Grants database

Synergy Sansthan is a youth-led organisation, co-founded and staffed by individuals from rural backgrounds, that specialises in developing holistic, experiential learning programmes. The first phase grant supported the development of a youth resource centre offering internships and peer-led workshops on leadership, gender, inclusion and career development. In this second phase, Synergy Sansthan will continue to strengthen their learning programmes for young people and learn, improve and maximise the impact of their youth-centric approach.

South Orissa Voluntary Action (SOVA) works to ensure that communities experiencing disadvantage can access rights, education, livelihoods and health services. This project supports communities that have been displaced following the construction of the Upper Kolab dam to resettle and integrate with host communities. The previous phases of the initiative focused on strengthening village institutions, building a cross-community group of change makers and increasing the managerial capacities of community organisations. In this phase, SOVA will continue to support Village Development Committees with village development plans, livelihood enhancement strategies, and peace-building initiatives.

Sense International India supports and advocates for better services for children and adults with sensory impairments across India and partners with non-governmental organisations and the government to provide care and education. The previous phases of the project focused on building a strong infrastructure of regional and state learning centres and expanding the services in five states in Eastern India. In this third phase, Sense India will continue to strengthen the services expanded across the five states and simultaneously develop the capacities of partner organisations to move towards becoming centres of excellence in the region.

Savera Foundation works to build the capacity of tribal communities in Giridih and improve livelihoods, health, social equity and agricultural development. Through the second phase of this grant, the organisation will continue their sustainable programme to address water and food security, by renovating water resources, providing agricultural training, connecting with government facilities and creating and supporting community-based ​‘water leaders’.

Samata (which means equity) has worked intensively for the rights of people to have greater control of their own resources, particularly in areas identified as tribal majority areas. Samata successfully fought a case against the state of Andhra Pradesh which ensures that non-tribal communities do not get mining leases in protected (Fifth Schedule) areas – this court judgement is referred to as the Samata Judgement. This project aims to develop a toolkit that can be used by tribal leaders to advocate with government and judiciary in addressing issues of access, control and use of natural resources by tribal communities. The toolkit will help elected representatives to identify issues and use the constitutional provisions of the Samata Judgement in accessing these rights.

Samagra Seva believes in every child’s right to a childhood – to live, learn, grow and play. Through this grant, the organisation will address the high drop-out rates among Mushahar schoolchildren through provision of Cultural Education Centres (CECs). CECs will provide morning educational activities and facilitate school enrolment and regular attendance. The project will strengthen school and village councils to support schools and liaise with local government to implement policy. Interest in education among children will be encouraged through sports events, music programmes, short dramas and local exposure programmes, embedding art and culture within the community.

Prayas are a non-governmental organisation operating in a remote tribal area of Pratapgarh who have undertaken essential work on forest rights, minimum wage, bonded labour in agriculture, education and tribal identity. This is the third grant phase of the project which allows Prayas to continue promoting the wellbeing of migrant construction workers in the city of Ahmedabad by working with families who have migrated to improve their access to public services including education, early childhood care and healthcare.

Muskaan work with people experiencing marginalisation in Bhopal. Previous phases of the grant supported Muskaan to develop an adult education offer for people experiencing disadvantage, work with the Pardhi tribal community to develop a cohort of leaders, and organise individuals to access rights and entitlements. In this third phase, Muskaan will continue to support tribal and minoritised communities, strengthen leadership and provide enhanced support to the Pardhi community.

Manav Vikas Bahuudheshiya Gramin Seva Sanstha support people experiencing disadvantage to participate in decisions that impact their lives and the development of their communities. In its second phase, the project aims to expand work supporting the developmental needs of children with visual, hearing and multi-sensory impairments, by offering training to parents, carers and teachers in language and motor skill development, and by supplying assistive devices.

Lokmitra’s mission is to ensure that every child experiencing disadvantage completes elementary education to become a life-long learner and an empowered member of society. The second phase of this grant allows the organisation to strengthen their community-led initiatives to support pre-school and primary education in Banda.

Kotra Adivasi Sansthan provides development services and support to tribal communities in the remote parts of the Udaipur and Sirohi districts. This project aims to support people who migrate to work in small industrial towns in western Rajasthan. The third phase of this grant will sustain work to strengthen labour and trade collectives, improve working conditions and enable access to legal aid, training, medical and other services.

Kalpavriksh Environment Action Group works between wildlife and biodiversity conservation policies and programmes, and the needs, livelihoods, use and access rights of local communities. The project consolidates previous work on community-led conservation through extensive research, documentation, networking, multi-actor consultations and outreach. It responds to international conservation agreements which call for inclusive conservation governance and co-existence in and outside of protected areas and the need for free prior-informed consent of local communities towards conservation and developmental goals.