Research Fellowship compendium: Community Philanthropy in India

Community philanthropy is rooted in local knowledge, shared ownership, and collective action to drive social change. This compendium brings together research that explores how communities across India mobilise resources, challenge power imbalances, and create sustainable impact. Through diverse case studies, these papers examine the role of community-led giving in addressing systemic inequalities, amplifying grassroots leadership, and shaping more inclusive development pathways. This compendium is a culmination of the research reports and insights as part of the research carried out by the Research Fellows for the cohort in 2024.

Unlocking the transformative potential of Indian philanthropy through trust

Published in ET Governance, this article discusses how adopting trust-based approaches in philanthropy can empower nonprofits and strengthen communities. By fostering trust, Indian philanthropy can drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and promote a more inclusive and equitable society. ​It highlights the Six Point Framework for philanthropic practices towards inclusive development.

Effective Boards, Effective Organisations

This article outlines the critical role of effective boards in ensuring organizational success in the social sector. It covers governance best practices, board composition, and strategic oversight. The discussion offers recommendations for enhancing board performance and accountability, thereby reinforcing ethical governance and fostering mission-driven leadership for improved organizational effectiveness.

Towards Accountability and Resilience: A Capacity Needs Assessment on Governance and Compliance for Indian SPOs

This Needs Assessment Study on Compliance & Reporting for Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) in India, conducted by the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) in partnership with NAVGRAAM, seeks to explore the current state of compliance in the SPO sector. It identifies key challenges faced by SPOs of varying sizes and across different sectors. The study aims to assess their compliance capabilities, examine their capacity gaps, and propose holistic solutions that support sustainable growth for these organisations.

The Growing Impact of Data Science in the Energy Industry

Data science is significantly impacting the energy industry by offering predictive analytics capabilities for forecasting demand, production, consumption, and distribution. This article highlights how data science contributes to greater efficiency in energy grids and informs strategic decision-making. Key trends include augmented analytics, AI as a service, and data democratization, all designed to make complex data more accessible and actionable for energy professionals. The integration of data science leads to optimized operations and better resource management within the energy sector.

Effects of Data Science in Education Across Workforce

This article examines the widespread effects of data science on education and its implications for the global workforce. It discusses how data science is transforming teaching and learning methodologies, enabling personalized education, and providing insights into student performance. Furthermore, the piece explores how a data-literate workforce is becoming increasingly vital across various sectors, highlighting the need for educational institutions to integrate data science skills into curricula to prepare individuals for future job markets and drive innovation.

Dhwani Rural Information Systems: Bridging the Technological Divide

This case study explores the journey of Dhwani Rural Information Systems, a social enterprise founded in 2012 by engineers Sunandan Madan and Swapnil Aggarwal. Focused on integrating technology into social sector organisations without disrupting their core functions, Dhwani has identified and standardised solutions for common technology challenges. The case highlights the need for a hybrid culture balancing development and technology, addressing challenges in talent sourcing, retention, and learning. With over 120 employees and 50+ projects, Dhwani’s experience offers insights for practitioners and researchers on building resilient, mission-driven social enterprises in competition with private sector talent demands.

Atma: Education, Inclusion and Acceleration

This case study traces the journey of Atma, an “accelerator” for education NGOs in India since 2007, providing strategic consulting and capacity-building support. With a team of professionals transitioning from corporate to development sectors, Atma exemplifies the motivations behind such career shifts. It also runs a volunteering programme, placing skilled private-sector professionals in partner NGOs to enhance their organisational growth. The case highlights Atma’s impact in addressing a key need of small and mid-sized NGOs, capacity building, to help them mobilise resources, develop capabilities, and navigate challenges in their mission-driven work.

Danamojo: Sustaining A Relational Platform

This case study explores the journey of Dhaval Udani and danamojo, a social enterprise founded in 2016 to enhance charitable giving in India through digital technology. Focused on trust, transparency, and commitment, danamojo represents a new wave of organisations bringing specialised expertise to civil society while preserving its ethos. Despite being a young organisation, the case delves into its founder’s motivations, platform development, resource challenges, and culture of integrity. It highlights that beyond ideas, funds, and expertise, qualities like diligence, determination, and commitment are key to sustaining a meaningful and impactful social enterprise.

Arghyam: A praxis on regenerating a groundwater civilisation

Arghyam began as a funding organisation and has grown into a key voice in India’s water ecosystem. By 2022, it was collaborating with various organisations to advance water security solutions. This case study examines Arghyam’s strategic shifts, particularly its 2018 pivot towards leveraging digital technology for scalable impact. The transition required internal realignment, new engagement models, and enhanced capabilities while maintaining a lean structure. Arghyam’s journey highlights how addressing complex challenges does not always require vast resources but rather strategic agility, intentional decision-making, and a sustained commitment to a singular philanthropic cause.
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