[10] There are some benefits to an organization that helps young people experience their dreams but there is also a lot of hard work involved.

[1][2] The organization was named after the Emperor Ashoka The Great, the ruler of the Maurya Empire during the 3rd century BC.

[13] Emperor Ashoka recognized the suffering that he had caused by unifying his empire, and he promoted religious and philosophical tolerance and the paramount importance of morality when working for the public.

[16] Each Ashoka fellow receives a financial stipend that they can use to pay for their personal expenses so that they can fully devote their time to the pursuit of their innovative social ideas.

The size of the stipend is decided on a case-by-case basis, according to the cost of living in the entrepreneur's local area.

Ultimately, the Ashoka fellow is expected to convert an innovative solution into a self-sustaining institution.

[24] While Ashoka says it does not petition governments for social change, it provides advice to organizations such as the World Bank when requested.

[25] According to Ashoka, citizen-sector organizations are groups of citizens who care and act to serve others and cause needed change.