{"id":18433,"date":"2026-11-03T11:16:53","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T11:16:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/srknation.in\/?p=18433"},"modified":"2026-11-03T11:16:53","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T11:16:53","slug":"azim-premji-foundation-launches-social-startups-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/srknation.in\/?p=18433","title":{"rendered":"Azim Premji Foundation Launches Social Startups Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tThe Azim Premji Foundation has launched a Social Startups Programme to support development sector professionals in setting up and leading civil society organisations that address the needs of underserved communities.<\/span><\/span>
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\n\tAzim Premji Foundation Launches Social Startups Programme<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n\tMany professionals have years of experience working with communities and understand their challenges but lack the financial support and guidance to start organisations of their own. The programme aims to bridge this gap by providing financial assistance, guidance and learning opportunities to help them build locally rooted organisations.<\/span><\/span>
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\n\tRajib Ghosh, Head – Philanthropy, Azim Premji Foundation, <\/strong>said, \u201cWe 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\u2019s regular grants programme that supports existing, registered organisations (both mature and more recently early-stage).\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\tThe first cohort will include ~100 participants across four geographies: Odisha, North-East India, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru Urban. The areas of work supported will include rural livelihoods, health, youth, mental health, disability, children\u2019s welfare, well-being of Adivasi communities, work in urban informal settlements including creches and community sanitation, and welfare rights.<\/p>\n

\tWho can apply<\/strong>
\n\tApplicants must be below 40 years of age, have a graduate degree and at least three years of ground-level development sector experience. They should intend to set up and lead a new civil society organisation, be willing to relocate and make a long-term commitment to their chosen geography. Those who have already registered an organisation are not eligible.<\/p>\n

\tProgramme structure and support<\/strong>
\n\tThe programme has two phases. In the first, an eight-month seeding phase, participants will receive financial support to work with communities, understand local needs and develop their organisations. They will also receive guidance on registration, governance and statutory compliances.<\/p>\n

\tAt the end of this phase, participants are expected to have registered their organisations. They can then submit a grant proposal for evaluation. Those who meet the programme\u2019s criteria may receive a two-year seed grant to establish and strengthen their work.<\/p>\n

\tApplications and selection<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\tApplications are open from 1 November to 31 December 2026. The selection process includes eligibility screening, document review, a statement of purpose, an online interview and an in-person panel discussion.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\tThe eight-month seeding phase will begin on 1 April 2027. Participants will be assessed in November\u2013December 2027 for progression to the grant phase.
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\n\tTo know more about the programme, eligibility and application process, visit: <\/strong>
\n\tazimpremjifoundation.org\/who-we-are\/how-we-are-organised\/grants\/social-startups-programme\/<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\tAbout Azim Premji Foundation<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\tAzim Premji Foundation works towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. The Foundation works across education, health and other areas of social development. It partners with governments, institutions, civil society organisations and communities across India.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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