The Paul Hamlyn Foundation's India Fund

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation is committed to building a just society by collaborating with organizations and individuals dedicated to social change. Founded by Paul Hamlyn, a migrant who arrived in the UK in 1933 and later built a successful publishing business, the Foundation was established following his passing in 2001. By leaving most of his estate to the Foundation, Paul Hamlyn created one of the UK’s largest independent grant-making organizations.

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation's Mission for Change

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation's mission is to be an effective and independent funder, utilizing all resources to create opportunities and support social change. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation partner with inspiring organizations and individuals, placing them at the forefront of leading change and designing solutions to overcome inequality.

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation's Vision for the Future

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation envision a just society where everyone, especially young people, can realize their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation funding focuses on arts, education and learning, migration, and young people.

Introducing the India Fund

The India Fund is a significant opportunity for Indian NGOs to receive financial support ranging from ₹10,00,000 to ₹30,00,000 for a duration of 1 to 2 years. The application cycle is rolling, with assessments conducted biannually in March and October. This fund aims to empower India-based organizations to help communities build on their strengths and improve lives.

Who The Paul Hamlyn Foundation Wants to Support

We are looking to support local Indian NGOs with Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration. The organizations we fund should be:

• Working with communities to develop their ideas.

• Improving the overall wellbeing of communities in the long-term, not just short-term improvements.

• Developing links between their work and those of the panchayats (in rural areas) and municipalities (in urban areas).

• Aware of and mitigating their environmental impact and seeking to improve the ecology of their area.

• Promoting gender equality and supporting people of all genders to make change.

What The Paul Hamlyn Foundation Will Fund

We focus on funding organizations working with vulnerable communities, including but not limited to:

• Communities with little or no access to education.

• Communities with little or no access to health services.

• Dalit communities, particularly those in dangerous or harmful work.

• Disabled people, particularly children.

• Families living in extreme poverty.

• Tribal communities fighting for or dispossessed of their land and resources.

• Women.

We aim to support organizations that help these communities build on their strengths and develop leadership.

Priority Geographical Areas

Our funding is concentrated in central parts of India, which are among the poorest regions in the country. This area stretches from the eastern part of Gujarat in the west to West Bengal and Assam in the east. We support work in the following states:

• Madhya Pradesh

• Chhattisgarh

• Odisha

• Jharkhand

• Bihar

• West Bengal

• Assam

Additionally, we support work in specific culturally identifiable regions in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan that face more extreme poverty than other parts of these states:

• Mewar and Hadoti (southern and south-eastern Rajasthan)

• Bundelkhand (Northern Madhya Pradesh and southern districts of Uttar Pradesh bordering Madhya Pradesh)

• The Dangs (south-eastern Gujarat)

• Telangana (northern Andhra Pradesh)

• Vidharbha (eastern and northern Maharashtra)

How to Apply

The application process for the India Fund is straightforward. Interested NGOs can apply through our online portal. Applications are assessed biannually, so it is crucial to submit your application well before the deadlines in March and October.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Understand the Criteria: Ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria, including FCRA registration and alignment with our funding priorities.

2. Clear Objectives: Clearly outline your project’s objectives, expected outcomes, and how it aligns with our mission and vision.

3. Community Impact: Highlight how your project will benefit the community in the long-term and contribute to sustainable development.

4. Environmental Considerations: Demonstrate awareness of environmental impacts and steps taken to mitigate them.

5. Gender Equality: Show how your project promotes gender equality and supports people of all genders.

Conclusion

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation's India Fund is a valuable opportunity for Indian NGOs to secure funding for projects that drive social change and improve community wellbeing. By focusing on vulnerable communities and priority geographical areas, we aim to create lasting impact and support the development of a just society.

Click here for more information and to apply, The Paul Hamlyn Foundation's website.