Call for
Call for Proposals: Community Based Entrepreneurship Program in India

Application Deadline:
11 August 2025
About Organisation
The SBI Foundation, established as the CSR arm of the State Bank of India, is dedicated to driving sustainable development and social impact across India. With a mission to create inclusive growth, the foundation focuses on empowering underserved communities through strategic initiatives in education, healthcare, skill development, and livelihood generation. By supporting innovative projects, it strives to address the pressing socio-economic challenges faced by rural and marginalized populations. The foundation places special emphasis on sustainable entrepreneurship, aiming to uplift grassroots communities by promoting environmentally responsible and inclusive enterprises. Over the years, SBI Foundation has collaborated with non-profits, social enterprises, and community-based organizations to create scalable and impactful programs. Its initiatives are designed to enhance economic independence while preserving cultural heritage and natural resources. With a people-centric approach, the foundation also encourages active participation of women, youth, and indigenous groups to build resilient and self-sufficient communities. Its flagship programs focus on enabling access to resources, fostering innovation, and building robust value chains. Through such efforts, the SBI Foundation continues to play a significant role in shaping sustainable livelihoods and ensuring long-term socio-economic development across the nation.
About the Grant
The Community-Based Sustainable Entrepreneurship Program by SBI Foundation is designed to promote innovative and inclusive projects that foster sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots level. The program aims to support initiatives that empower rural and marginalized communities through capacity building, skill development, and the creation of eco-friendly microenterprises. By encouraging enterprises rooted in eco-products, traditional crafts, and organic food production, the grant program focuses on both economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. Selected projects will receive financial support ranging from ₹50 lakhs to ₹5 crores for a duration of one to three years, starting in the current financial year. The program seeks proposals that emphasize value chain development, local employment generation, and the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. It also aims to enhance community ownership by promoting self-help groups, cooperatives, or producer collectives. With a strong focus on innovation and scalability, the grant is tailored to organizations that can demonstrate measurable impact, sustainable business models, and inclusive participation of women and indigenous groups. Through this initiative, SBI Foundation aspires to nurture social enterprises capable of creating long-term positive change in rural India.
Who can Apply?
The grant is open to organizations with a minimum of three years of experience in implementing community-based sustainable entrepreneurship projects. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in establishing and scaling microenterprises focused on eco-products, traditional artisan crafts, or sustainable food production. The organization should demonstrate expertise in engaging rural and marginalized communities, particularly women and indigenous groups, through capacity building, inclusive training, and formation of community-based institutions such as self-help groups, cooperatives, or producer collectives. Furthermore, applicants must have at least three years of sector-specific experience in areas like eco-friendly product development and certifications, traditional craft preservation, or organic and sustainable agriculture practices. A strong ability to develop, strengthen, and scale value chains in the domains of eco-products, handicrafts, or natural food items is essential. Applicants should be able to showcase the social and economic impact of their previous projects, highlighting innovation, scalability, and sustainability. Only organizations that meet these criteria and can demonstrate strong community engagement and inclusive approaches will be considered for this program.
How to Apply?
Interested organizations should prepare a detailed proposal in English, outlining their project plan, budget, and sustainability model. The proposal must highlight community involvement, value chain development, and measurable outcomes.
Application Deadline
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.