Deadline: 25-Apr-26
The SBI Sammaan Rural Development Grant by SBI Foundation supports non-profit organizations in India to implement impactful village-level development projects. Grants of up to ₹1.50 Crore per project are available for a 1-year implementation period, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, livelihoods, and sustainable community initiatives. The program prioritizes measurable outcomes, innovation, and scalable interventions that strengthen rural communities.
Overview of the SBI Sammaan Project
The SBI Sammaan Project, under the umbrella of SBI Foundation, aims to enhance socio-economic conditions in rural India through strategic partnerships with experienced non-profit organizations. Its focus is on strengthening village infrastructure and services, including:
- Upgrading schools, anganwadis, and health centers
- Providing essential facilities such as drinking water, solar street lighting, and sanitation
- Supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihoods, disability inclusion, and environment
The program emphasizes sustainable, scalable, and innovative interventions that create long-term benefits for rural communities.
Funding Details
- Maximum Grant Amount: ₹1.50 Crore per project location
- Duration: 1 year
- Disbursement: Quarterly or half-yearly, based on satisfactory performance and report submission
- Financial Management:
- Dedicated SBI bank account required for project funds
- Proper financial reporting and regulatory compliance mandatory
- Unutilized funds must be refunded at the end of the financial year
Who is Eligible?
Eligible organizations must:
- Be a non-profit organization registered in India
- Have at least 10 years of operational experience
- Possess a strong presence in the proposed project state
- Demonstrate prior experience in integrated village development or similar projects
- Maintain an in-house project implementation team
Preference is given to:
- Agencies with prior multi-sector rural development experience
- Projects that are inclusive, collaborative with government agencies, and replicable across regions
Why It Matters
The SBI Sammaan project addresses critical rural development challenges by:
- Improving basic infrastructure and public services
- Enhancing educational and health outcomes
- Supporting sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship
- Promoting environmental sustainability through clean energy and water initiatives
- Empowering communities with measurable social and economic impact
How to Apply / How it Works
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Confirm Eligibility: Verify your organization meets the 10-year minimum and has relevant experience
- Select Project Location: Submit a proposal for only one project location
- Develop Project Proposal: Include:
- Clear implementation plan
- Defined outcomes and success metrics
- Innovative approaches and risk mitigation strategies
- Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
- Sustainability and exit strategy
- Financial Planning: Provide a detailed budget in INR with clear fund allocation
- Submit Proposal: Follow all guidelines in the RFP document
- Evaluation: Proposals are assessed based on quality, innovation, experience, and scalability
- Grant Disbursement: Funds released quarterly or half-yearly upon performance review
- Reporting and Compliance: Submit progress reports, financial statements, and ensure adherence to regulations
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes:
- Submitting multiple proposals for different locations
- Incomplete financial breakdowns
- Lack of measurable outcomes or monitoring plan
- Ignoring sustainability or scalability components
- Insufficient demonstration of prior experience
Tips for a Strong Application:
- Clearly define project objectives and deliverables
- Include community participation and government collaboration
- Provide evidence of organizational capacity and prior impact
- Present a practical exit strategy and long-term sustainability plan
- Ensure compliance with financial and regulatory requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum funding per project?
Up to ₹1.50 Crore for a single project location over a 1-year period.
2. Can an organization submit proposals for multiple locations?
No, only one proposal per project location is allowed.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
Non-profit organizations in India with at least 10 years of experience and a strong presence in the project state.
4. How is funding disbursed?
Quarterly or half-yearly, based on satisfactory performance and reporting.
5. Are individuals or for-profit organizations eligible?
No, only non-profit organizations meeting the eligibility criteria can apply.
6. What are the key focus areas of the project?
Rural development, healthcare, education, livelihoods/entrepreneurship, disability inclusion, environment, and village infrastructure.
7. What factors are considered in selection?
Proposal quality, innovation, scalability, sustainability, organizational experience, and ability to deliver measurable outcomes.
Conclusion
The SBI Sammaan Rural Development Grant provides a structured and impactful opportunity for experienced non-profits to strengthen rural infrastructure and services across India. By focusing on measurable outcomes, innovation, and sustainability, the program empowers communities, improves livelihoods, and fosters long-term socio-economic growth.
For more information, visit SBI Foundation.
