HCLTech Grant – Edition XII

• NGOs working in rural India.
• Organizations implementing projects in Water, Biodiversity, Health, or Education.
• Registered non-profit organizations with at least five years of operational experience.
• NGOs with innovative, sustainable, and scalable development models.
• Organizations looking to expand the impact of proven rural development initiatives.

About this scheme

Launched in 2015, the HCLTech Grant is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by HCLTech, implemented through HCLFoundation, to strengthen and recognize NGOs creating meaningful change in rural India.

The programme supports organizations that have demonstrated a proven ability to transform innovative ideas into sustainable social impact. It is designed for NGOs working with marginalized, underserved, and rural communities, helping them scale projects that improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and strengthen access to essential services.

Edition XII invites eligible organizations working in the thematic areas of Water, Biodiversity, Health, and Education to apply. Each category winner receives a Rs.5 Crore grant to implement a four-year project, while eight runners-up receive Rs.50 Lakh each to execute a mutually agreed two-year project in partnership with HCLFoundation.

The programme is open to registered not-for-profit organizations with a strong track record, sound governance practices, financial stability, and demonstrated experience in implementing impactful rural development initiatives across India.

Who can apply

• Must be a registered not-for-profit organization (Society, Trust, Section 8 Company, or other eligible entity under the Companies Act, 2013).
• Must have valid registration under 80G.
• Must have valid registration under 12A/10(23C).
• Must be registered as a CSR Implementing Agency through CSR-1.
• Must have completed at least 5 years of operations in India as of 31 March 2026.
• Must have an average annual expenditure of ₹50 lakh or more during FY 2022-23, FY 2023-24, and FY 2024-25.
• Must have experience implementing projects in rural India.
• Must comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Must not be blacklisted or involved in pending litigation or major controversies.
• Must not have political or religious affiliations.

Eligible entity types: Section 8 / NGO

Benefits & funding

• Winners receive ₹5 Crore to implement a four-year project.
• Eight runners-up receive ₹50 Lakh each for a two-year project.
• Recognition through one of India's leading CSR grant programmes.
• Opportunity to scale innovative rural development projects.
• Long-term partnership with HCLFoundation.
• Increased visibility, credibility, and national recognition.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with HCL Foundation, in your own name.

1. 1

   Review the programme guidelines and confirm that your organization satisfies all eligibility requirements, including legal registration, statutory approvals, financial capacity, and rural implementation experience.

2. 2

   Identify the thematic category—Water, Biodiversity, Health, or Education—that best aligns with your proposed project.

3. 3

   Prepare your organization profile along with a detailed project abstract highlighting the problem being addressed, proposed solution, expected outcomes, implementation strategy, and long-term impact.

4. 4

   Collect all mandatory documents, including your registration certificate, PAN, 80G certificate, 12A/10(23C) certificate, CSR-1 registration, audited financial statements, FCRA certificate (where applicable), and any other supporting regulatory documents.

5. 5

   Register on the official HCLTech Grant application portal and complete the online application form with accurate organizational and project details.

6. 6

   Upload all required documents and carefully review your application before submission. Incomplete or incorrect information may lead to disqualification during the evaluation process.

7. 7

   Submit your application online before 5 July 2026. HCLFoundation accepts applications only through the official online portal, and no application fee is charged.

8. 8

   Eligible applications undergo a detailed multi-stage evaluation process, which may include document verification, due diligence, presentations, field visits, and jury evaluation before the final winners and runners-up are announced.

Documents checklist 10

• Organization Registration Certificate
• PAN Card
• 80G Registration Certificate
• 12A/10(23C) Registration Certificate
• CSR-1 Registration Certificate
• Audited Financial Statements
• Organization Profile
• Project Abstract / Proposal
• FCRA Registration Certificate (if applicable)
• Other statutory and regulatory documents, if requested

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions