Navigating Outcomes-based Financing in India: Perceptions of the Not-for-Profits

This ISDM/CIFSI report surveys 71 Indian non‑profits to understand their perspectives on outcomes‑based financing (OBF)—models where funding is tied to measurable results. It outlines how OBF promises greater accountability, efficiency, and outcome orientation, while also revealing nonprofits’ concerns around financial risks, readiness, and misaligned expectations between funders and implementers. The findings highlight the need for improved dialogue, capacity, and tools to support nonprofits in navigating OBF effectively, ensuring sustainable adoption and reducing friction between funding providers and recipients

SIVA Trust: Building relational capital Transforming the resolve of one to that of many

This case study unfolds the evolution of a small and local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Service Initiative for Voluntary Action (SIVA), set up in 1994 in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, in Southern India—an area in which industrialsation and commercial development have been ignored for a long time. Diving deep into local issues at the grassroots level, the founder Subramania Siva, addressed the needs of distressed, marginalised families directly. SIVA Trust began small, and remained in a hyper-local mode for close to 30 years, but made a disproportionately large impact that helped root a “culture of volunteerism” throughout SIVA and its work.

Decolonising Philanthropy: From conceptual apprehension to functional progress

​This article examines the imperative of transforming philanthropic practices to dismantle enduring colonial power structures. The authors advocate for a shift from merely addressing symptoms of poverty and inequality to tackling their systemic roots. They emphasise the importance of empowering communities by involving them in co-creating strategies, focusing on historically marginalised groups through an intersectional lens, enhancing internal diversity and transparency within philanthropic organisations, and enabling trust-based, non-controlling partnerships. The article underscores that decolonising philanthropy requires intentional efforts to redistribute power and promote social justice, moving beyond traditional hierarchical approaches to effect transformative change.

Reinventing the role of Philanthropy for Social Justice in India

Philanthropy in Asia is maturing from a culture where giving has been historically grounded in religious and political beliefs towards a more systemic and responsive approach. Consistent efforts by civil society, the private sector and citizens along with increased government recognition towards inequities through appropriate policies have been making visible developmental and social changes. However, the fact remains that the progress is uneven with evidences of varying degrees of development in different regions, different societies and communities.

Moving beyond charity towards philanthropy for social justice: Role of local leadership in philanthropy

This blog is based on an episode of the ISDM-CPSJ 2022 Philanthropy and Social Justice Conversation Series that features conversations with thought leaders and action leaders on the need to reshape and tap the potential of philanthropy for social justice in India. As we continue to grapple with how best philanthropy can enable solving the many pressing issues of our times, it is crucial to consider the potential of local and community-driven leadership. We need to reflect on and evaluate how philanthropy

Partnering for systemic change: Big Indian philanthropy and its relationship with rights and advocacy

Three current trends within the Indian landscape today—growing inequality , increasing constraints on foreign funding for civil society organisations , and the promising potential for growth in Indian social sector funding , underline the moment of reckoning for big Indian philanthropy. If philanthropists in India can boldly address the deepest fractures in our society today, such as the systemic barriers and violations in right to housing, livelihoods, children and youth rights, climate justice and governance challenges, we will be able to envision a brighter future for all.

From charitable giving to social justice: Reimagining the role of philanthropy in India

India’s social sector is witnessing unprecedented growth as well as disruption. The robust civil society in India continues to work tirelessly towards accomplishing transformational change in socioeconomic structures to bring prosperity for all; where the benefits of growth and opportunities are more fairly distributed across communities and regions. Simultaneously, there has been rapid growth of the philanthropic community both in terms of increase in the amount of private sector funding (which totalled about Rs 64,000 crore in 2020) 1 , and in terms of diversification in the approaches and practices of philanthropy.

Why students need to be educated about philanthropy

This opinion piece published in the education section of The Hindu emphasises the importance of integrating philanthropic education into student curricula. Introducing students to philanthropy fosters empathy, social responsibility, and community engagement. By understanding the impact of giving and volunteering, students develop leadership skills and a sense of purpose. Educating youth about philanthropy encourages them to address societal challenges proactively, cultivating a generation committed to positive social change and the betterment of society.

How philanthropy can enable systems reform for more equitable school education in India

​This blog emphasises the pivotal role of philanthropic efforts in transforming India’s educational landscape. It advocates for strategic collaborations between philanthropists, NGOs, and government bodies to address systemic challenges and promote equitable access to quality education. By investing in scalable models and innovative solutions, philanthropy can drive significant reforms, ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, receive the education they deserve.

Inclusive philanthropy for inclusive development: A systems thinking approach

Philanthropy must move beyond symptom-solving to address systemic social challenges. At WINGSForum 2023, ISDM’s Centre for Philanthropy for Inclusive Development led discussions on systems thinking, participatory grant-making, and inclusive approaches. By fostering collaboration and challenging power dynamics, philanthropy can drive long-term, transformative change for a more equitable and inclusive future. This blog is an outcome of that exercise.
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