Applications Open for SheConnects Digital Accelerator (India)

The SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India is a grant programme founded by the Reliance Foundation and managed by the GSMA Foundation with support from the Gates Foundation. The programme provides grants ranging from INR 85 lakhs to INR 4.2 crores to eligible not-for-profit organisations in India to scale digital solutions that empower women and girls through digital inclusion, livelihoods, education, health, agriculture, and cyber safety.

About the SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India

The SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India supports high-impact, scalable digital initiatives that help women and girls participate fully in the digital economy and society. The programme aims to bridge the gender digital divide by supporting innovative projects that improve digital access, digital skills, financial inclusion, education, health, livelihoods, and online safety.

Founded by the Reliance Foundation and managed by the GSMA Foundation with support from the Gates Foundation, the accelerator encourages collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based approaches to create sustainable digital opportunities for women across India.

Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following focus areas:

• Digital Financial Inclusion
• Digital Health
• Digital Agriculture
• Digital Education
• Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment
• Behaviour Change and Communication
• Cyber Safety and Security
• Innovative use of Digital Technology and Tools

Programme Objectives

The SheConnects Digital Accelerator aims to:

• Increase digital inclusion for women and girls across India.
• Support proven and scalable digital solutions.
• Improve women’s participation in the digital economy.
• Enhance livelihoods through digital innovation.
• Promote gender equality in technology adoption.
• Strengthen evidence on effective digital inclusion models.
• Encourage South-to-South learning and collaboration.
• Build a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem.

Grant Amount

Selected organisations may receive:

• Minimum Grant: INR 85 lakhs
• Maximum Grant: INR 4.2 crores

Project Duration

• Projects should be implemented over 15 to 18 months.

Additional Benefits

Beyond financial support, selected organisations will receive:

• Participation in accelerator bootcamps.
• Learning and knowledge exchange opportunities.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) technical assistance.
• Access to best practices on closing the gender digital divide.
• Networking with sector experts and partners.
• Increased visibility through publications, events, and social media.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered not-for-profit organisations operating in India.

Applicants should:

• Be legally registered in India.
• Operate within India.
• Implement projects that promote digital adoption among women and girls.
• Demonstrate the ability to deliver projects directly or through local partnerships.
• Show a strong commitment to gender equality.
• Include underserved and marginalized communities in project implementation.

Eligible Project Characteristics

Projects should:

• Focus on women and girls in India.
• Promote meaningful digital adoption and usage.
• Demonstrate measurable social impact.
• Be scalable and sustainable.
• Address real-world challenges using digital technologies.
• Include innovative approaches to improving digital access and inclusion.
• Generate evidence that can inform future digital inclusion programmes.

Why This Accelerator Matters

Women continue to face significant barriers to accessing and using digital technologies, limiting opportunities in education, healthcare, financial services, employment, and entrepreneurship.

The SheConnects Digital Accelerator helps bridge this gap by investing in organisations that develop practical, scalable digital solutions capable of improving the lives of millions of women and girls while strengthening India’s digital inclusion ecosystem.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Develop a project focused on digital inclusion for women and girls.
3. Ensure the project aligns with one or more programme focus areas.
4. Prepare a detailed implementation plan and budget.
5. Demonstrate organisational capacity and partnership arrangements where applicable.
6. Submit the application through the official application process before the deadline.
7. Participate in the selection process if shortlisted.

Application Tips

• Clearly explain the problem your project addresses.
• Demonstrate measurable impact for women and girls.
• Show evidence that your solution is scalable.
• Highlight previous project success and organisational experience.
• Include realistic monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Explain how underserved communities will benefit.
• Present a practical and well-justified budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects that are not focused on women and girls.
• Failing to demonstrate digital innovation.
• Providing unclear implementation or scaling plans.
• Weak evidence of organisational capacity.
• Missing required documentation.
• Submitting unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Not addressing gender equality or inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India?

Registered not-for-profit organisations operating in India are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Selected organisations may receive grants ranging from INR 85 lakhs to INR 4.2 crores.

How long can funded projects run?

Projects should have an implementation period of 15 to 18 months.

What sectors does the programme support?

The programme supports projects related to digital financial inclusion, health, agriculture, education, livelihoods, cyber safety, behaviour change, and innovative digital technologies.

Does the programme provide support beyond funding?

Yes. Participants receive bootcamps, mentoring, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) support, knowledge exchange opportunities, networking, and increased visibility.

What type of projects are preferred?

The accelerator prioritises proven, scalable, high-impact digital solutions that improve digital adoption and meaningful digital participation among women and girls.

Why is this programme important?

The programme helps reduce the gender digital divide in India by supporting organisations that create innovative digital solutions, improve access to opportunities, and empower women and girls through technology.

Conclusion

The SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India offers a significant opportunity for not-for-profit organisations to expand innovative digital solutions that improve the lives of women and girls across India. Through substantial grant funding, technical support, learning opportunities, and strategic partnerships, the programme enables organisations to scale impactful initiatives that promote digital inclusion, gender equality, and sustainable social and economic development.