Call for
NFI Bandhutva CSO Resilience Grant
Application Deadline:
27 July 2025
About Organisation
The National Foundation for India (NFI) has been a pioneering institution in India’s development sector for over three decades. Dedicated to promoting social justice, NFI operates as a grant-making and capacity-building organization that works to strengthen Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Its mission is to empower communities to transform their lives by addressing critical social issues and ensuring that no one is left behind. Since its inception, NFI has remained committed to fostering a pluralistic, equitable, and democratic society where marginalized individuals—particularly Dalits, Adivasis, Tribals, minorities, and women—can live with dignity and equal opportunities.
Over the years, NFI has partnered with more than 500 grassroots organizations working in challenging, underserved areas. By supporting local leadership and building institutional capacity, NFI enables these organizations to serve as vehicles of lasting change. Its initiatives are grounded in constitutional values and a celebration of diversity, aiming to create systemic shifts in social structures. Through a combination of financial support, leadership development, and strategic mentoring, NFI continues to be a vital force in empowering grassroots movements for equity and inclusion across India.
About the Grant
The Bandhutva (CSO Resilience Grant) is a flagship initiative of the National Foundation for India (NFI) designed to strengthen grassroots Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that work for social inclusion and institutional growth. This grant focuses on building resilient, value-based organisations led by individuals from marginalised communities such as Dalits, Adivasis, Tribals, and religious minorities, with a strong emphasis on women leaders.
The grant provides both financial and non-financial support to empower these CSOs in their strategic and operational development. Financial assistance helps organisations build internal systems, enhance program delivery, and pursue sustainable growth. Non-financial support includes capacity building in finance, leadership, communications, gender, and fundraising, along with technical mentoring and peer learning opportunities.
The initiative aims to create a cohort of strong, high-impact CSOs working at the grassroots level. It supports organisations that operate with limited resources yet show passion and commitment toward creating inclusive, rights-based communities. The grant term is initially for 12 months and may extend up to 3 years, depending on performance and alignment with program objectives. Ultimately, the Bandhutva grant aspires to build a vibrant ecosystem of grassroots changemakers rooted in constitutional values.
Who can Apply?
This grant opportunity is intended for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by individuals from marginalised communities such as Dalits, Adivasis, Tribals, and religious minorities, especially women. Eligible CSOs must be based in the East and Central states of India (Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha) or the Northeastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland).
To qualify:
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The CSO must be legally registered as a Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company.
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It should hold a valid 12A certificate and have up-to-date audited financial statements.
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The organisation must have been operational for at least three years.
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The CSO must have a dedicated team of at least five members (paid or unpaid).
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Its annual turnover should not exceed ₹20 lakhs.
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The organisation must have a strong community presence, especially in hard-to-reach or underserved areas.
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It should work with socio-economic groups that are disadvantaged due to caste, class, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, or disability.
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Preference will be given to organisations led by individuals from the communities they serve, reflecting a lived experience and commitment to social justice.
How to Apply?
Interested CSOs must apply using the prescribed application format provided through an open advertisement available on NFI’s website. Applications will be shortlisted by the NFI team, followed by a due diligence process that includes both programmatic and financial evaluations through online and field assessments. Selected CSOs will be informed accordingly. Applicants must ensure timely and complete submission as per guidelines.
Application Deadline
The final date to submit your application for the Bandhutva (CSO Resilience Grant) is July 27, 2025. Submissions after this date will not be considered for evaluation.
Last Date To Apply
Civil Society Organisations must apply before July 27, 2025, to be considered for this grant cycle. Ensure all documents and the application form are submitted before the deadline.
Grant Amount
Each selected CSO may receive a grant of up to ₹8–10 lakhs per year, depending on budget proposals, past performance, team credibility, and successful completion of due diligence procedures.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
