SBI Foundation Sashakti RFP for Women Empowerment Projects (India)

Deadline: 20-Apr-2026

The SBI Foundation SBIF Sashakti Programme invites Indian non-profits to submit proposals for projects promoting women’s empowerment, including income generation in non-traditional livelihoods and support for women involved in commercial sex work. Grants range from INR 1 crore to INR 4 crore for 1–3 year projects, emphasizing SDGs 3, 5, 8, 10, and 17, with phased funding based on performance and compliance.

About the SBIF Sashakti Programme

The SBIF Sashakti Programme is part of SBI Foundation’s broader CSR focus on rural development, healthcare, women empowerment, disability and inclusion, education, livelihoods/entrepreneurship, and environment. The programme specifically aims to create a safe, secure, and enabling ecosystem for women while promoting equal opportunities, social justice, and sustainable development.

Key Intervention Areas

• Income generation for women in non-traditional livelihoods: Focus on employment in the transport sector (two-wheelers and three-wheelers)
• Support for women involved in commercial sex work: Covering active workers, retired or aging workers, and adolescents at risk of exploitation
• Menstrual hygiene management, psycho-social counselling, and shelter homes

Alignment with SDGs

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Funding Details

• Grant range: INR 1 crore – INR 4 crore
• Project duration: 1–3 years
• Funding is provided in phases based on performance and reporting

Financial Eligibility

• Applicants must meet revenue and budget-based financial criteria outlined in the RFP
• Minimum 3 years of experience in relevant thematic areas and geographic locations

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Registered non-profit organizations in India
• Experienced in women empowerment, livelihood interventions, or social support programs
• Able to submit only one proposal per organization
• Compliant with all CSR regulations, including maintaining a dedicated bank account for project transactions

How to Apply

1. Download RFP documents: Complete all annexures, evaluation formats, and supporting documents
2. Prepare project proposal: Include clear objectives, budget, implementation plan, and sustainability strategies
3. Submit via email before the specified deadline
4. Selection process: Shortlisting followed by evaluation by SBI Foundation’s internal committee based on project design, innovation, feasibility, monitoring, budget efficiency, and sustainability

Scope of Work

• Develop and implement income-generation projects for women in non-traditional sectors
• Provide support services for women involved in commercial sex work, including counselling, shelter, and adolescent protection
• Ensure community engagement, capacity building, and sustainability
• Comply with monitoring, reporting, and financial guidelines outlined in the RFP

Key Evaluation Criteria

• Alignment with women empowerment and SDGs
• Clarity and feasibility of implementation plan
• Level of innovation and potential for impact
• Strong monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms
• Budget efficiency and financial accountability
• Sustainability and potential for long-term community impact

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Demonstrate relevant experience and track record in women-focused interventions
• Include clear measurable outcomes for beneficiaries
• Highlight strategies for safety, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability
• Provide comprehensive budgets aligned with project activities
• Ensure strict compliance with RFP guidelines and CSR regulations

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply? Registered non-profits in India with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
2. What is the funding range? INR 1 crore – 4 crore.
3. What is the project duration? 1–3 years.
4. Can an organization submit multiple proposals? No, only one proposal per organization is allowed.
5. How is funding disbursed? In phases based on performance and reporting.
6. Are organizations required to follow CSR regulations? Yes, including dedicated bank accounts and financial reporting.
7. What areas does the programme focus on? Women’s income generation, support for commercial sex workers, menstrual hygiene, counselling, and shelter initiatives.

Why It Matters

The SBIF Sashakti Programme empowers women by providing safe, inclusive, and sustainable opportunities, fostering economic independence, social justice, and community well-being. By supporting non-traditional livelihoods and vulnerable populations, it addresses systemic inequalities and promotes holistic development.

Conclusion

SBI Foundation’s SBIF Sashakti Programme offers non-profits a strategic opportunity to implement impactful women empowerment projects. With grants up to INR 4 crore and strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and CSR compliance, the programme enables organizations to drive meaningful social change and long-term community impact.

For more information, visit SBI Foundation.