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If your NGO is working to improve the lives of vulnerable communities, the Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) India Fund is one of the most valuable international grant opportunities available.
The Foundation supports community-led development projects that create lasting social change. Eligible NGOs can receive grants ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹40 lakh for projects lasting 1–2 years.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Paul Hamlyn Foundation India Fund, including eligibility, funding priorities, application process, required documents, and practical tips to strengthen your proposal.
About the Paul Hamlyn Foundation India Fund
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) is a UK-based charitable foundation that funds organizations working to reduce inequality and promote social justice.
In India, the Foundation supports small and medium-sized Indian NGOs that work directly with disadvantaged communities and encourage local people to lead their own development.
Unlike many grant programs that issue periodic calls for proposals, the PHF India Fund accepts applications throughout the year.
Grant Amount
Organizations can apply for grants ranging from:
- Minimum Grant: ₹10,00,000
- Maximum Grant: ₹40,00,000
The grant amount depends on the project’s scope, duration, and expected impact.
Project Duration
Supported projects generally run for:
- 1 year
- 2 years
Application Deadline
The India Fund follows a rolling application process, meaning applications are accepted throughout the year.
However, proposals are formally reviewed twice every year:
- March
- October
Submitting well before these review periods gives your application sufficient time for processing.
Objectives of the India Fund
The Foundation aims to support projects that:
- Empower communities to lead their own development.
- Reduce long-term social and economic inequality.
- Strengthen local leadership.
- Promote gender equality.
- Build organizational capacity.
- Encourage sustainable and community-driven development.
- Address systemic issues instead of providing only short-term relief.
- Support environmentally responsible development.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a locally registered Indian NGO.
- Hold a valid FCRA registration.
- Work directly with communities.
- Have an established presence in their project area.
- Demonstrate experience implementing community development projects.
Applications from organizations operating through consultants or fundraising agencies are not accepted.
FCRA Requirement
A valid Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration is mandatory.
Organizations applying under FCRA Prior Permission are not eligible.
Priority States
The Foundation primarily funds projects in:
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Odisha
- Chhattisgarh
- Madhya Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Assam
It also supports projects in selected regions of:
- Rajasthan (Mewar and Hadoti)
- Uttar Pradesh (Bundelkhand)
- Gujarat (The Dangs)
- Andhra Pradesh (Telangana region)
- Maharashtra (Vidarbha)
Priority Communities
Projects should benefit vulnerable communities, including:
- Women
- Tribal communities
- Dalit communities
- Families living in extreme poverty
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Communities lacking access to education
- Communities lacking healthcare services
The Foundation encourages organizations to build local leadership rather than create long-term dependency.
Types of Funding
1. Micro-Level Funding
Approximately 70–80% of the Foundation’s grants are awarded through this category.
Suitable organizations typically:
- Work directly with communities.
- Have a field presence.
- Implement projects themselves.
- Have an annual expenditure below ₹1.5 crore.
- Operate within the Foundation’s priority geographical areas.
This category is ideal for small and medium-sized NGOs.
2. Meso- or Macro-Level Funding
Around 10–15% of grants support organizations that:
- Build the capacity of other NGOs.
- Conduct research and documentation.
- Advocate for policy improvements.
- Strengthen implementation systems.
- Influence broader development ecosystems.
These organizations may be located outside the priority geographical areas if their work has wider impact.
What the Foundation Looks For
Successful proposals generally demonstrate:
- Strong community participation.
- Long-term impact.
- Local ownership.
- Collaboration with Panchayats or Municipalities where appropriate.
- Gender equality.
- Environmental responsibility.
- Measurable outcomes.
- Sustainable solutions beyond the project period.
What the Foundation Does Not Fund
The India Fund does not support:
- NGOs without FCRA registration.
- Organizations applying through FCRA Prior Permission.
- Foreign NGOs or local branches of foreign organizations.
- Political organizations.
- Religious institutions.
- Applications submitted through consultants or fundraising agencies.
Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Applicants complete an online eligibility questionnaire before accessing the full application.
The eligibility questions are available in both English and Hindi for review.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Eligible organizations submit a detailed written proposal through the Foundation’s online application system.
Step 3: Review
Applications are assessed by the Foundation’s India Fund team.
Additional information or clarification may be requested during the review process.
Step 4: Decision
Organizations are informed of the outcome after the assessment process.
Documents You Should Prepare
Although requirements may vary, applicants should generally have:
- NGO Registration Certificate
- Valid FCRA Registration Certificate
- PAN
- Audited Financial Statements
- Annual Reports
- Organization Profile
- Project Proposal
- Detailed Budget
- Board Member Details
- Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
- Organizational Policies
Tips to Improve Your Chances
To build a stronger application:
- Focus on long-term community transformation.
- Demonstrate genuine community participation.
- Explain how local people will continue the work after the grant ends.
- Include measurable indicators and realistic targets.
- Present a clear and transparent budget.
- Show previous experience delivering similar projects.
- Explain how your project supports women, marginalized groups, and environmental sustainability.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the India Fund or the application process, you can contact the Foundation directly:
Email: [email protected]
Final Thoughts
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation India Fund is an excellent funding opportunity for Indian NGOs working to create sustainable, community-led change.
With grants ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹40 lakh, support for projects lasting one to two years, and a rolling application process, the fund offers significant opportunities for organizations committed to reducing inequality and empowering vulnerable communities.
Before applying, ensure your organization meets the eligibility requirements, particularly the mandatory FCRA registration, and prepare a proposal that clearly demonstrates community ownership, measurable impact, sustainability, and long-term social change.
A well-planned application aligned with the Foundation’s priorities can significantly improve your chances of securing funding and expanding your organization’s impact.
