Introducing HCL Foundation Grants 2026
On March 20, 2026, the HCLTech Grant 2026 was announced, marking the 11th edition of this commendable program. With a substantial allocation of ₹24 crore (approximately $2.58 million USD), the initiative aims to empower Indian NGOs to work on impactful projects across critical areas such as water, biodiversity, health, and education.
Key Features of the Grant
Winning NGOs are set to receive ₹5 crore each over a duration of four years, facilitating significant projects that aim for scalable outcomes. The grant has introduced “water” as a new standalone category, emphasizing the growing recognition of water-related issues alongside the already established fields of biodiversity, health, and education. Notably, enhanced funding is allocated for winners focusing on rural water and biodiversity conservation, showcasing a dedicated effort towards environmental sustainability.
Winners and Eligibility Criteria
The year 2026 saw remarkable initiatives awarded, including programs for water harvesting in the Thar Desert by Gravis and biodiversity conservation efforts in Jharkhand by the Live Foundation. Eligible applicants must consist of registered Indian NGOs—such as societies, trusts, and companies—with a proven track record of 3 to 10 years in rural development, illustrating their experience and reliability in driving societal transformation.
For those interested in applying for future iterations, the HCLTech grant portal and the HCLGrant Instagram account are valuable resources for updates and insights into successful projects from past winners.