Bengaluru Sustainability Forum’s Small Grant Programme (India)

The Bengaluru Sustainability Forum Small Grants Programme offers up to ₹5 lakh funding for urban sustainability projects in Bengaluru. It supports collaborative, community-driven initiatives focused on climate resilience, water, waste, mobility, and inclusive urban development.

Overview

The Bengaluru Sustainability Forum (BSF) Small Grants Programme supports innovative, collaborative projects that address pressing urban sustainability challenges in Bengaluru.

The programme emphasizes local, practical solutions that improve resilience, sustainability, and equity in rapidly changing urban environments.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen urban sustainability and climate resilience
• Encourage community-led and locally driven solutions
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration
• Support practical, scalable urban innovations
• Align projects with city governance and policy frameworks

Key Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following sectors:

Core Urban Themes

• Urban water management
• Waste management and circular economy
• Urban planning and development
• Sustainable mobility
• Biodiversity conservation
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation

Cross-Cutting Themes

Projects are strongly encouraged to integrate:

• Nature-based solutions
• Public placemaking
• Social justice and equity
• Public health and access
• Reducing inequality and vulnerability

Context: Why This Programme Matters

Bengaluru is currently facing critical urban challenges, including:

• Rising temperatures and extreme heat
• Increased UV exposure and climate variability
• Uncertain rainfall patterns and flood risks
• Biodiversity loss
• Growing pressure on water, housing, and sanitation

The anticipated impacts of El Niño further intensify these risks.

At the same time, the city is transitioning toward new governance structures, creating opportunities for decentralized, participatory, and collaborative urban solutions.

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to ₹5,00,000 (₹5 lakh)
• Project duration: Up to 12 months
• Funding scope includes:
  • Pilot projects
  • Research studies
  • Communication and outreach
  • Documentation and knowledge-sharing

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Eligible Applicants

• Individuals
• Organizations and institutions
• Urban practitioners and researchers

Mandatory Requirements

• At least two collaborators per project
• At least one collaborator must be a registered organization
• Project must be connected to Bengaluru or peri-urban areas

Relevant Fields

Applicants should be working in:

• Urban sustainability
• Climate change
• Water, waste, mobility, or planning
• Biodiversity or environmental management

Preferred Project Characteristics

Projects with the following qualities are prioritized:

• Cross-disciplinary approach
• Strong community engagement
• Practical and implementable solutions
• Scalability and long-term impact
• Alignment with government policies and city initiatives
• Collaboration with local authorities such as city corporations

Types of Supported Projects

Examples include:

• Pilot implementations (e.g., local waste solutions, water systems)
• Data collection and urban research
• Citizen science initiatives
• Workshops and community engagement programmes
• Policy-relevant documentation and reports

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify a Problem
   Choose a clear urban sustainability challenge in Bengaluru
2. Build a Collaborative Team
   Ensure:

• Minimum two collaborators
• One registered organization included

3. Design the Project
   Define:

• Objectives and expected outcomes
• Methodology and implementation plan
• Community engagement strategy
• Scalability potential

4. Align with City Priorities
   Connect your proposal with:

• Existing policies
• Local governance structures
• City-level sustainability initiatives

5. Submit Proposal
   Apply through the official BSF platform (as per their call for proposals)
6. Selection Process
   Projects are evaluated based on impact, feasibility, collaboration, and innovation

Key Tips for Applicants

• Focus on real, local problems with practical solutions
• Demonstrate strong partnerships and collaboration
• Engage communities actively in your project
• Show clear impact and scalability
• Align with Bengaluru’s policy and governance context

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposals without clear local relevance
• Weak collaboration or missing required partners
• Overly theoretical ideas with no implementation plan
• Lack of community involvement
• Ignoring scalability or long-term impact

FAQs

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to ₹5 lakh per project, depending on scope.

2. Who can apply for this grant?

Individuals, organizations, and institutions working on urban sustainability.

3. Is collaboration mandatory?

Yes, each project must include at least two collaborators, including one registered organization.

4. What is the project duration?

Projects can run for up to 12 months.

5. What types of projects are supported?

Pilot projects, research, communication initiatives, and documentation.

6. Do projects need to be based in Bengaluru?

Yes, projects must be connected to Bengaluru or its peri-urban areas.

7. What kind of projects are preferred?

Cross-disciplinary, community-driven, scalable, and policy-aligned projects.

Conclusion

The Bengaluru Sustainability Forum Small Grants Programme is a strategic opportunity to drive impactful, community-centered urban change.

By supporting collaborative and practical solutions, it empowers individuals and organizations to address Bengaluru’s most urgent sustainability challenges while building resilience, equity, and long-term environmental health.