Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead.
Across India’s bustling cities and remote villages, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) work tirelessly to bridge social and economic divides, empower marginalised communities, and drive systemic changes. From ensuring that children receive quality education and providing healthcare in underserved areas to empowering women and marginalised communities through livelihood programs, these organisations form the backbone of India’s development sector.
Celebrating World NGO Day
World NGO Day, observed annually on 27 February, is a global celebration of these tireless efforts across the world. Conceived by Mārcis Liors Skadmanis, a social entrepreneur from Latvia, it was officially recognised in 2010 and was first observed in 2014 by the UN, EU, Nordic Council leaders, and international organisations. This year’s theme, ‘Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future’, highlights the crucial role of localised, community-driven solutions in addressing challenges as varied as poverty, education, healthcare, gender equality, social justice, economic empowerment, animal welfare, environment sustainability, and climate change. This blog celebrates the unsung heroes of social change, working relentlessly behind the scenes to create a just and equitable society.
The Power of Grassroots Movements
Grassroots organisations play a pivotal role due to their close proximity to the communities they serve. Their deep understanding of local needs enables them to develop tailored, focused, and sustainable solutions. By amplifying the voices of the marginalised and by fostering local ownership of development initiatives, these organisations act as catalysts for long-term change. Their ability to swiftly adapt to evolving challenges allows them to address pressing issues on the ground, making them essential to India’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NGOs Driving Change
India has one of the largest networks of NGOs in the world. According to the Central Statistical Institute of India, there were 3.3 million NGOs registered in India as of 2009, translating to approximately one NGO for every 400 Indian citizens. There are 3,26,620 NGOs registered on NITI Aayog’s NGO Darpan portal as of 26 February 2025. These numbers are made up as much by large, well-funded NGOs as they are by countless smaller, grassroots organisations that often leave a profound impact on the social sector landscape while operating with minimal resources.
Stories of Inspiration and Stellar Impact
India’s social sector has evolved significantly over the years, with young and grassroots organisations playing a crucial role in tackling pressing social challenges. India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) is committed to amplifying the voices and visibility of NGOs doing exceptional work. Initiatives like the Pitch Fests at the India Women’s Leadership Conference 2024 and India Fundraising Conference 2025 provided a powerful platform for young organisations to showcase their impressive work. These Pitch Fests not only brought these NGOs into the limelight but also provided them with valuable opportunities to connect with potential funders, mentors, and partners. The six winning organisations received cash prizes, mentorship, and access to ILSS programs, enabling them to expand their reach and build sustainable long-term capacity.
Project Jazba is reimagining Kashmir by empowering local changemakers in the border villages of the state by fostering entrepreneurship and education, driving social and economic progress in the region. Through their efforts, they have supported over 200 entrepreneurs, including 50 women-led ventures, impacting more than 50,000 people across 30 villages. Farmers for Forests is pioneering a sustainable agroforestry model that not only enhances rural livelihoods but also aids in ecological restoration. With a vision to restore 30,000 acres of forests by 2030, they work closely with farmers to protect existing forests and regenerate barren land, creating a thriving local ecosystem that also provides sustainable income opportunities for the locals. Lighthouse Studios harnesses the power of storytelling for education and social impact. Through their Academy of Light, they train youth from under-resourced communities across India, equipping them with the skills and mentorship needed to craft compelling narratives that help them achieve their individual objectives. It also collaborates with individuals and organisations engaged in exceptional work, assisting them in expanding their reach by effectively conveying their stories to a broader audience. Shiksharth focuses on contextual education in conflict-afflicted and tribal areas of the south Bastar districts of Chhattisgarh, ensuring children gain culturally relevant positive learning experiences despite acute adversities. Their work has reached 50,000 children across more than 500 schools in 35 gram panchayats, successfully bringing 6,000 children back to school. The Led By Foundation explores and nurtures the leadership potential of Indian Muslim women through mentorship, skills training, and professional networking. Prosperiti works to reform labour laws, improve land use policies, and enhance ease of doing business in India, thus creating jobs and boosting economic growth. These diverse initiatives demonstrate as much the creativity, range, and depth of grassroots innovation in India as the crucial role they play in building an equitable and sustainable society.
Their path to creating impact, however, is often ridden with numerous challenges.
Challenges Faced by Grassroots Organisations
Grassroots organisations are essential to addressing local challenges, yet several obstacles often limit their ability to generate lasting impact. A primary hurdle is the lack of consistent funding, aggravated by recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) that restricts foreign funding, and the disproportionate allocation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions to the larger, well-established NGOs. Regulatory compliance is another challenge, with complex and evolving regulations requiring time, resources, and legal expertise that smaller organisations often lack, leading to serious delays in service delivery. Limited access to technology and poor digital skills often hinder their ability to connect with donors, collaborate with other organisations, and expand their reach. Financial constraints make it difficult to offer competitive compensation to attract and retain skilled professionals, simultaneously restricting opportunities for professional development and weakening leadership pipelines. Furthermore, while grassroots NGOs are deeply focused on addressing immediate community needs, many struggle to prioritise capacity building and long-term strategic planning — both essential for sustainable growth and maximising lasting impact. Addressing these challenges requires strong leadership, an unhindered flow of funds, enhanced organisational capacity, and regular upskilling of NGO workers.
ILSS Empowering Leaders to Strengthen Grassroots Impact
ILSS plays a pivotal role in strengthening India’s social sector ecosystem through a range of transformative programs. Recognising that effective leadership is crucial for the success of social sector organisations — including grassroots NGOs — ILSS focuses on nurturing and empowering leaders at all stages of their journeys. Through its flagship, The ILSS Leadership Program, ILSS equips private sector leaders with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to transition into the social sector, bringing valuable cross-sectoral expertise to nonprofits. The ILSS Emerging Women’s Leadership Program and The ILSS Young Leaders Program are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of social sector leaders, strengthening the leadership pipeline for NGOs. ILSS also empowers social sector leaders to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change through capacity-building programs focused on critical areas such as Fundraising and Digital Transformation. These programs enhance the capacity of NGOs to achieve their missions and create a sustainable future for the communities they serve.
Supporting Grassroots Organisations: A Collective Responsibility
Supporting grassroots organisations is not merely an act of charity; indeed, it is an investment in a sustainable, just, and equitable future for all. These unsung heroes form the very foundation of nation-building, addressing systemic challenges and empowering communities from within. On this World NGO Day, let us move beyond mere acknowledgement and take tangible steps to empower these organisations.
Every individual has the power to make a difference — through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the stories of these organisations for better reach and visibility. Sustaining grassroots movements requires collective action. Stronger collaboration between government bodies, corporations, and individuals is essential to create an ecosystem where small NGOs can thrive and deliver. Together, let us champion these heroes and contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable India.
