Apply for Rural India Supporting Trust Grants

The Rural India Supporting Trust Grants innovative projects and organizations working to reduce poverty in India by providing quality and affordable services in the following sectors:

  • Healthcare service delivery
  • Education with focus on health, nutrition, and STEM
  • Disability inclusion and dignified living
  • Environmental programs reducing air and water pollution

RIST prioritizes rights‑based approaches, gender equality, and disability inclusion across all funded initiatives.

Funding Principles of Rural India Supporting Trust Grants

Projects must:

  • Be replicable across sectors or geographies in India.
  • Include long‑term sustainability plans (e.g., co‑funding).
  • Collaborate with like‑minded organizations.
  • Demonstrate strong financial and organizational management.
  • Ensure community participation.

What RIST Does Not Fund

  • Direct donations to individuals
  • Event fundraisers or sponsorships
  • Lobbying activities
  • Exclusively religious projects
  • Projects outside India
  • Election campaigns
  • For‑profit entities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be tax‑exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, or have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status.
  • Non‑US organizations must demonstrate equivalency to a US public charity or other qualification.
  • Align with RIST’s funding priorities in healthcare, education, disability, and environment.

📝 Application Process

1. Concept Note

  • Accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Includes contact details, organization overview, project design, tax‑exempt confirmation, and funding request.
  • RIST reviews and decides whether to invite a Full Proposal.

2. Full Proposal

  • Invited organizations submit detailed applications.
  • Accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Invitation does not guarantee funding.

3. Grant Agreement

  • Selected applicants are notified via email.
  • Agreement signed by all parties.
  • Fund disbursement planned after agreement.
  • Applicants can track status via SurveyMonkey Apply.

How to Apply

Applications are managed through SurveyMonkey Apply, a secure, user‑friendly cloud system. Apply for a Grant – RIST