List of Funding Agencies for Ngo in India

List of Funding Agencies for Ngo in India

India has a wide range of funding agencies that support NGOs working for social change. These agencies provide grants for health, education, women’s empowerment, child welfare, environment, and rural development projects. Understanding the available options can help NGOs secure the right support to scale their impact.

Top Indian and International Funders Supporting NGOs

Explore key funding sources offering financial assistance for Indian NGOs across sectors like education, healthcare, gender equality, and the environment.

Here is a curated list of some of the prominent funding agencies supporting NGOs in India:

Government Funding Agencies

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

This ministry is responsible for the welfare, social justice, and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Senior Citizens, and Persons with Disabilities.

Key Functions:

  • Formulation of policies for social justice and equity.
  • Schemes for economic development, education, and social empowerment.
  • Funds NGOs for social upliftment programs.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Dedicated to the socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes (STs), this ministry ensures their protection, welfare, and overall advancement.

Key Functions:

  • Policy formulation for tribal welfare.
  • Implementation of schemes like Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential Schools).
  • Supports NGOs working in tribal areas.

Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD)

Focuses on the holistic development of women and children, ensuring their rights, safety, and empowerment.

Key Functions:

  • Implementation of schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, ICDS, and POSHAN Abhiyaan.
  • Works with NGOs on child protection, trafficking prevention, and women’s empowerment.
  • Addresses issues of malnutrition, education, and gender equality.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)

This ministry is responsible for health policy, public health infrastructure, and family welfare programs.

Key Functions:

  • Implements schemes like Ayushman Bharat, National Health Mission (NHM), and Reproductive and Child Health (RCH).
  • Collaborates with NGOs in areas of health education, immunization, HIV/AIDS, and rural health services.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

Manages environmental policy and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

Key Functions:

  • Enforces environmental laws and climate change mitigation.
  • Implements schemes like National Mission for a Green India, CAMPA.
  • Supports NGOs working on wildlife conservation, forest development, and pollution control.

Ministry of Education (MoE)

Previously known as MHRD, the Ministry of Education oversees school and higher education in India.

Key Functions:

  • Implements flagship programs like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, PM SHRI Schools, and NEP 2020.
  • Works with NGOs for promoting literacy, girls’ education, digital learning, and vocational training.

Department of Science and Technology (DST)

Promotes scientific research, innovation, and technology development in India.

Key Functions:

  • Funds research institutions and innovations.
  • Runs programs like Women Scientists Scheme, INSPIRE, and Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED).
  • Encourages NGOs and startups in rural technology and STEM education.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Promotes sustainable and clean energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.

Key Functions:

  • Implements National Solar Mission, UJALA scheme, and energy efficiency projects.
  • Funds projects for rural electrification and off-grid solar systems.
  • Encourages NGOs in promoting renewable energy awareness and adoption.

Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)

Ensures focused development of the North Eastern Region (NER) of India.

Key Functions:

  • Implements the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), NER Vision 2035.
  • Works on improving infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihoods.
  • Supports NGOs working on education, health, and cultural development in the North-East.

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

Aims to build a skilled workforce through vocational training and entrepreneurship promotion.

Key Functions:

  • Runs Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Skill India, and NSDC initiatives.
  • Partners with NGOs for community-based skill training.
  • Encourages start-ups, self-employment, and MSME linkages.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Promotes decentralized governance through strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Key Functions:

  • Implements schemes like Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
  • Works on capacity building of village institutions.
  • Collaborates with NGOs on rural development, water sanitation, education, and governance awareness.
Related Topic: Top CSR Companies in India

Non-Governmental Funding Agencies

Tata Trusts

  • Focus: Health, education, rural upliftment
  • Type: Private
  • Website: tatatrusts.org

Azim Premji Foundation

  • Focus: Education and capacity building
  • Type: Private
  • Website: azimpremjifoundation.org

Infosys Foundation

  • Focus: Healthcare, education, arts, and rural development
  • Type: Corporate CSR
  • Website: infosys.org/infosys-foundation

National CSR Portal (India)

  • Focus: Government CSR contributions to NGOs
  • Type: Government initiative
  • Website: csr.gov.in

GiveIndia

Focus: Crowdfunding platform for various causes
Type: Nonprofit platform
Website: giveindia.org

GlobalGiving

  • Focus: International donations to grassroots NGOs
  • Type: International platform
  • Website: globalgiving.org

Auroshikha

  • Focus: Rural development, education, natural products, and community upliftment
  • Type: NGO/Charitable Trust
  • Website: www.auroshikha.com

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS

  • Focus: Wildlife research, biodiversity conservation, environmental education
  • Type: NGO/Scientific Research Org
  • Website: www.bnhs.org

INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage)

  • Focus: Cultural heritage conservation, architecture, and heritage education
  • Type: NGO/Heritage Trust
  • Website: www.intach.org

Janagri

  • Focus: Sustainable agriculture, water conservation, rural innovation
  • Type: NGO/Development Organization
  • Website: www.janagri.in

J.R.D. Tata Trust

  • Focus: Health, education, rural livelihoods, civil society strengthening
  • Type: Philanthropic Trust
  • Website: www.tatatrusts.org

Modi Charitable Trust

  • Focus: Health care, education, disaster relief
  • Type: Corporate Philanthropy
  • Website: https://modicharitabletrust.in/

Sri Aurobindo Memorial Fund

  • Focus: Education, spirituality, and community service
  • Type: Charitable Trust
  • Website: www.sriaurobindoashram.org

Sir Dorabji Tata Trust

  • Focus: Education, livelihoods, health, arts and culture
  • Type: Philanthropic Trust
  • Website: www.tatatrusts.org

Ford Foundation

  • Focus: Social justice, education, arts
  • Type: International grantmaker
  • Website: fordfoundation.org

USAID (United States Agency for International Development)

  • Focus: Health, democracy, gender equality
  • Type: Governmental agency
  • Website: usaid.gov

UNICEF India

  • Focus: Child rights, nutrition, health
  • Type: UN organization
  • Website: unicef.org/india

European Union (EU) Delegation to India

  • Focus: Human rights, climate, education
  • Type: International governmental body
  • Website: eeas.europa.eu

Conclusion

Finding the right funding agency is crucial for NGOs to sustain and expand their work. Each funding body has specific goals, so aligning your mission with their priorities increases your chance of success. Always ensure compliance with eligibility, documentation, and FCRA guidelines before applying.

FAQs

NGOs must prepare a project proposal and apply directly through the funder’s official website or portal, complying with their eligibility criteria.

International agencies require the NGO to be FCRA-registered, while Indian funders may not have this requirement.

It’s difficult, but not impossible. New NGOs may start with local CSR initiatives or crowdfunding platforms like GiveIndia.

Basic documents include registration certificate, 12A/80G approval, project report, audit reports, and FCRA certificate (for foreign funding).

Yes, ministries like Women & Child Development, Social Justice, and Rural Development offer scheme-based project grants to NGOs.

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