Deadline: 27-Jul-2025
Bandhutva (CSO Resilience Grant) is a flagship initiative by the National Foundation for India (NFI) designed to strengthen grassroots civil society organizations (CSOs) focused on social inclusion and institutional growth. The grant aims to enhance organizational sustainability, promote strategic growth, and improve program delivery quality. It primarily supports organizational and capacity building, helping CSOs manage both systems and people effectively while boosting their program impact.
The initiative focuses on building strong CSOs and leadership at the grassroots level, especially those led by individuals or groups working with marginalized communities such as Dalits, Tribals, Adivasis, minority groups, and particularly women. It supports smaller organizations operating with limited financial and non-financial resources but driven by a passion to create an inclusive, value-based society. The program also seeks to create spaces for learning, networking, and mutual growth among organizations to foster a supportive ecosystem.
Grants range from ₹8 to 10 lakhs per CSO per year and can be awarded for up to three years, subject to periodic reviews. The initial agreement covers 12 months. The focus is on CSOs led by and working with marginalized communities in specific regions, including the East and Central states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, as well as the Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
To be eligible, CSOs must be registered as a Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company with valid 12A certification and up-to-date audited financial statements. They should have been operational for at least three years and maintain a strong presence in their communities. Annual turnover must not exceed ₹20 lakhs. Leadership should come from marginalized social groups, with a dedicated team of at least five members, paid or unpaid. The organizations should work among socio-economic groups disadvantaged by gender, sexuality, class, caste, religion, ethnicity, or disability.
For more information, visit NFI.
