Khalis Foundation

What Khalis Foundation does

Khalis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2000 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, that develops and distributes free technology products to the global Sikh community. Its mission is to share Sikhi teachings through digital media, with a stated focus on engaging Sikh youth and supporting Gurbani (Sikh scripture) access worldwide. The foundation operates eight mobile apps across iOS, Android, and Amazon app stores (including Sundar Gutka, SikhiToTheMax, My First Gutka, Amrit Keertan, Baal Bodh, Learn Larivaar, Maryada, and MyPothi), cross-platform desktop software (Windows, macOS, Linux), and multiple websites (SikhiToTheMax.org, SikhRoots.com, Sikhism101, Keertan.net, Vidhia, Larivaar.com). All products are unified by BaniDB, described as the largest and most accurate Gurbani database in the world, which is exposed via API to third-party developers.

The technology stack centers on the BaniDB content layer (with a Python wrapper, BaniDB.py, for developer integration), Chromecast wireless display, Facebook/YouTube Bani Overlay for live streaming, and Google Assistant voice integration for hands-free Gurbani access. SikhiToTheMax is positioned as the world's most popular Gurbani presentation software for Gurdwaras, while Sundar Gutka has surpassed 10 million downloads and reports 150,000 daily active users. The codebase is open source and hosted on GitHub, and the foundation operates a Khalis Incubator developer program and annual hackathons to grow the Sikh tech talent pipeline. Additional non-digital programs include a Course Catalog, a Food Pantry in California, and a Homework Help Program launched during COVID-19.

The business model is charitable rather than commercial: all apps and websites are provided free of charge, and the foundation is funded by donations from the Sikh community, with monthly recurring contributions encouraged (starting at $10) and matched-donation campaigns run through the Dasvandh Network. A secondary revenue stream is a US-only online store selling Sikh-themed children's books. Operating costs are reported at approximately $4,000 USD per year minimum to maintain apps across platforms, consistent with a lean organization of 1-10 staff (with only CTO and Software Engineer as paid technical hires) supported by a global volunteer network spanning North America, Europe, and South Asia.

Name

Khalis Foundation

Legal name

Khalis Foundation

Website

https://khalisfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Khalis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2000 that develops free mobile apps, desktop software, and websites for the global Sikh community to access Gurbani, with its BaniDB API and SikhiToTheMax presentation software serving Gurdwaras and individual users worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Milpitas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a registered 501c3 non-profit organization (EIN: 46-2938976), Khalis Foundation relies on donations from the Sikh community worldwide. Monthly recurring donations are encouraged, with Dasvandh Network matching donations during specific campaigns.
2. E-commerce / Book Sales: Online store selling Sikh-themed books including 'Prem Singh's Day' and 'Goodnight Guru'. Available to US residents only.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Khalis Foundation develops and distributes free, multi-platform mobile applications and websites that give the global Sikh community access to Gurbani (Sikh scripture) with translations, transliterations, and educational content. Its core portfolio includes eight apps (Sundar Gutka, SikhiToTheMax, My First Gutka, Amrit Keertan, Baal Bodh, Learn Larivaar, Maryada, MyPothi) and supporting websites, all powered by the proprietary BaniDB API — the world's largest Gurbani database. The foundation also publishes children's books and operates community service programs such as a homework help initiative and food pantry.

Product overview

Khalis Foundation offers a comprehensive digital ecosystem for Sikh education and worship, centered around multi-platform Gurbani applications and websites. The core portfolio includes eight mobile apps (My First Gutka, Amrit Keertan, Sundar Gutka, SikhiToTheMax, Baal Bodh, Learn Larivaar, Maryada, MyPothi) and multiple websites (SikhiToTheMax.org, SikhRoots.com, Sikhism101, Keertan.net, Vidhia, Learn Larivaar website). All products are powered by BaniDB, described as the largest and most accurate Gurbani database in the world. The foundation also provides educational courses through its Course Catalog and community services including a Food Pantry and Homework Help Program. SikhiToTheMax is the flagship presentation software used in Gurdwaras worldwide for projector displays, while Sundar Gutka has achieved over 10 million downloads with 150,000 daily active users.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SikhiToTheMax: World's most popular Gurbani presentation software for desktop and mobile, used in Gurdwaras worldwide for projecting Sikh scripture with translations.
• Sundar Gutka
• Amrit Keertan
• My First Gutka
• BaniDB API

Products and services

• My First Gutka The first-ever Gutka app for kids that uses vibrant colors to display Gurbani and helps children learn how to read and sing their Nitnem with built-in musical versions of Baanis. Available on iOS and Android.
• Amrit Keertan Collection of Shabads from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee and other Sikh scriptures, most commonly sung in Sikh congregations. Popular with professional Sikh Kirtanis worldwide. Available on iOS and Android.
• Sundar Gutka Contains daily and extended Sikh Prayers known as Nitnem. Over 10 million downloads with 150,000 daily active users. Available on iOS, Android, and Amazon Appstore.
• SikhiToTheMax World's most popular Gurbani presentation software for Gurdwaras. Available as a cross-platform app (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile app. Features first-letter search, Gurmukhi keyboard, multiple scripture sources, themes, Larivaar support, Chromecast wireless display, and Bani Overlay for social media streaming. Powered by BaniDB.
• Baal Bodh Teaches Punjabi to children using simple flash cards with great artwork and sound. Available on iOS and Android.
• Learn Larivaar Helps users learn to read Gurbani in Larivaar Saroop (without spaces) by toggling between assisted and unassisted views to identify where Shabads are separated. Available on iOS and Android.
• Maryada Sikh Rehat Maryada code of conduct app available in both Gurmukhi (Punjabi) and English versions. Available on iOS and Android.
• MyPothi

Quantifiable outcome

• Sundar Gutka has over 10 million downloads and 150,000 daily active users
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Khalsa Foundation (UK)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2014Strategic partnership with UK-based Khalsa Foundation. Khalis Foundation provides technical infrastructure and development support. Khalsa Foundation provides fiscal sponsorship for UK and Europe-based Khalis Foundation projects. Organizations work together to expand services for the Sikh community internationally.
• Sikh24 News InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2014Strategic partnership with Sikh24 News International. Khalis Foundation provides technical infrastructure, development support, and fiscal sponsorship for gurmat education and media. Sikh24 is a growing online outlet of Sikh news and editorials.
• Dasvandh NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDasvandh Network runs a matching donation program featuring Khalis Foundation projects during specific campaign periods (November 8-16). Donations made through DVN are matched and directed to Khalis Foundation.
• SHARE Charity UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSHARE Charity UK and their sevadars worked on SikhiToTheMax project for years before Khalis Foundation took over. Thanked for their hard work and dedication to the project.
• BaniDB AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaniDB alliance has helped make SikhiToTheMax and other apps the most powerful and accurate Gurbani resources. The alliance works to strive for one true and correct source of Gurbani available to all apps via APIs and shared databases.
• Shabad Open Source AlliancecoreTechnology or IntegrationOrganizations including original Shabad OS app team and Shabad Open Source Alliance joined together with Khalis Foundation to deliver SikhiToTheMax and work toward unified Gurbani database.
• Sacramento Valley Charter SchoolminorOthersKhalis Foundation provided technology consulting to the first Punjabi public school in the US. Volunteers helped standardize computer lab, install software, and provided over 40 hours of assistance.
• Accredited Teachers and TutorsminorOthersVolunteer-based homework assistance program bringing together accredited K-12 school teachers, tutors, and volunteers to offer free virtual homework help during COVID-19 pandemic.
• World Sikh ParliamentminorOthersPartnered to distribute COVID-19 resources in Punjabi and English for the Sikh elder community through 8-part video series.
• North American Sikh Medical and Dental AssociationminorOthersPartner providing official Gurdwara recommendations for COVID-19 prevention in English and Punjabi.
• United SikhsminorOthersPartner providing COVID-19 safety information and resources for Sikh communities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Khalsa Foundation: UK-based partner organization serving the global Sikh community through technology and education initiatives. Directly comparable as a Sikh-focused non-profit operating in adjacent geographies with overlapping mission and tools.
• Sikh24 News International: Sikh media outlet that partners with Khalis Foundation for technical infrastructure. Comparable as a Sikh-focused digital media platform serving overlapping audiences with content and community programs.
• Basics of Sikhi: Sikh educational non-profit producing digital content (YouTube, courses) aimed at Sikh youth. Directly comparable in mission, audience, and digital-first delivery model.
• Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI): Sikh educational and research organization producing structured curricula and courses. Comparable as a Sikh non-profit leveraging digital channels for education.
• World Sikh Parliament: Global Sikh advocacy and community organization that has partnered with Khalis on COVID-19 outreach. Comparable as a Sikh non-profit operating internationally with a digital community footprint.
• United Sikhs: International Sikh non-profit focused on humanitarian aid, education, and advocacy. Has partnered with Khalis on community health initiatives and serves overlapping global Sikh audiences.
• Shabad Open Source Alliance: Open-source community aligned with Khalis to maintain a unified Gurbani database. Directly comparable as a Sikh technology open-source effort with overlapping contributors and codebase.

Broad incumbents

• YouVersion (Bible App): The most-downloaded Bible app globally. Comparable as a category-leading, donation-funded, multi-platform religious text and devotional app serving a global faith community at scale.
• Muslim Pro: Leading global Islamic app with Quran, prayer times, and Athan features. Comparable as a multi-platform religious utility app for a specific faith community, distributed via app stores globally.

Emerging players

• Hallow: Catholic prayer and meditation app with venture backing. Comparable as a faith-tech product targeting daily devotional practice via mobile, though operating in a different faith vertical.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/khalisfound
• Facebookfacebook.com/KhalisFoundation
• GitHubgithub.com/KhalisFoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Khalis Foundation