AI for Transformative Social Impact Grant
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Quick Answer
The AI for Transformative Social Impact Grant from Rao Family Trust (RAFT) offers up to INR 50 lakhs to organizations developing AI-native solutions for major social challenges in India.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Rao Family Trust (RAFT)
- Application deadline
- 8d — 30 Sept 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The AI for Transformative Social Impact Grant, spearheaded by the Rao Family Trust (RAFT) through its TechForGood initiative, is a pivotal program designed to catalyze innovation in artificial intelligence for the betterment of society. This initiative provides crucial financial backing to organizations across India that are leveraging AI as a fundamental component of their solutions to address pressing social challenges. The core ethos of the program is to support AI-native interventions—where artificial intelligence is not merely an add-on feature but is central to achieving outcomes that would otherwise be difficult, inefficient, or impossible through traditional methods. RAFT's vision is to foster solutions that are not only transformative but also demonstrably measurable, responsibly designed, and scalable, ensuring a lasting and widespread positive impact. The grant encourages proposals that span a diverse range of sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to conservation and community development, emphasizing the potential for AI to drive significant improvements in human lives and environmental sustainability. By focusing on AI-native approaches, RAFT aims to push the boundaries of technological application, fostering a new generation of solutions that intrinsically harness the power of AI to create profound social value, while also ensuring ethical considerations are at the forefront of development.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Rao Family Trust (RAFT) is a private trust established in late 2025, dedicated to creating enduring social and ecological impact through strategic, transparent, and intergenerational philanthropy. RAFT offers grants to nonprofits that employ a rigorous, evidence-based…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The AI for Transformative Social Impact Grant provides up to ₹50 lakhs in non-repayable funding for organizations in India. This grant is designed to support the development and deployment of AI-native solutions that demonstrate transformative, measurable, responsible, and scalable social impact. The program also offers the potential for multi-year support for projects with strong long-term vision and proven potential. Funding is intended to cover project-related activities, implementation plans, and enable the achievement of defined outcomes.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process by a selection committee comprising experts from the Rao Family Trust and its partners. Initial screening will assess proposals for alignment with the program's focus on AI-native social impact solutions and eligibility criteria. Shortlisted organizations may be invited for further discussions, presentations, or interviews to elaborate on their proposed solutions, team capabilities, and impact measurement strategies. Final selections will be made based on the transformative potential, scalability, measurability, responsible AI considerations, and the overall feasibility of the project.
Application Process
- 1
Prepare Proposal
Develop a detailed proposal addressing the social problem, AI approach, data, outcomes, and deployment strategy.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AI-native solution?
An AI-native solution is one where artificial intelligence is fundamental to how the intervention works and generates its intended social outcomes. It's not merely an additional feature but plays a central role in achieving outcomes that are difficult or impossible through conventional methods, such as analyzing complex data, providing personalized recommendations, or automating analysis.
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Proposals are invited from nonprofits and Section 8 companies. Private Limited Companies are also eligible, but they must be actively working in partnership with a nonprofit to deploy their AI solutions for social impact in India. The partnership must have clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
What kind of social challenges can be addressed?
The program welcomes solutions addressing a wide range of social and development challenges including agriculture, conservation, disability inclusion, healthcare, frontline worker decision support, social services, and community development. The key is demonstrating significant and measurable social impact.
What is the maximum grant amount available?
Organizations can apply for grants of up to INR 50 lakhs. The program is also open to considering multi-year grants for projects that demonstrate strong potential for transformative and scalable impact.
What are the key characteristics the program looks for in solutions?
The program focuses on solutions that are transformative (significantly improve outcomes), scalable (capable of expanding to reach more people/communities), and measurable (applicants can demonstrate and evaluate social impact).
Is there a specific geographic focus?
While the program is open to organizations across India, solutions preferably working in Maharashtra are encouraged.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
