Eligibility
The challenge fund seeks applications from Civil Society Organizations working in the following two categories:
Formally registered as a not-for-profit civil society organization in India
Essential Criteria
Both FCRA & non-FCRA registered organizations are eligible to apply
Demonstrate a proven track record of minimum of 2 years
NOTE: Any CSO that has received more than two grants based on Shakti's recommendation in the past two years i.e. 2020-21 and 2021-22 will NOT be eligible to participate in the challenge fund.
CSOs already working on climate
CSOs interested in working on climate and development
Benefits
Mentorship & capacity-building support to significantly enhance organisational capabilities in the domains of policy research and strategic communications
Core grant awards to shortlisted CSOs per year for 2 years, based on performance and final pitches of the participating CSOs
Application Process
The selection process will have 4 Rounds:
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST SUBMISSION
The first step requires applicants to submit a form answering a series of short questions aimed at understanding the alignment of the participating organizations with the objectives of the Challenge. Interested organizations can visit the website to read more about the application process and submit the application form.
The deadline for the submission of the expression of interest is December 15, 2022.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
After an initial filtering process, all the shortlisted organizations will be informed and guided to submit the proposal for the second round of assessment. Shortlisted organizations will be encouraged to submit proposals that fall within the scope of the challenge. Hand-holding support will be provided to the shortlisted organizations to help them write strong proposals.
The deadline for submission of proposal is February 2023.
PRESENTATION & LEADERSHIP DISCUSSION
We will shortlist select organizations for the third selection round. The organizations will be required to defend their proposals and make a strong case for the intended use of the core funds in a pitch session to the Jury members.
This round will also involve conversations with organizations’ leadership teams and may include reference checks with grantees from February-March 2023.
DECISION
Names of the final Winners will be announced
Application Timeline
