Call for
NFI Bandhutva (CSO Resilience Grant)

Application Deadline:
27 July 2025
About Organisation
The National Foundation for India (NFI) has been a key player in promoting social justice for over 30 years through grant-making and capacity-building initiatives. As a trusted institution, NFI supports civil society organisations (CSOs) to empower communities and create sustainable pathways for improving lives. The organisation focuses on addressing critical social issues, ensuring that no one is left behind. Since its inception, NFI has partnered with over 500 grassroots organisations working in hard-to-reach areas across India. Its vision is to build a plural, equitable, and democratic society where citizens, especially those from marginalized communities, can lead lives of dignity, opportunity, and inclusion. NFI places a strong emphasis on fostering leadership within these communities, helping them become active change agents. By combining financial and technical support, NFI strengthens the capacity of CSOs to deliver high-impact initiatives. The foundation is committed to creating learning spaces, facilitating dialogue, and building networks for mutual growth, all while promoting constitutional values and celebrating diversity. Over three decades, NFI has become a vital force in shaping a future where social justice is at the forefront of community-driven progress and grassroots development.
About the Grant
Bandhutva (CSO Resilience Grant) is a flagship initiative by NFI that focuses on strengthening grassroots CSOs for social inclusion and institutional development. The grant aims to enhance organizational capacity through financial assistance, technical support, and leadership development. It encourages CSOs to work with marginalized communities such as Dalits, Adivasis, Tribals, and minorities, with special emphasis on women leaders from these groups. The program aspires to build a learning cohort of organizations driven by constitutional values, equity, and diversity. Through Bandhutva, NFI supports small and under-resourced CSOs working to build inclusive societies with limited financial and non-financial resources. The grant also seeks to provide spaces for networking and mutual learning, fostering an ecosystem of collective growth. By investing in organization-building, program management, and strategic planning, Bandhutva enables CSOs to scale their impact and achieve long-term sustainability. The support includes funding for strengthening internal systems, enhancing program quality, and aligning initiatives with the grant’s objectives. The ultimate goal is to empower grassroots leaders and create resilient organizations that drive transformative social change at the local level.
Who can Apply?
The Bandhutva Grant is open to CSOs working in the specified focus regions, particularly with marginalized communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, Tribals, minorities, and disadvantaged socio-economic groups. Eligible organizations must be legally registered as a Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company with valid 12A registration and audited financial statements for the last three years. The organization should have been operational for at least three years and should not have an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 lakhs. It must be led by individuals or groups from marginalized social categories, with women leaders receiving priority. CSOs must have a dedicated team of at least five members, whether paid or unpaid. Priority will be given to organizations working with communities disadvantaged by gender, sexuality, class, caste, religion, ethnicity, or disability. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong community presence, proven impact, and credibility of leadership and governance. Organizations that have previously received Bandhutva funding are not eligible to apply.
How to Apply?
Interested CSOs must carefully review the Request for Proposal (RFP) and eligibility criteria. Applications will only be accepted in the prescribed format and within the given timeline. For queries, applicants can contact the provided email addresses for respective regions.
Application Deadline
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.