Azim Premji Foundation Launches Social Startups Programme; Applications Open Until December 31

The Azim Premji Foundation has introduced a new Social Startups Programme to encourage experienced development-sector professionals to establish independent civil society organisations and address challenges faced by underserved communities.

The initiative aims to support individuals who have hands-on experience working with communities but need financial assistance, institutional guidance and organisational skills to establish their own grassroots organisations.

Applications for the programme opened on November 1, 2026, and eligible candidates can apply until December 31, 2026, through the Foundation's official website.

Azim Premji Foundation+1

Four regions selected for the first cohort

The Foundation plans to bring approximately 100 participants into the first cohort, covering four geographical areas: Odisha, North-East India, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru Urban.

The programme will focus on several social development themes, including rural livelihoods, healthcare, youth development, mental health, disability inclusion, children's welfare and the well-being of Adivasi communities.

It will also encourage initiatives addressing the needs of people living in urban informal settlements, particularly in areas such as childcare facilities (creches), community sanitation and access to welfare rights.

Rajib Ghosh, Head of Philanthropy at the Azim Premji Foundation, said the initiative seeks to encourage more grassroots organisations, particularly in underserved regions. He highlighted that many professionals understand community-level challenges but lack the resources and support required to establish independent organisations.

He also clarified that the initiative is separate from the Foundation's regular grant programme, which supports already registered civil society organisations.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Social Startups Programme is designed for young development-sector professionals interested in becoming founders of new civil society organisations.

According to the Foundation's eligibility guidelines, applicants must:

Be below 40 years of age as of January 1, 2027.

Hold a graduate degree in any discipline.

Have at least three years of full-time field experience in the development sector.

Be willing to work at the grassroots level and relocate to their selected programme geography.

Intend to establish and lead a new civil society organisation.

Be committed to working in one of the four identified regions.

Individuals who already have a registered organisation, or are founders or co-founders of an existing registered organisation, are not eligible.

Azim Premji Foundation+1

Eight-month support followed by a potential two-year grant

The programme will operate in two phases, beginning with an eight-month seeding phase.

During this period, selected participants will receive financial assistance and practical guidance to understand community requirements, develop their organisational plans and establish their initiatives.

The Foundation's official programme details specify a monthly honorarium of Rs 45,000 during the seeding phase. Participants will also receive training and guidance on organisation registration, governance, statutory compliance, financial management and programme development.

Azim Premji Foundation+1

After completing the initial phase, participants will be expected to register their organisations and fulfil the programme's required milestones.

Eligible organisations may subsequently be considered for a two-year grant. The Foundation's published guidelines indicate potential funding of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh annually, subject to performance assessment and fulfilment of the prescribed milestones.

Azim Premji Foundation+1

Application process and important dates

The selection process will involve multiple stages, including eligibility screening, document verification, submission of a statement of purpose, an online interaction and an in-person panel discussion.

The eight-month seeding phase is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2027. Participants will undergo an assessment in November and December 2027 to determine whether their organisations qualify for the subsequent grant phase.

Interested candidates can review the eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the official programme portal.

Application deadline: December 31, 2026.

Official application website: Azim Premji Foundation – Social Startups Programme.

About Azim Premji Foundation

The Azim Premji Foundation works towards building a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. Its initiatives cover education, healthcare and other areas of social development. The organisation collaborates with governments, educational institutions, civil society organisations and communities across India.