Azim Premji Foundation launches Social Startups Programme to build grassroots NGOs

Bengaluru: The Azim Premji Foundation has launched a Social Startups Programme to support development sector professionals in setting up and leading civil society organisations focused on underserved communities.

The initiative seeks to address a key gap in the social sector where many professionals have extensive experience working with communities but often lack the financial backing, mentorship and institutional support needed to start their own organisations, the Foundation said in a press release.

“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,” said Rajib Ghosh, Head, Philanthropy, Azim Premji Foundation.


The programme is separate from the Foundation’s regular grants programme, which supports existing registered organisations.

The first cohort will comprise around 100 participants across Odisha, the North-East, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru Urban. The Foundation said the programme will support work in areas including rural livelihoods, healthcare, youth development, mental health, disability, child welfare, welfare rights, Adivasi communities, and services in urban informal settlements such as crèches and community sanitation.

Applicants must be below 40 years of age, hold a graduate degree and have at least three years of grassroots development sector experience. They should be willing to establish and lead a new civil society organisation, relocate if required, 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. During the first eight-month seeding phase, participants will receive financial support to engage with communities, identify local needs and develop their organisations. They will also receive guidance on registration, governance and statutory compliance.

Participants are expected to register their organisations by the end of this phase and may then apply for a grant. Eligible organisations could receive a two-year seed grant to scale up and strengthen their work, the statement said.

Applications will remain open from November 1 to December 31, 2026. The eight-month seeding phase will begin on April 1, 2027, with participants to be evaluated for progression to the grant phase in November-December 2027.