ServiceNow Community Solar Fund 2026 – The ServiceNow Community Solar Fund 2026 is supporting community-based solar and sustainable infrastructure projects in Hyderabad and Bangalore, India. The fund is administered through ChangeX, with implementation support from Nirmaan, and is intended to help eligible nonprofit organisations, schools and public institutions introduce established community solar programmes.
The application deadline is 13 October 2026 (IST). Applicants will be informed about the outcome by 3 December 2026.
About the ServiceNow Community Solar Fund
The ServiceNow Community Solar Fund aims to support sustainable infrastructure and solar-based solutions that strengthen community resilience and provide positive, inclusive benefits to local communities.
Rather than providing a conventional cash grant to applicants, the programme works through selected project ideas and a designated implementation partner. Nirmaan receives and manages the funding and covers the implementation costs of approved projects. Applicants therefore do not receive the funding directly as a cash payment.
The programme is currently open for projects in Hyderabad and Bangalore.
What Projects Does the Fund Support?
Applicants can choose from established community programmes available through the ServiceNow Community Solar Fund.
The current programme includes:
- Anganwadi Solar – solar electricity for Anganwadis and early childhood centres.
- Solar Power for Schools – solar electricity for government schools, including support for computer labs, projectors and other essential facilities.
- Solar Power for Health Centres – solar power for Primary Health Centres.
- Solar Power for District Hospitals – solar power with battery backup for district or secondary hospitals.
- Solar for Community Halls – a 5 kW solar rooftop system for community halls or Panchayat offices.
- Solar Power for Urban Parks – solar-powered infrastructure for urban parks, including lighting, irrigation and other facilities.
- Solar Power for Urban Lakes – solar-powered infrastructure supporting lake restoration, aeration, lighting and water-quality monitoring.
Applicants should review the individual project idea carefully because eligibility and implementation requirements may vary depending on the programme selected.
Who Can Apply?
The fund is open to:
- Nonprofit organisations
- Schools
- Public institutions
Applicants will need to provide relevant documentation to demonstrate their organisational status. The selected project must also satisfy the eligibility requirements of the specific programme idea chosen.
Geographic Eligibility
Projects must take place in:
- Hyderabad
- Bangalore
An organisation based elsewhere may therefore need to demonstrate that the proposed project will actually be implemented in one of these two cities.
What Does the Funding Cover?
This programme operates differently from a conventional grant.
The funding is managed directly by Nirmaan, the designated implementation partner. Nirmaan covers and manages the costs associated with implementing the selected project.
No funds are transferred directly to the community organisation.
The value shown for a project represents the implementation support and associated project costs rather than a cash grant that the applicant can receive and spend independently.
How the Application Process Works
Applicants first select an appropriate established project idea and submit an application through ChangeX.
The application asks for information about the organisation and proposed project, including the project description, expected impact and scope.
Applications go through an eligibility and proposal review process. Nirmaan then carries out a technical feasibility assessment, which may include a site visit to examine factors such as available roof space, electrical infrastructure and structural suitability.
If a project is selected, Nirmaan’s technical team will finalise the engineering design and drawings before implementation begins.
ServiceNow Employee Volunteering
Projects should include opportunities for ServiceNow employees to participate as volunteers during project activation or implementation.
Applicants should therefore consider how appropriate employee volunteering opportunities can be incorporated into the project.
Project Completion and Reporting
Successful applicants must complete their project and provide an impact report containing both qualitative and quantitative information within 12 months of receiving the project support.
After implementation, applicants will be asked to complete an impact survey and share a summary with photographs through the ChangeX platform.
The reporting process is important because the programme uses impact reporting to support the release of the final portion of the project funding.
How Many Applications Can an Organisation Submit?
Each organisation is eligible to submit only one application under this fund because of the limited resources available.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
13 October 2026 (IST)
ChangeX expects to notify applicants about the outcome by:
3 December 2026 (IST).
What NGOs Should Prepare Before Applying
Eligible organisations should first determine whether one of the available solar project ideas is suitable for their existing facilities or community programme.
Before applying, organisations should be prepared to provide:
- Organisational information and relevant registration documentation
- Details of the proposed project location
- Information about the facility or community that will benefit
- A clear description of the proposed project
- Expected community benefits and impact
- Information relevant to the selected project idea
- Site-related information required for technical feasibility assessment
- Any other documents requested through the ChangeX application process
For projects involving solar installations, organisations should also ensure that they have the necessary authority or permission to use the proposed site.
Why This Opportunity May Be Relevant to NGOs
The ServiceNow Community Solar Fund may be relevant to organisations working with:
- Government schools
- Anganwadis and early childhood centres
- Primary health centres
- Hospitals
- Community halls
- Urban parks
- Urban lakes
- Underserved communities requiring sustainable infrastructure
The opportunity is particularly structured around practical solar infrastructure rather than unrestricted programme funding.
Important Note for Applicants
This is not a conventional unrestricted or cash grant.
The programme provides project implementation support through Nirmaan. Approved applicants do not receive the funding directly. Nirmaan manages and pays the implementation costs associated with the selected project.
Applicants should carefully review the specific project idea, eligibility requirements, technical requirements and application questions before submitting an application.
The information provided above is for general guidance. Applicants should rely on the current official ChangeX programme information and application requirements when preparing and submitting their application.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the ChangeX platform.
Official application and programme information:
ServiceNow Community Solar Fund – ChangeX
Applicants should select the appropriate project idea and follow the application instructions provided on the official platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an NGO outside Hyderabad or Bangalore apply?
The project must take place in Hyderabad or Bangalore. Therefore, an organisation should only apply where it can implement an eligible project in one of these locations.
Is this a cash grant?
No. The programme does not transfer the project funding directly to the applicant. Nirmaan receives and manages the funding and covers the implementation costs.
Can an NGO submit more than one application?
No. Each organisation is eligible to submit only one application under the fund.
Will the project undergo technical assessment?
Yes. Nirmaan carries out a technical feasibility assessment, which can include a site visit to assess factors such as roof space, electrical arrangements and structural suitability.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 13 October 2026 (IST).
When will applicants be informed of the result?
ChangeX states that applicants will be informed by 3 December 2026 (IST).
Disclaimer:NGOPortal publishes information about funding opportunities for informational purposes. NGOPortal is not the funding agency, programme administrator or implementation partner for the ServiceNow Community Solar Fund.
Applicants should verify all eligibility conditions, project requirements, technical criteria, documentation requirements and application instructions directly with ChangeX before applying.
Publication of this opportunity on NGOPortal does not imply endorsement, recommendation or any guarantee of funding, selection or project approval.
Related Resources
Steps to Take Before Applying for a Grant
How to Prepare an NGO Letter of Intent: Sample Format
How to Prepare an NGO Concept Note
How to Prepare an NGO Project Budget
How to Prepare an NGO Project Proposal