Call for Proposals: Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation by SBI Foundation (India)

The SBI Foundation invites Indian non-profits to apply under SBIF CONSERW: Jaldhara for projects focused on aquatic ecosystem conservation, including waterbody rejuvenation, spring shed management, riverbank protection, and rainwater harvesting. Funding ranges from INR 0.50 crore to INR 4.50 crore for 2–3 year projects, with eligibility criteria emphasizing experience, revenue, and technical expertise.

About SBIF CONSERW: Jaldhara

SBIF CONSERW: Jaldhara is an initiative by the SBI Foundation to conserve and restore aquatic ecosystems across India. The program targets water-scarce and water-stressed regions, aiming to protect, rejuvenate, and sustainably manage rivers, lakes, and other waterbodies.

Focus Areas

Waterbody rejuvenation and restoration
Spring shed management
River and riverbank protection
Rainwater harvesting
Projects should integrate conservation, protection, and restoration approaches to ensure long-term ecological sustainability.

Funding Details

Grant range: INR 0.50 crore – INR 4.50 crore
Project duration: 2–3 years
Revenue requirements:
- For funding between INR 50 lakh – 1 crore: minimum cumulative revenue of INR 2 crore over the last three financial years
- For funding above INR 1 crore: minimum cumulative revenue of INR 5 crore over the last three financial years
Submission deadline: 15 April 2026 via email
Query deadline: 31 March 2026

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

Be registered non-profit organizations in India
Have at least 5 years of experience implementing CSR projects in aquatic ecosystem conservation
Maintain a dedicated team of experts, including environmentalists, engineers, hydrologists, and biologists
Demonstrate a proven track record of completing similar projects
Ensure all project activities are executed in-house; subcontracting is not permitted

Scope of Work

Applicants are required to design projects following a structured framework:

Conduct baseline studies and identify project sites
Obtain necessary government approvals
Build partnerships and community engagement
Implement activities to improve water quality, biodiversity, and groundwater recharge using methods such as desilting, bioremediation, and restoring natural hydrological systems
Ensure long-term sustainability through capacity building, institutional partnerships, and community participation

How to Apply

Download RFP documents: Complete all annexures and formats
Prepare project proposal: Include baseline studies, implementation plan, budget, and sustainability strategy
Submit via email: Ensure compliance with RFP guidelines
Follow evaluation criteria: Alignment with conservation framework, clarity, innovation, risk mitigation, monitoring, cost efficiency, and sustainability

Evaluation Criteria

Alignment with SBI Foundation’s conservation framework
Clear and structured implementation plan
Innovation and best practices in ecosystem conservation
Risk mitigation and monitoring strategies
Cost efficiency and sustainability measures
Preference for organizations with strong field presence and proven impact in similar interventions

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Demonstrate technical and scientific expertise of the team
Include community engagement and capacity building strategies
Highlight long-term environmental impact
Provide clear budget justification and cost efficiency
Ensure all RFP guidelines are strictly followed

FAQs

1. Who can apply? Registered non-profits in India with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
2. What is the funding range? INR 0.50 crore – 4.50 crore.
3. What is the project duration? 2–3 years.
4. Can project activities be subcontracted? No, all activities must be implemented by the applicant organization.
5. What are the revenue requirements? INR 2 crore cumulative revenue for grants up to INR 1 crore, INR 5 crore for grants above INR 1 crore, over the last three financial years.
6. When is the proposal submission deadline? 15 April 2026.
7. What evaluation factors are prioritized? Alignment with conservation framework, clarity, innovation, risk mitigation, monitoring, cost efficiency, and sustainability.

Why It Matters

The SBIF CONSERW: Jaldhara initiative supports the restoration and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems in India. By funding waterbody rejuvenation, riverbank protection, and rainwater harvesting projects, it strengthens environmental conservation, supports biodiversity, and addresses water scarcity in vulnerable regions.

Conclusion

The SBI Foundation’s SBIF CONSERW: Jaldhara offers a strategic funding opportunity for experienced non-profits to implement impactful aquatic ecosystem conservation projects. By aligning with the program’s framework, organizations can contribute to sustainable water management, community engagement, and long-term ecological restoration across India.