Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
SBI Foundation invites proposals from experienced non-profits in India to implement its flagship Gram Seva program for FY 2026–27, focusing on integrated rural development. The initiative supports clusters of five villages through interventions in education, healthcare, livelihoods, women empowerment, digitalisation, WaSH, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, with budgets ranging from INR 3–4 crore over two years.
Overview
The Gram Seva program by SBI Foundation is designed to promote holistic rural development across selected districts in India. The program supports initiatives that foster community participation, socio-economic well-being, and model village clusters.
Key objectives include:
- Improving education, healthcare, and digitalisation
- Enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) facilities
- Promoting livelihood opportunities and women empowerment
- Strengthening rural infrastructure and environmental sustainability
- Supporting community participation and integrated development
The program targets clusters of five neighbouring villages, addressing multiple aspects of rural life in a structured, integrated approach.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a registered non-profit organization or NGO in India
- Have at least 10 years of grassroots experience
- Demonstrate a minimum three-year presence in the proposed state
- Show expertise in at least five thematic areas of rural development, including education, health, sanitation, livelihoods, digitalisation, women empowerment, youth development, infrastructure, or natural resource management
- Submit only one proposal per organization, targeting a single district from the RFP list
Project and Funding Details
- Project Duration: 2 years
- Budget Range: INR 3 crore – INR 4 crore
- Scope: Execution without subcontracting; focus on measurable and sustainable outcomes
- Funding Mechanism: Performance-based disbursement upon submission of financial and activity reports
- Financial Compliance: Dedicated bank account for project transactions required
How to Apply / How It Works
- Proposal Preparation: Align with Gram Seva objectives and cluster-based rural development approach.
- Submission: Provide all required annexures, supporting documents, and ensure the proposal is in English.
- Evaluation: Proposals assessed on:
- Alignment with program objectives
- Clarity of implementation plans and timelines
- Innovation and risk mitigation strategies
- Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
- Cost efficiency and sustainability of outcomes
- Inclusivity, scalability, and measurable impact
- Selection and Funding: Organizations selected based on performance potential; grants disbursed in phased payments tied to reporting.
- Implementation and Reporting: Execute the project per plan, ensure proper documentation, and adhere to compliance and reporting standards.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate experience in multiple rural development themes
- Present a clear, scalable, and inclusive implementation plan
- Highlight alignment with government-supported initiatives
- Include risk management strategies and M&E frameworks
- Provide detailed budgets, timelines, and measurable impact indicators
Why It Matters
The Gram Seva program strengthens rural India by:
- Building model village clusters through integrated development
- Enhancing quality of life and socio-economic opportunities
- Promoting inclusive growth and sustainability
- Creating scalable solutions that can be replicated in other regions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Registered NGOs or non-profits with at least 10 years of grassroots experience and a minimum three-year presence in the proposed state.
2. What is the funding range and project duration?
INR 3 crore – INR 4 crore for a duration of 2 years.
3. Can an organization submit multiple proposals?
No, only one proposal per organization is allowed, targeting a single district.
4. Are partnerships or subcontracting allowed?
No, selected organizations must execute the project independently.
5. How is the funding disbursed?
Funding is performance-based, released periodically upon submission of financial and activity reports.
6. What are the key evaluation criteria?
Alignment with objectives, implementation clarity, innovation, risk management, M&E, cost efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity.
7. Is compliance and reporting mandatory?
Yes, selected organizations must maintain a dedicated bank account and adhere to all regulatory and reporting requirements.
Conclusion
The Gram Seva program by SBI Foundation empowers NGOs to implement integrated rural development projects, fostering holistic community growth, socio-economic well-being, and sustainable village clusters. By funding structured, scalable, and inclusive initiatives, the program strengthens rural India while creating replicable models of development and impact.
For more information, visit SBI Foundation.
