Rebuild India Fund

Across India, women-led NGOs are quietly yet powerfully redefining leadership—centering communities, maximizing resources, and creating impact that endures for generations. These organizations don’t just address challenges; they unlock potential. By transforming grassroots insights into scalable solutions, they empower communities to thrive. Their work goes beyond aid—it paves the way for lasting change. Recognizing this transformative power, Rebuild India Fund will soon announce the launch of an exclusive cohort of women-led NGOs selected through a participatory assessment process that leverages the experience of Rebuild's existing portfolio of women leaders. Guided by inspiring leaders - Maya Patel of Tarsadia Foundation and Farida Kathawalla of Circle of Hope, we aim to amplify the voices of women who are not just leading but reshaping our collective future. Because when women lead, hope becomes action. Change becomes inevitable. #RootedInHerPower #RebuildIndiaFund #WomenChangemakers #GrassrootsLeadership

This Child Rights Week, we are inspired by another milestone in our grassroots-led movement building —20 partner organizations from Rebuild's portfolio are coming together with one powerful mission: to place children at the center of the child rights movement. This wasn’t just a meeting- it was the beginning of a collaborative movement to create spaces where children aren’t seen as 'beneficiaries', but as the agents of change and leaders of our collective future. The Peer-led Group, led by Parul Sheth from Shaishav and Dr. Jim Jesudoss from Sakthi Vidiyal, was born out of the shared belief that if we are to truly create a child-friendly society, we must empower children to take control of their own narratives. This peer-led group isn’t just a space for exchanging ideas—it’s about working together to ensure that children’s voices are heard, and their rights are not just protected but actively championed. In the session, we spoke about much more than policy—we spoke about the real, lived experiences of children. 431 million children in India face a future that’s shaped by the very systems that are supposed to protect them. We explored everything from the challenges of education stress and social media pressures to skill-building for vulnerable children and mobilizing children’s groups in communities. From gender equity education to trauma-informed approaches, we learned from one another, all while keeping children at the heart of every conversation. At the end of the day, the goal is simple: to create safe spaces where children can thrive, learn, and lead. As we look to the future, we’re inspired by the collective strength of this movement and by the children who are already leading the way. Together, we’re not just shaping a future for children—we’re shaping their movement with them. Richa Pant Udita Shome Khyati Pokar Anantvijay Singh Dasra #ChildRightsWeek #RebuildIndiaFund #GrassrootsLeadership #EmpowerChildren #TogetherForChange

At the Dasra Philanthropy Forum 2024, we had the privilege of hearing from Hechin Haokip of the Center for Women and Girls and Manohari Doss of the Institute of Self-Management—two extraordinary leaders driving change at the grassroots level. Their stories highlighted a crucial truth: grassroots organizations that are closest to their communities are most effective at addressing urgent challenges, however they still face the greatest funding gaps. The Action Coalition on Building Feminist Movements and Leaderships reported that less than 1% of international aid for gender equality reaches women’s rights organizations. Only 16% of philanthropic funding for gender equity makes it to the ground—most of it flowing to larger, international entities. This, combined with a lack of recognition for the value of proximate leadership, severely limits the potential of leaders like Hechin and Manohari, whose work is transformative. Hechin, for instance, is challenging deeply rooted patriarchal norms in Manipur, where customary laws often downplay or dismiss the severity of gender-based violence. Manohari, in Tamil Nadu, leads a consortium of 65 women-led NGOs, that work to strengthen access and advocate for marginalized communities. These leaders are deeply embedded in their communities and uniquely positioned to create lasting solutions. At Rebuild India Fund, we are actively supporting women-led organizations that are driving change from the ground up. This is a transformative opportunity to shift the narrative and create lasting, transformative impact. By supporting these leaders, we can unlock powerful outcomes that not only advance equity and inclusion but also foster sustainable development. If you’re interested in learning more or exploring ways to support proximate leaders who are already making a difference, I encourage you to reach out.

Tomorrow, two remarkable leaders from Rebuild India Fund’s partner organizations will join the global climate conversation in a panel discussion hosted with ClimateRISE Alliance and Global Methane Hub. Mayfereen Ryntathiang, a proximate leader represents the Khasi tribe of the North East Region in India. At GRASSROOT SHILLONG, she champions weaving traditional indigenous wisdom with modern practices to support communities in the region enabling them to practice climate resilient agriculture and other livelihoods. Paul Lokho, also a proximate leader represents the Naga tribe of the North East Region in India. At Pro rural India, he focuses on transforming traditional Jhum cultivation practices into climate-smart agriculture, supporting tribal communities in the region. They will be joined by Suresh Babu, a leading expert on food policy and resilience, Manjyot Kaur Ahluwalia, a global climate policy specialist focused on methane mitigation strategies and Luize Sampaio from Casa Fluminense, whose work amplifies the role of community-led solutions in tackling climate challenges. Moderating this powerful conversation are Kanica Sharma and Navin Jaiswal from ClimateRISE Alliance, guiding the dialogue to bridge traditional wisdom and global climate action. This discussion is more than just climate—it’s about equity, justice, and honoring the knowledge that has sustained communities for centuries. Together, these leaders will inspire action, turning local solutions into global impact. We at the Rebuild India Fund are honoured to celebrate these incredible stories of resilience and innovation. Khyati Pokar Anantvijay Singh Dasra #COP29 #ClimateAction #RebuildIndiaFund #IndigenousWisdom #GrassrootsLeadership #ClimateResilience

What does it really mean to bring children back to school? For Sakshi Srivastava and Dilip Suthar at Anubhuti Organisation, it’s not just about enrollment—it’s about creating a future where children, families, and entire communities can thrive. Sakshi’s journey began with a simple but heartbreaking moment—seeing two children digging through a trash bin for leftovers. That moment sparked a mission, one she and Dilip now carry forward together. From tackling dropout rates to fostering behavioral change at the grassroots level, they’ve built a model that doesn’t just focus on education but on changing mindsets within the community. Co-leadership plays a huge part in their success. As Dilip says, it’s not about doing it alone; it’s about trusting each other to build something bigger than themselves. Whether it’s Sakshi working on partnerships or Dilip leading operations, they’re a team in the truest sense—lifting each other up, challenging one another, and moving the mission forward. Watch this story of resilience, teamwork, and transformation where leadership, education, and community together create lasting change: https://lnkd.in/deATVnYM #RebuildIndiaFund #AnubhutiSamiti #ConnectingTheDots #CoLeadership #GrassrootsChange #EmpoweringCommunities #YouthLeadership

Education is the foundation for a brighter tomorrow, but for many communities in India, access to quality education remains out of reach. On this National Education Day, we honor the organizations challenging this! Organizations such as SALEM PEOPLE TRUST, Samudaik Kalyan Evam Vikas Sansthan (SKVS), and Jan Vikas Sansthan are working tirelessly to break down the barriers that prevent children from marginalized communities—especially Dalit, Musahar, and families enduring discrimination from stepping into classrooms. These organizations aren’t just focusing on enrollment; they’re ensuring children stay in school, receive quality education, and have the opportunity to build a future they deserve. From providing educational support to training local leaders to access better opportunities, their work is reshaping the educational landscape for the most vulnerable. Education isn’t just about textbooks and lessons; it’s about dignity, opportunity, and the chance to dream big. Today, we celebrate their unwavering commitment to creating a world where every child has access to an inclusive and quality education, regardless of their background. As proximate leaders- they are inspiring change through their deep understanding and lived experiences, ensuring every child begins their journey with equity. #RebuildIndiaFund #ProximateLeaders #NationalEducationDay #InclusiveEducation #QualityEducation #BreakingBarriers

For women-led organisations, flexible funding is more than just money; it’s the freedom to make impactful decisions. Women leaders like Jayam and Neelam are defying the odds with flexible funding. Learn how their stories inspire change and how we can all play a role in empowering them! Read more - https://lnkd.in/d_Xjib-x In partnership with Dasra and Rebuild India Fund

In the picturesque yet underserved regions of Andhra Pradesh, Santhivardhana Ministries is quietly but powerfully rewriting the narrative for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and marginalized communities. By providing inclusive education, vocational training, and comprehensive support, they’re not just addressing immediate needs but creating pathways for long-term self-reliance and empowerment. Their work spans from a residential school that offers specialized care to PwDs, to skill development programs like tailoring and sanitary pad manufacturing, all designed to give individuals a chance to lead independent, dignified lives. It’s a carefully built model focused on sustainable change—one that brings hope and opportunity to communities where access to healthcare, education, and economic resources is scarce. At Rebuild, we are honoured to support Santhivardhana Ministries with flexible funding, enabling them to respond dynamically to the evolving needs of the communities they serve. Take a deeper look into their inspiring work in Shagun Peerbhai’s latest blog and discover how Santhivardhana is making a meaningful difference. 👇 https://lnkd.in/dPgQB3cD #Empowerment #InclusiveEducation #CommunitySupport #Livelihoods #SanthivardhanaMinistries #RebuildIndiaFund

Can Flexible Funding enable NGO staff wellness journeys? 🌟 Retreats, breaks, off-sites—whatever you call them, these experiences are more than just “time off.” They’re essential! For some, retreats are a moment to step back and recharge; for others, a powerful space to strategize and dream big. They are an opportunity to break away from office routines, enjoy activities, and bond beyond the usual office and community settings. With Rebuild India Fund's flexible funding, NGO partners are finally investing in wellness breaks and retreats - those who have taken these breaks reported that staff came back energized, refocused, and, yes, they’re already planning the next ones! Most funding is dedicated to programs, not institutional well-being, especially that of staff who make programs successful. Flexible funding is a powerful lever to enable this change, allowing NGOs to invest in often-overlooked areas like retreats. Read about the energizing impact of flexible-fund-enabled retreats as reported by Association for Rural Planning and Action, Synergy Sansthan, and AAs- 'Aim for the Awareness of Society'. Do you enable wellness journeys for NGO staff? #MentalHealthMatters #TeamResilience #FlexibleFunding #NGO Dasra Vimal Jat Renu Thakur

For too long, mental health has remained invisible in evaluation metrics. What would a refreshed rubric that evaluates mental health look like, and how can it better reflect the complexities of human well-being? Dasra, in collaboration with Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, is hosting the session “Measuring What Matters: A Rubric for Bringing Mental Health Back from the Margins” during the National Mental Health Festival (Mannotsava) at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), India, Bengaluru, on October 27th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Join us for this important discussion on how community leaders, funders, experts, and organizations are integrating mental health into their success metrics—whether as an approach or a direct indicator of well-being at the community, organizational, and ecosystem levels. If you're interested in joining this important conversation, please comment below! #NationalMentalHealthFestival #MentalHealth #MeasuringWhatMatters #Mannotsava #MentalHealthAwareness Deepa Pawar Pavitra Jayaraman Benson Issac Ami Misra Shinjini Singh Ayush Mehrotra Mahasweta Chakraborty Dasra K.S. Ramesh