National Foundation For India

NFI advocates for conscious giving through engagement with corporations, donors, foundations, and individuals, urging them to provide grants and establish lasting investments in grassroots organizations. This involves conveying the significance of civil society organizations’ (CSO) social justice work, facilitating discussions between CSOs and donors on sustained investment, and aiding in the capacity development of CSOs. With the backing of the Rockefeller Foundation, it has initiated an effort to shift philanthropic discourse and practices towards a pro-social justice approach.
Partnering with over 200 small and mid-sized CSOs addressing challenging concerns in remote areas, NFI’s funding adheres to principles of gender equality, participation, institution-building, and knowledge enrichment. It serves as a platform for government, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate, advancing discussions on corporate responsibility and mobilizing backing for human rights issues.

For over 25 years, NFI has empowered numerous civil society organizations (CSOs) to advance social justice. NFI's thematic concentration lies in Governance and Inclusion, infused into the grants and technical assistance. These themes underscore the dialogues it hosts and the leadership it nurtures, anchoring its commitment to promoting social justice.

Northeast India is rapidly emerging as a hub for eco-tourism, showcasing immense potential for driving economic growth. Its vibrant traditional handloom, handicrafts, and cuisine create thriving markets.
By strategically investing in sustainable development, the Northeastern region can unlock its extensive potential, empowering its youth and contributing significantly to India's overall prosperity and cultural diversity. Through these sessions, the conclave aims to cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—integral aspects of the Decade of Action. The conclave aspires to be a microcosm of the Decade of Action, amplifying and supporting the global call for transformative change. The aim is to empower young leaders from Northeast India to spearhead practical solutions, thereby furthering the mission for a more sustainable and equitable world.

The National Foundation for India calls for applications for the Cohort of the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship, inviting undergraduate/post-graduate students to participate. NFI’s rural internship program aims to cultivate rigorous academic inquiry among university students focused on the rural economy while fostering an understanding of the challenges confronted by rural communities in India. Named after the late Prof. Sen in tribute to his commitment to rural development and informed research, this program aims to carry forward his legacy.
This 50-day research internship is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in rural areas, enabling them to conduct field research, engage with local communities, and comprehend their socio-economic circumstances and hardships. The internship offers guidance on research methodology and introduces interns to pertinent secondary literature. Participants are encouraged to choose a topic of interest to investigate through small-scale surveys

The National Foundation for India functions as an independent Indian entity dedicated to grant-making and fundraising endeavours that empower individuals to enhance their lives. The focus lies in aiding partners who seek solutions to intricate challenges in impoverished, remote, and demanding regions across the nation. To support movements, NGOs, and social development organizations, the organisation offers the Social Justice Hub for meetings free of charge.

NFI empowers grassroots organizations focusing on local governance and public health concerns by guiding them through an inclusive program. This initiative aims to transform them into resourceful agencies that complement the government's efforts. Additionally, it bolsters the capabilities of civil society organizations (CSOs) dedicated to addressing gender and nutrition issues, along with those fostering social accountability among marginalized communities. It extends support to individuals recognized through Development Journalism Awards and C.S Awards, aiding them to further fortify and sustain their impactful work in the field.

Apart from utilizing the internal resources, the organisation consistently strives to secure additional support for the partners' endeavours in social justice. It achieves this by facilitating introductions or providing references to potential donors, aiding partners in crafting project proposals, and actively engaging in fundraising initiatives on behalf of our civil society organization (CSO) partners. Often, state or local resources remain untapped by CSOs, and it extends technical assistance to these organizations to help them access such resources. Notably, the Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion program facilitated an additional INR 18 million in 2018-19.
It organises round-table conferences involving donors to showcase the innovative and impactful work carried out by the CSO partners. The focus lies in advocating for 'thoughtful giving,' emphasizing long-term investments, institution-building, capacity enhancement, and sustaining activities that go beyond mere service delivery.

NFI operates as an independent foundation, detached from any family or corporate affiliations. The board members possess diverse backgrounds, each contributing invaluable expertise that uniquely positions it in collaborations with the state, academia, and the media. Over the years, the sustained collaborations with UN agencies, donors, and businesses have significantly bolstered its credibility.
It has facilitated dialogues between civil society organizations (CSOs), donors, and government bodies to explore more impactful methods of supporting and strengthening civil society for social justice. These dialogues have empowered CSOs to engage with policymakers, including elected leaders, departmental officials, and local bodies, fostering discussions aimed at enhancing responsive and accountable governance.

Robust and credible journalism plays a pivotal role in fostering equitable development and ensuring informed citizenship in a democracy. Presently, Indian journalism confronts numerous challenges. Independent journalists, especially those hailing from marginalized backgrounds, often operate without job security or substantial editorial backing, necessitating increased support.
In response, the National Foundation for India has initiated a media fellowship program tailored for independent journalists. This program extends financial backing and editorial guidance to journalists nationwide, encompassing diverse languages and formats.