Deadline: 04-Feb-2026
The SBI Foundation Gram Seva Program invites experienced NGOs across India to implement integrated rural development projects in FY 2026–2027. The program supports initiatives in education, health, sanitation, livelihoods, digitalization, women empowerment, infrastructure, and natural resource management, with project budgets ranging from Rs. 3–4 Crore over two years.
Overview of the Gram Seva Program
The Gram Seva Program is a flagship SBI Foundation initiative aimed at driving integrated and sustainable rural development. Targeted at rural communities, the program addresses critical development areas and fosters long-term empowerment, capacity-building, and socio-economic growth in selected villages.
Focus Areas and Objectives
The program prioritizes projects that deliver measurable impact in the following areas:
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Quality Education: Improving access, infrastructure, and learning outcomes in rural schools.
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Primary Health Services: Strengthening rural health facilities and awareness initiatives.
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Safe Drinking Water & Sanitation: Ensuring availability and promoting hygiene practices.
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Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services: Supporting sustainable farming and livestock practices.
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Skill Development & Rural Livelihoods: Enhancing employability, income opportunities, and entrepreneurship.
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Digitalization of Villages: Promoting digital literacy, connectivity, and technology adoption.
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Empowerment of Rural Women: Enhancing social, economic, and educational opportunities for women.
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Youth Development: Encouraging engagement, education, and skill-building for rural youth.
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Improvement of Rural Infrastructure: Strengthening roads, community centers, and basic facilities.
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Natural Resource Management: Promoting sustainable use of water, forests, and other resources.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include experienced NGOs and non-profit organizations with:
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A proven track record and at least 10 years of grassroots experience (preference for more experienced agencies).
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A minimum three-year operational presence in the state proposed for the project.
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Prior work in at least five of the identified rural development themes.
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Capacity to implement large-scale projects in designated village clusters across selected districts.
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Only one application per district; multiple submissions will lead to disqualification.
Project Funding
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Each proposal must have a budget of Rs. 3.00–4.00 Crore for a two-year period.
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Funding is intended to support comprehensive interventions across multiple rural development themes.
How to Apply / How It Works
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Select District: Choose one district where the NGO has sufficient operational presence and experience.
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Prepare Proposal: Include detailed objectives, activities, timelines, expected outcomes, and budget.
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Demonstrate Experience: Highlight prior work in rural development, including coverage of at least five focus areas.
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Submit Application: Follow SBI Foundation’s official submission guidelines and deadlines.
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Evaluation and Selection: Proposals are assessed based on experience, impact potential, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives.
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Grant Award and Implementation: Selected NGOs implement the Gram Seva program in designated village clusters, delivering measurable community impact over two years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals for more than one district.
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Not meeting the minimum grassroots experience or state presence requirements.
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Proposing projects without coverage of at least five priority themes.
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Failing to provide sufficient evidence of prior project success.
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Ignoring budget guidelines or project timelines.
Why This Program Matters
The Gram Seva Program empowers experienced NGOs to:
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Implement holistic, multi-sector rural development initiatives.
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Promote education, health, livelihoods, and sustainable infrastructure.
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Strengthen women and youth empowerment in rural communities.
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Foster sustainable use of natural resources and environmental resilience.
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Create measurable social and economic impact in targeted districts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Gram Seva program? Experienced NGOs and non-profit organizations with at least 10 years of grassroots work and a three-year presence in the project state.
2. Can an NGO submit proposals for multiple districts? No, only one district application per agency is allowed.
3. What is the project budget range? Rs. 3.00–4.00 Crore for a two-year project period.
4. Which focus areas are supported? Education, health, sanitation, livelihoods, digitalization, women empowerment, youth development, rural infrastructure, and natural resource management.
5. How is experience evaluated? NGOs must have prior work covering at least five of the identified rural development themes.
6. How are proposals assessed? Based on experience, feasibility, alignment with program objectives, and potential impact.
7. What is the program duration? Two years for each approved project.
Conclusion
The SBI Foundation Gram Seva Program offers experienced NGOs a significant opportunity to implement comprehensive, integrated rural development projects. By supporting education, health, livelihoods, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives, the program fosters sustainable growth, community empowerment, and measurable social impact across rural India.
For more information, visit SBI Foundation.