Deadline: 30-Apr-25
SBI Foundation has announced a Request for Applications (RFAs) to invite potential grantees with a proven track record to implement projects in the thematic area of Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystem in water stressed regions of India for a period of 2-3 years starting from FY 2025-26.
SBI Foundation’s Environment & Sustainability vertical SBIF CONSERW – ‘Conservation Through Sustainable Engagements, Restoration and Wildlife Protection’ intends to engage Non-Profit Organisations registered in India for funding projects in the thematic area of ‘Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystem’ in water stressed regions of India.
Focus Areas
The proposed project under SBIF CONSERW should be in the thematic area of Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation in water stressed regions of India. The focus of the project should be on conservation, protection and rejuvenation of waterbodies. The proposed project will include interventions focused on Waterbody Rejuvenation, Spring shed Management, River and Riverbank Protection, and Rainwater Harvesting.
Thematic Area: Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation
- The following framework needs to be followed while preparing the project implementation plan:
- Baseline / study – Conduct baseline study of the potential restoration sites.
- Identification and finalization of location – Finalization of area for the restoration activities. The restoration area will encompass Watersheds, Lakes, Ponds, Wetlands, Backwaters, Estuaries, Urban Waterbodies, Springs, Rivers Streams, and Floodplains.
- Government approvals – Obtain necessary approvals from government and local authorities for restoration activities.
- Partnership and Liaison – To establish partnerships for knowledge sharing with active players or government organizations working for the restoration of aquatic ecosystem.
- Community mobilization activities – Constitution of community-based institution and awareness sessions to keep the restored aquatic ecosystem sustained.
- Implementation – Waterbody rejuvenation focuses on aquatic ecosystems by improving water quality, biodiversity, and storage capacity. Techniques include desilting, bioremediation, rainwater harvesting, and restoring natural hydrological pathways to enhance the recharge in groundwater and ecological balance.
- Other activities – Other activities included scoping study in other geographies, mid line or end line study of the project, livelihood activities etc.
Funding Information
- SBI Foundation hereby invites proposals seeking funding under SBIF CONSERW: JALDHARA. The budget for a proposal should be in the range of Rs.0.50 Cr.to Rs. 4.50 Cr. for a support period ranging from 2 to 3 years. Multiple submissions will be disqualified.
- For project proposals between 50 Lakhs to Rs. 1.00 Cr, the cumulative CSR revenue of the organization for the last 3 financial years (2021-22, 2022-23, 2023- 24), should be a minimum of Rs. 2.00 Cr.
- For project proposals above Rs. 1.00 Cr, the cumulative CSR revenue of the organization for the last 3 financial years (2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24), should be a minimum of Rs. 5.00 Cr.
Geographical Locations
- Pan Indian (Preferably drought-prone regions in India which include areas in Maharashtra (Marathwada and Vidarbha), Andhra Pradesh (Rayalaseema and coastal areas), Telangana, parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and West Bengal)
Eligibility Criteria
- The Agency should be a non-profit organization/trust/society registered in India.
- Proposals should be submitted in English language only.
- The NGOs applying in the RFP should have:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in implementing CSR projects in the thematic area of conservation of aquatic ecosystem.
- A dedicated team for aquatic ecosystem conservation projects, comprising of environmentalists, engineers, hydrologists, biologists, etc.
- Any Sub-letting, sub-contracting and/or outsourcing of the activities shall not be allowed. Documents to be submitted: Copies of previous project completion and work experience details.
- A self-declaration (on the letter head) that the Grantee does not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, citizenship, veteran or marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
- The Agency should not have been blacklisted by any Government Agency/PSU/Central/State agency or under a declaration of ineligibility for fraudulent or corrupt practices.
- Documents to be submitted:
- Declaration from the current authorized signatory of the company.
For more information, visit SBI Foundation.