GRAVIS' work focuses on developing self-reliance among rural communities. With a special focus on vulnerable groups of the society, GRAVIS works on empowering the community through innovative approaches and collective efforts. Developing partnerships at all levels to acheive sustained progress plays an important role in GRAVIS' work with the community. Water, food and fodder security, healthcare, education, capacity building and empowering vulnerable groups including women, labourers and elderly are core areas of GRAVIS work.

Because of Thar Desert's historical connection with erratic and insufficient rainfall, drought mitigation remains to be the basic theme of our work. GRAVIS has also responded to newly emerging developmental challenges including climate change, population dynamics and HIV/AIDS, and has responded with new programmes. In all types of work that GRAVIS does, the local community plays an important part in decision making.