Omidyar Network India Announces Solidarity Grants To Non-Profits Working At The Grassroots

Omidyar Network India, an investment firm focused on social impact, today announced grants amounting to $1.9 million (~Rs 13.6 crore) to 11 current and alumni grantees working at the grassroots. Termed ‘Solidarity Grants’, they represent one of three key efforts by Omidyar Network India (ON India) to support the non-profit sector as it faces challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequent impact. 

From the early days of the pandemic, the non-profit sector has been the driving force for on-ground relief, pandemic management and resilience building efforts, despite the difficult circumstances.

As an immediate response to help support these efforts, ON India launched the Rapid Response Funding Initiative (RRFI) in March 2020, utilising its CSR funds and contributions from its team. RRFI was mainly focused on funding non-profit organisations (NPOs) outside its portfolio. For field/grassroots organisations within its portfolio, ON India is providing support by way of these Solidarity Grants, which are provided to current grantees as well “alumni” grantees. And for think-tanks in its portfolio, the firm will shortly roll out a separate funding programme. 

“Solidarity Grants are our way of paying tribute to the important work that non-profits across India are engaged in. It is also our small contribution to ensuring that the sector emerges from this crisis and scales greater heights. In these challenging times, it is more critical than ever for us to stand by our partners and show ‘solidarity’ by supporting them,” said Roopa Kudva, Managing Director, Omidyar Network India. 

The 11 organisations receiving Solidarity Grants are:

“These non-profits are directly involved in driving impact and, in doing so, are creating a meaningful life for every Indian. Our grants are a symbol of our conviction in the important work of our grantee organizations and the entrepreneurs and teams driving them” explained Shilpa Kumar, Partner, Omidyar Network India.

The firm will also shortly roll out a separate programme to support think-tanks in its portfolio for core organizational strengthening efforts in areas like governance, diversity initiatives, learning, impact measurement and mental health.