ICA was founded in 1968 with the mission to support sustainable development in India by partnering with dedicated activists and non-governmental organizations. Since its inception, ICA has disbursed $4.5 million to over 300 innovative, community-based projects in 23 Indian states in the areas of health, education, microfinance and integrated rural development. In addition, ICA has facilitated the incubation and growth of like-minded organizations in the Bay Area such as Asha for Education and the Foundation for Excellence. In 2010, ICA created the Ambassador program to facilitate the travelers to India to serve the local non-government-organizations during their visit.