The National Foundation for India is an independent, Indian grant-making and fundraising body, helping people improve their own lives.  We make a difference by supporting partners who look for solutions to complex problems in poor, remote and challenging parts of the country.  NFI's distinct nature comes from being completely independent of corporate, religious or governmental control and our focus is nationwide.  NFI has partnered with a number of Indian and international donor agencies and is a professionally managed and financially accountable foundation.

NFI believes that India can develop meaningfully only when social equity and justice are guaranteed and a sense of respect for our fellow humans is achieved.  The belief that a vibrant voluntary sector was needed to create a more just and equitable society led a group of eminent citizens led by the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, late Shri C. Subramaniam and late Dr. Kamla Chowdhury to set up NFI in 1992.

Through the sharing of knowledge, experiences and best practices, NFI today addresses some of the greatest challenges facing the country.  NFI uses two instruments – development action and development communication – to work across seven thematic areas.  These include: Community Health, Elementary Education, Local Governance, Livelihood Security; Peace & Justice, Citizens and Society, Development Journalism.  The aim is to create lasting change by building healthy communities and promoting sustainable development.