27 November 2024

India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

About India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS)

ILSS aims to build the leadership talent and capacity that India’s social sector needs in order to create catalytic impact at scale. ILSS works towards this through capacity-building programs which equip social sector leaders with the skills to strengthen their work and organisations, building stronger networks and connections across organisations and increasing visibility and access to information and voices within the sector.

About India Women’s Leadership Conference (IWLC)

The India Women’s Leadership Conference is being hosted by ILSS on 27 November 2024 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. IWLC is a platform to recognise and celebrate the trailblazing efforts of women who have broken barriers and defied stereotypes in their respective fields, and inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.

The event also offers a unique opportunity to showcase the transformative power of collective action and collaboration. Through interactive sessions, masterclasses, fireside chats, and panel discussions, attendees will engage in meaningful dialogue, learning, and idea exchange. These engagements are designed to create supportive ecosystems where women can thrive and build communities dedicated to championing gender equality.

What is Pitch Fest?

The Pitch Fest is hosted by the ILSS Centre of Excellence for Fundraising to provide an opportunity to nonprofits with innovative project ideas to present their idea to an esteemed jury.

This edition of the Pitch Fest is open for nonprofits working on SDG 5: achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

Each selected finalist will be making a 5-minute live presentation to the jury. The presentations will be judged on the concept (focus on innovation and impact), collaterals (presentation), and delivery.

What the Pitch Fest can do for you and your organisation

The opportunity to generate awareness of your idea with the jury, participants and peers attending the conference
Visibility for your work through the conference platform, including ILSS communication about the conference
Attractive prizes, including direct entry to the Pitch Fest Finale at the India Fundraising Conference (IFRC) on 5-6 February 2025

Prizes

Winner

Runner Up

Pitch Fest Timelines

26 Sep
Applications Open
27 Oct
Applications Close at midnight
05 Nov
Shortlisted applicants are informed
TBC
Pitch Fest alignment huddle, finalists will be informed
27 Nov
Pitch Fest event at Jacaranda, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

NOTE: The winner will have the opportunity to participate in the Pitch Fest Finale at the India Fundraising Conference (5-6 Feb 2025)

Eligibility and Guidelines

Nonprofit Organisation
Applicants must be any form of nonprofit; Sec-8, Society or Trust with valid 12A and 80G certificates
Domain
Your organisation must be working on advancing gender equity
Location
Your organisation could be working in any geographic area in India
Organisation Age
Minimum 3 years in operation
Presenter
The individual presenting on behalf of their organisation must be a member of the leadership team and should be able to attend the in-person event on the 27 November in Delhi.
Previous Participation
Participants who presented their work at IFRC 2024 held in February 2024 at India Habitat Centre are not eligible to apply. Those who applied but were not shortlisted may apply again.
Participation in Pitch Fest Finale at India Fundraising Conference (IFRC 2025)
  • The winner of IWLC Pitch Fest will be provided a complimentary pass for IFRC to participate in the finale

  • Presenters at IWLC must be willing to attend IFRC in New Delhi on 5-6 Feb 2025 for the Finale, if announced the winner. The presenter may not nominate someone else from their team to present at IFRC.

  • Applicants to IWLC Pitch Fest may not apply again for the Pitch Fest at IFRC 2025. This includes individual applicants and the organisations they represent. Applications received from IWLC applicants for IFRC Pitch Fest will be considered ineligible.

Application Process

Registrations for IWLC Pitch fest are now closed