Gramin Vikas Sansthan and the Azim Premji Foundation Partnership under the DMA Programme in UP
Gramin Vikas Sansthan (GVS) is an anchoring partner of the Azim Premji Foundation in Uttar Pradesh under the DMA (Dalit, Muslim and Adivasi) programme. This initiative began in 2023 with grassroots-level organizations working with the most vulnerable communities—Dalits, Muslims, and Adivasis.
GVS acts as an intermediary partner between the Azim Premji Foundation and the implementing organizations. Initially, these organizations directly approached the Foundation for funding support. However, Azim Premji Foundation decided to route the grants through GVS based on the organizations' capacities and their level of institutional development.
Objectives of the Programme
- Building institutional capacity and strengthening programmatic understanding.
- Strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) in leadership, governance, and essential systems and processes.
- Strengthening community-based organizations (CBOs) and promoting leadership development.
Partner Selection and Grant-Making Process
- Partner Selection: Partners are selected by Azim Premji Foundation based on their programmatic approach and a due diligence process.
- Partnership and Budgeting with GVS: Budgeting is done in consultation with partners after a detailed discussion on programme models, strategies, activities, and outcomes. GVS provides financial partnerships to small CSOs.
- Grant Process: Agreements are signed with partner organizations, and grants are disbursed on a six-monthly basis.
- Handholding Support: GVS provides regular handholding support through field visits, phone calls, and online meetings to strengthen programme implementation.
GVS provides continuous support to partner organizations in the areas of governance, compliance, accounts, human resources, and overall programme strengthening.
Currently, GVS is partnering with 17 organizations across 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh, supporting them in organizational development (OD) processes and programme strengthening.