led by a dynamic Executive Body of seven members, including strong female representation, supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in health, social sciences, development management, and technology. IMI has demonstrated strong capacity in project design, grant management, implementation, research, and innovation, ensuring effective service delivery and sustainable impact.
As IMI moves forward, it remains committed to building resilient communities through partnerships, collaboration, and a strong focus on accountability, inclusion, and innovation.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Impact Initiative began its journey in 1995 as Rangdhanu Development Center (RDC), formally registered under the Social Welfare Department. During this foundational period, the organization initiated its first humanitarian interventions, focusing on emergency food assistance, installation of safe water sources such as tube wells, and basic relief support for vulnerable communities. These early efforts established a strong grassroots presence and built trust through responsive, community-centered actions during times of crisis.
Building on its initial humanitarian work, IMI introduced Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and youth skills development programs to address unemployment and economic vulnerability. This phase marked the inclusion of structured livelihood initiatives aimed at improving income opportunities for disadvantaged households. The organization also strengthened community engagement through training and participatory development approaches.
During this period, IMI expanded into the health sector by introducing and strengthening community-based healthcare services. New initiatives included primary healthcare support, health awareness campaigns, and outreach services targeting underserved populations. The organization also supported the establishment and functionality of community clinics, significantly improving access to basic health services and preventive care.
Impact Initiative began its journey in 1995 as Rangdhanu Development Center (RDC), formally registered under the Social Welfare Department. During this foundational period, the organization initiated its first humanitarian interventions, focusing on emergency food assistance, installation of safe water sources such as tube wells, and basic relief support for vulnerable communities. These early efforts established a strong grassroots presence and built trust through responsive, community-centered actions during times of crisis.
Building on its initial humanitarian work, IMI introduced Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and youth skills development programs to address unemployment and economic vulnerability. This phase marked the inclusion of structured livelihood initiatives aimed at improving income opportunities for disadvantaged households. The organization also strengthened community engagement through training and participatory development approaches.
During this period, IMI expanded into the health sector by introducing and strengthening community-based healthcare services. New initiatives included primary healthcare support, health awareness campaigns, and outreach services targeting underserved populations. The organization also supported the establishment and functionality of community clinics, significantly improving access to basic health services and preventive care.
IMI further diversified its programming by scaling up Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in rural and climate-vulnerable areas. At the same time, climate-sensitive livelihood programs were introduced to address the growing impact of environmental challenges. This phase emphasized sustainable resource management, community awareness, and resilience-building through integrated and adaptive approaches.
Responding to emerging large-scale crisis, IMI significantly expanded its humanitarian operations, particularly in the Rohingya response in Cox’s Bazar. The organization strengthened its interventions in food security, nutrition, and women’s empowerment while integrating protection-focused programming. This period also saw enhanced emergency response capacity and institutional growth. In 2020, the organization transitioned from RDC to Impact Initiatives (IMI), reflecting its expanded vision, scope, and long-term commitment to impactful development.
In recent years, IMI has focused on innovation, inclusion, and governance. The organization expanded entrepreneurship development and advanced TVET programs aligned with market demands, while strengthening protection-based initiatives such as child protection, gender inclusion, and labor rights. New program areas—including election observation, civic engagement, and governance—were introduced and scaled. IMI also embraced digital transformation, youth engagement, and community-led innovation, enhancing its relevance in a rapidly changing development landscape.
IMI further diversified its programming by scaling up Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in rural and climate-vulnerable areas. At the same time, climate-sensitive livelihood programs were introduced to address the growing impact of environmental challenges. This phase emphasized sustainable resource management, community awareness, and resilience-building through integrated and adaptive approaches.
Responding to emerging large-scale crisis, IMI significantly expanded its humanitarian operations, particularly in the Rohingya response in Cox’s Bazar. The organization strengthened its interventions in food security, nutrition, and women’s empowerment while integrating protection-focused programming. This period also saw enhanced emergency response capacity and institutional growth. In 2020, the organization transitioned from RDC to Impact Initiatives (IMI), reflecting its expanded vision, scope, and long-term commitment to impactful development.
In recent years, IMI has focused on innovation, inclusion, and governance. The organization expanded entrepreneurship development and advanced TVET programs aligned with market demands, while strengthening protection-based initiatives such as child protection, gender inclusion, and labor rights. New program areas—including election observation, civic engagement, and governance—were introduced and scaled. IMI also embraced digital transformation, youth engagement, and community-led innovation, enhancing its relevance in a rapidly changing development landscape.
Overall Growth Trajectory
From a small community-based initiative established in 1995, Impact Initiative (IMI) has evolved into a nationally recognized humanitarian and development organization. Over the years, it has progressively expanded its thematic focus, geographic reach, and institutional capacity. Through continuous innovation, inclusion, and partnership, IMI remains committed to delivering sustainable solutions and improving the lives of the most vulnerable communities across Bangladesh.
Strategic plan for 2026 – 2030
Impact Initiative (IMI) has developed a Strategic Plan to guide the organization’s priorities, direction, and growth over the next five years. This plan defines our strategic objectives and provides a clear roadmap for delivering impactful and sustainable results. The Strategic Plan serves as a guiding framework for our development and funding partners, investors, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders. It aims to strengthen collaboration, foster meaningful partnerships, and enhance collective efforts to achieve greater impact. It also establishes a robust accountability system and outlines mechanisms for effective implementation, monitoring, and achievement of our stated objectives. Through this framework, IMI is committed to ensuring that the sustainability and impact of our programs are systematically measured, reviewed, and continuously improved.