Funding Opportunities for NGOs in India

Supporting Local NGOs for Sustainable Community Development

Our commitment to India focuses on empowering small NGOs working with the most vulnerable communities in priority regions. We believe that sustainable change begins with the communities themselves, and we seek to fund organizations that place people at the heart of development, fostering solutions that drive systemic change and reduce inequality.

Objectives of the Fund

The strategic aims of our funding initiative are to:

• Promote community-centric development programs led by NGOs.
• Enable communities to take charge of their progress and enhance their quality of life.
• Support systemic changes through development funding.
• Strengthen the capacity of organizations and individuals facilitating these efforts.

Who Can Apply?

We fund local Indian NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Eligible organizations should:

• Work directly with communities to develop and implement sustainable solutions.
• Focus on long-term improvements in community well-being.
• Collaborate with local governance structures, such as panchayats (rural) and municipalities (urban).
• Consider environmental sustainability in their programs.
• Promote gender equality and inclusivity.

Areas of Focus

Our funding prioritizes organizations working with vulnerable communities, including but not limited to:

• Communities with limited access to education and healthcare.
• Dalit communities engaged in hazardous occupations.
• Persons with disabilities, particularly children.
• Families living in extreme poverty.
• Tribal communities struggling for land and resources.
• Women-led initiatives aiming to drive sustainable change.

Geographic Priority Areas

We support initiatives in central and eastern India, particularly in:

• Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
• Specific regions in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, including:
  • Mewar and Hadoti (Rajasthan)
  • Bundelkhand (Northern Madhya Pradesh & Southern Uttar Pradesh)
  • The Dangs (Gujarat)
  • Telangana (Northern Andhra Pradesh)
  • Vidarbha (Maharashtra)

What We Do Not Fund

We are unable to support:

• Non-Indian organizations or branches of foreign NGOs.
• Organizations without FCRA registration.
• Political or religious institutions.
• Applications submitted through consultants or fundraising intermediaries.

How to Apply

Our funding applications are open throughout the year. We do not issue specific calls for proposals.

Micro-Level Funding

This category supports small to medium NGOs with a direct implementation role in communities. Eligible organizations:

• Have a field presence in the targeted region.
• Operate on an annual budget of less than Rs 1.5 crore (~£150,000 GBP).
• Work within the priority geographic areas outlined above.
• Account for 70–80% of our total funding allocation.

Application Process:

1. Submit a written application through our online portal.
2. Applications are reviewed twice a year, in March and October.

Meso- & Macro-Level Funding

This funding supports organizations that:

• Operate at a broader scale and consolidate learning from multiple micro-level initiatives.
• Advocate for policy changes and improved implementation.
• Enhance the capacity of smaller NGOs to create a larger ecosystem impact.
• May be located outside the designated priority areas.
• Receive 10–15% of total funding.

Application Process:

1. Request an enquiry call to discuss project suitability.
2. Submit a written application.
3. Applications undergo a review before the final decision.

If your organization aligns with our mission and priorities, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our vision for sustainable development.