A movement to break the cycle of vulnerability by investing in grassroots leadership

We are building the largest portfolio of grassroots organizations led by proximate leaders in India

A movement to break the cycle of vulnerability by investing in grassroots leadership

We are building the largest portfolio of grassroots organizations led by proximate leaders in India

A movement to break the cycle of vulnerability by investing in grassroots leadership

We are building the largest portfolio of grassroots organizations led by proximate leaders in India

What is Rebuild?

Rebuild India Fund provides long-term, flexible grants to strengthen institutional, organizational and programmatic resilience of NGOs in the country.
The Fund believes in placing power and trust in the hands of communities that drive change at the grassroots.

years of flexible funding

100

new NGOs funded each year

50+

capacity & solidarity building spaces curated annually

100+

funders and partners engaged

years of flexible funding

100

new NGOs funded each year

50+

capacity & solidarity building spaces curated annually

100+

funders and partners engaged

Why Grassroots Organizations?

Grassroots organizations are deeply rooted in their communities, building trust, driving impact, and creating change that lasts. Yet, they remain highly underfunded and overlooked. It's time we changed that. In a 2021 study, it emerged that :

60%

of grassroots organizations led by marginalized communities have less than three months of financial reserves.

83%

organizations struggle to secure coverage of indirect costs.

Only 18%

can invest in organizational development.

Grassroots organizations face challenges such as:

Low visibility and limited funding access

Language and geographical barriers

Lack of relevant capacity-building opportunities

Bridging the Access Gap in Philanthropy

Long term, Flexible Funding

Philanthropy must address the access gap that continues to hinder grassroots organizations. Through its work with grassroots organizations, Rebuild has learnt that these organizations need long-term flexible funding and access to platforms which can amplify their voices and work.

Inclusive, Needs-based Support

We have seen first-hand that investing in needs-based capacity-building and fostering an inclusive ecosystem helps break the cycle of vulnerability. Such an approach promotes equity and enables communities to thrive on their own terms.

The Rebuild India Fund Approach

At Rebuild India Fund, we are trying to respond to this gap. The Rebuild India Fund is a pooled flexible fund which honors the autonomy of grassroots leaders and organizations and is designed to support them in taking decisions that best serve the interests of their communities.

The Rebuild India Fund Approach

At Rebuild India Fund, we are responding to the gap. The Rebuild India Fund is a pooled flexible fund that honours the autonomy of grassroots leaders and organizations and is designed to support them in taking decisions that best serve the interests of their communities.

How do we select our NGOs ?

We rely on lived and learnt experiences of leaders, community-rooted models and meaningful conversations as our guiding principles in assessments instead of rigid application processes. This is to ensure that NGOs are assessed based on their unique contexts and impact.

01.

Recommendations

We source recommendations of organizations from a network of 50+ trusted nodal partners, existing NGO portfolio partners, funders and other stakeholders in the ecosystem who work closely with grassroots organizations.

02.

Assessments

Instead of an application form, we have open and transparent conversations with NGO leaders. Our assessment panel also includes NGO leaders to ensure better participation in the process.

03.

Selection Criteria

NGOs are evaluated on three core pillars:

Leadership : Are the NGO leaders or senior leadership from the communities they serve? Do they belong to marginalized or under-represented groups?

Community Centricity : How actively are local communities involved in program design and delivery?

Vulnerability : How many layers of intersectional challenges do these communities face?

04.

Final Decision-Making

Our Investment Committee, which takes a final decision on the selection includes proximate leaders to ensure a truly participatory grantmaking process. The Committee brings in deep experience and expertise from the sector.

Meet them here.

An Interactive Map of Our Portfolio Partners across India

Click on a state to know more about our portfolio organizations in the region.

How do we select our NGOs ?

We rely on lived & learnt experiences of leaders, community-rooted models and meaningful conversations to be our guiding principles in assessments, instead of rigid application processes, ensuring that NGOs are assessed based on their unique contexts and impact, not just their ability to write proposals.

01.

Recommendations

We source recommendations of organizations from a network of 50+ trusted nodal partners, our existing NGO portfolio partners, our funders, and other stakeholders in the ecosystem who work closely with grassroots organizations.

02.

Assessment

Instead of an application form, we have open and transparent conversations with NGO leaders. Our assessment panel includes proximate leaders to ensure a truly participatory grantmaking process.

03.

Selection Criteria

04.

Final Decision-Making

Our assessment panel includes proximate leaders to ensure a truly participatory grantmaking process. The final selection is made by a panel of five NGO leaders and changemakers who bring deep experience and expertise to the decision-making process.

Meet them here.

How do we track our learnings?

We rely on organizations to share what truly matters in order to capture their learnings on the programmatic and financial fronts.

Collaborative Reporting

A shared reporting system in which NGO partners regularly contribute data and insights to track collective progress.

Needs assessments and check-ins

Periodic assessments and conversations that help understand the evolving community and organizational needs in real time.

Quarterly and Annual Reflections

Structured yearly reviews and quarterly thematic briefs that capture learnings and shifts in context.

Collaborative Reporting

A shared reporting system where partners regularly contribute data and insights to track collective progress.

Needs assessments & Check-In

Periodic assessments and conversations that help understand evolving community and organisational needs in real time.

Six-Month Reflections

A structured yearly review that captures learning, shifts in context, and priorities for the year ahead.

The Journey of Rebuild
(in chronological order)

0.

Launched as a relief initiative at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and supported 152 NGOs in India with immediate relief needs.

1.

Recognizing the long-term impact of COVID-19 on India’s vulnerable communities and the need to support resilience building for grassroots NGOs, Dasra and Tarsadia Foundation expanded the Rebuild India Fund into a platform championing proximate leadership.

2.

Launched Cohort 1 with 23 NGOs, marking the beginning of Rebuild’s journey with grassroots organizations.

3.

Introduced the first in-person workshop for the inaugural cohort to foster solidarity among grassroots NGOs and provide a platform for leaders to come together.