AAK was established in 1968 as a Registered Society in Allahabad in 1968. The initial years were devoted towards undertaking research on problems facing the rural India. However, AAK decided that direct developmental interventions were also necessary and focused its energy towards building capacities of people, preparing them to play a more active role in the management of public resources and institutions as well as in local government. This institutional commitment was adopted since the early 1990s and continues to this day. While the initial focus was the tribal area of South Mirzapur and other contiguous areas, AAK also sought to respond to issues in the city of its birth, Allahabad, by initiating work with the urban homeless, migrant workers and the rickshaw pullers, among the most vulnerable sections of urban society.
AAK is a registered Society with registration with the Income Tax authorities under Section 12 A and 80 C of the Income Tax Act. AAK is also registered under FCRA allowing it to receive foreign contributions. AAK has office in Allahabad city as well as in the Hallia Block of Mirzapur district.