Azim Premji Foundation Launches Social Startups Programme for Grassroots Organisations
Bengaluru, November 2, 2026: The Azim Premji Foundation has launched a Social Startups Programme to support development sector professionals in establishing and leading civil society organisations focused on addressing the needs of underserved communities.
The programme aims to assist professionals who have experience working at the grassroots level but lack the financial resources and guidance to establish organisations of their own. It will provide financial assistance, mentorship and learning opportunities to help participants build locally rooted organisations.
Rajib Ghosh, Head - Philanthropy, Azim Premji Foundation, said: “We need more organisations working at the grassroots, especially in underserved areas. Many experienced professionals understand the challenges communities face and want to contribute more. This programme aims to help them take that step and build organisations of their own. This is distinct from the Foundation’s regular grants programme that supports existing, registered organisations (both mature and more recently early-stage).”
The first cohort will include approximately 100 participants from four geographies: Odisha, North-East India, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru Urban.
The programme will support organisations working in areas such as rural livelihoods, health, youth, mental health, disability, children’s welfare, the well-being of Adivasi communities and welfare rights. It will also cover work in urban informal settlements, including creches and community sanitation.
Eligibility and Programme Structure
Applicants must be below 40 years of age, hold a graduate degree and have at least three years of ground-level experience in the development sector. They should intend to establish and lead a new civil society organisation, be willing to relocate and make a long-term commitment to their chosen geography. Individuals who have already registered an organisation are not eligible.
The programme will be implemented in two phases. The first is an eight-month seeding phase, during which participants will receive financial support to work with communities, understand local needs and develop their proposed organisations. They will also receive guidance on organisational registration, governance and statutory compliances.
At the end of this phase, participants are expected to have registered their organisations and will be able to submit grant proposals for evaluation. Those who meet the programme's criteria may receive a two-year seed grant to establish and strengthen their work.
Applications and Selection Process
Applications opened on November 1 and will remain open until December 31, 2026. The selection process will include eligibility screening, document review, a statement of purpose, an online interview and an in-person panel discussion.
The eight-month seeding phase is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2027. Participants will be assessed in November–December 2027 for progression to the grant phase.
Further details on eligibility and the application process are available on the Azim Premji Foundation website.
