It also supports our long-term strategy of covering both evergreen CSR company profiles and active CSR grant opportunities. The SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India is supported by Reliance Foundation in partnership with the Gates Foundation, with a total initiative of ₹200 crore over three years to advance women’s digital inclusion. (Reliance Foundation)
Reliance Foundation SheConnects Digital Accelerator India 2026: CSR Grant Opportunity for NGOs
Introduction :Reliance Foundation SheConnects Digital Accelerator is a CSR funding initiative designed to support non-profit organisations developing innovative digital solutions that empower women and girls across India. Through grants, technical support, and ecosystem collaboration, the programme aims to accelerate high-impact initiatives that improve digital inclusion, livelihoods, education, health, financial inclusion, and online safety. For organisations exploring Funds for Indian NGOs, CSR Funding, and resources through an NGO Database, this programme presents an important opportunity to scale proven solutions.
Table of Contents
- About the SheConnects Digital Accelerator
- Programme Overview
- Objectives
- Grant Focus Areas
- Funding Support
- Eligibility Criteria
- Application Process
- Important Dates
- FAQs
- Disclaimer
About the SheConnects Digital Accelerator
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India is a grant initiative supported by Reliance Foundation in partnership with the Gates Foundation. The programme aims to identify and scale proven digital solutions that help women and girls participate fully in the digital economy and society.
Beyond financial support, the accelerator promotes knowledge exchange, collaboration, and learning between organisations working in India and other regions of the Global South. The broader objective is to contribute to reducing the digital gender gap and strengthening women’s agency through technology.
Programme Overview : The programme supports organisations that have already demonstrated impact and are ready to scale innovative digital solutions. It focuses on practical interventions that improve women’s access to digital technologies and create opportunities in education, livelihoods, health, financial services, agriculture, and cyber safety.
The accelerator seeks evidence-backed solutions that can achieve measurable outcomes and be expanded to benefit larger populations. Successful organisations may also receive technical advisory support and opportunities to participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives. (Reliance Foundation)
Programme Objectives
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator seeks to:
- Promote digital inclusion for women and girls.
- Scale proven and evidence-backed digital solutions.
- Improve access to digital opportunities and services.
- Strengthen women’s economic participation.
- Foster innovation and collaboration across the social sector.
- Encourage South-South learning and knowledge exchange.
- Support sustainable and scalable social impact. (Reliance Foundation)
Grant Focus Areas
Projects may focus on one or more of the following:
- Digital Inclusion
- Women’s Livelihoods
- Digital Financial Inclusion
- Education
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Online Safety and Cyber Security
- Digital Skills
- Women’s Economic Empowerment
This programme encourages organisations to propose solutions that have already demonstrated measurable results and can be expanded to reach more women and girls.
Grant Funding
Selected organisations may request grant funding ranging from ₹85 lakh to ₹4.2 crore.
Projects should have an implementation period of 15 to 18 months. Funding requests should be realistic, well-justified, and aligned with the proposed project’s objectives and expected outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants should generally:
- Be registered not-for-profit organisations operating in India.
- Have proven experience implementing high-impact programmes.
- Demonstrate evidence of successful digital interventions.
- Present scalable and sustainable project models.
- Have appropriate governance and financial management systems.
Organisations should carefully review the official programme guidelines before applying.
Application Timeline
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 – Pitch Submission | Open |
| Application Deadline | ** 4 September 2026 (11:59 PM IST) |
| Stage 2 | Detailed Proposal (Shortlisted Applicants) |
| Stage 3 | Fund Panel Review |
| Stage 4 | Contracting |
| Stage 5 | Project Launch |
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Complete the online Stage 1 Pitch.
- Submit applications in English.
- Clearly explain the problem being addressed.
- Demonstrate evidence of previous impact.
- Explain scalability and sustainability.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Only shortlisted organisations will be invited to subsequent stages.
Selection Process
The programme follows a multi-stage evaluation process:
- Online Pitch Submission.
- Shortlisting.
- Detailed Proposal.
- Fund Panel Assessment.
- Contracting.
- Project Launch.
The selection process focuses on innovation, evidence of impact, organisational capability, and scalability.
Tips for NGOs
Before applying:
- Demonstrate measurable impact.
- Present clear evidence supporting the proposed solution.
- Define outcomes and indicators.
- Explain sustainability beyond the grant period.
- Show organisational capability and governance.
- Ensure the proposal aligns with the programme’s digital inclusion objectives.
Official Resources
Applicants should refer only to the official programme page for:
- Programme Guidelines
- Application Portal
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Information
- Updates and Announcements
Important Advisory for NGOs
Reliance Foundation accepts applications only through the official application process. NGOs should be cautious of unsolicited emails, agents, or consultants claiming to guarantee funding, selection, or approvals in exchange for payments or commissions.
Always rely on official communication channels when submitting applications or responding to programme-related correspondence.
Conclusion: The Reliance Foundation SheConnects Digital Accelerator India 2026 presents a significant opportunity for eligible non-profit organisations to scale innovative digital solutions that improve the lives of women and girls. Through substantial grant funding, technical support, and collaborative learning, the programme aims to accelerate proven interventions that promote digital inclusion, financial empowerment, education, health, and livelihoods.
NGOs with evidence-backed solutions and the capacity to implement projects at scale are encouraged to review the programme guidelines and submit their applications before the deadline.
For more CSR Funding opportunities, explore our CSR Funding Companies section. You can also visit Funds for Indian NGOs** and our NGO Database to discover the latest grants, CSR initiatives, foundation funding opportunities, and government schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the SheConnects Digital Accelerator?
It is a grant programme supported by Reliance Foundation in partnership with the Gates Foundation to scale high-impact digital solutions that improve women’s digital inclusion in India. (Reliance Foundation)
- How much funding is available?
Eligible organisations may request grants ranging from ₹85 lakh to ₹4.2 crore. (Reliance Foundation)
- What is the project duration?
Projects should have an implementation period of 15 to 18 months
- Who can apply?
Registered non government organisations in India with proven, scalable digital solutions aligned with the programme objectives.
- What is the application deadline?
The Stage 1 application deadline is 4 September 2026 at 11:59 PM IST
- Is the application submitted online?
Yes. Applications must be submitted through the official online application process.
- What sectors are supported?
Digital inclusion, education, livelihoods, financial inclusion, health, agriculture, cyber safety, and women’s empowerment.
- Where can NGOs find more funding opportunities?
You can explore our Funds for Indian NGOs, CSR Funding section, and NGO Database for the latest funding opportunities from corporate foundations, government agencies, and international donors.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance for NGOs and other stakeholders interested in the Reliance Foundation SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India 2026. Programme objectives, funding amounts, eligibility criteria, timelines, and application processes may change. Applicants should always refer to the official programme page before submitting an application. NGOPortal is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of Reliance Foundation or its programme partners. (Reliance Foundation)
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