India Chapter
About India Chapter
The India Chapter of Catalyst NOW is a unique organization in the social impact space due to various factors. With over 1,500 member organizations, it forms the largest network of social purpose organizations in India, primarily comprising social entrepreneurs and innovators. This extensive network serves as a melting pot of diverse expertise, resources, and innovative solutions. By convening its members, the network taps into their collective power, fostering knowledge creation and collaborative projects that drive substantial progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of Viksit Bharat. The collective impact of its members has reached more than 170 million people across various SDGs.
highlights
India’s Million Missions
In 2022, the Catalyst Now India Chapter anchored a research and survey of Non-profits together with key stakeholders in India, an India NPO Sector Preliminary Report
Jaipur Literature Festival
India’s Million Missions report was launched at the Jaipur Literature Festival on 23rd Jan 2023 by Shombi Sharp from UNDP
SSE Task Force
The SSE Task Force emerged in 2023, which is driving registration with the SSE and practicing this new tool for fundraising.
Partnership
Established partnership with ICMAI, SEBI SEBI-mandated agency to certify Social Assessors
Goals
Over the next three years, the India Chapter will focus on building a strong narrative for social innovation, driving systems change through collaboration, expanding its global presence, and promoting localization. Key actions include forging media and government partnerships, strengthening the Social Stock Exchange (SSE), amplifying India’s leadership in social innovation through the SDG Conclave, and deepening community engagement. By advocating for sustainable funding and showcasing India’s impact on global platforms, the India Chapter aims to empower social entrepreneurs and NPOs to scale transformative solutions. A core strength of the India Chapter lies in its role as an honest broker, skilfully facilitating partnerships between social purpose organizations, businesses, and government entities, which further enhance collaboration.
1. Narrative Building & Amplification
- Establish mainstream media partnerships;
- Advocate for a transformation in funding practices that align with social sector objectives for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Develop a compelling case for funding collaboratives, supported by a published paper and article featuring examples and best practices.
2. Systems change through collaborative action
- Develop collaborative initiatives with the government for district/state-level transformation;
- Establish a Social Stock Exchange (SSE) Taskforce, recognized as the go-to resource for the sector, to facilitate the dissemination and utilization of SSE in India.
3. Establish a National footprint
- Increase membership across the country, especially from non-metro and NE areas, towards being the body that is truly representative of the sector;
- Actively work towards positioning India as a hub for social innovation by publishing scalable, collaborative, innovative solutions from India;
- Organize regular forums (e.g., SDG Conclave) to foster discussions and action around sustainable development goals.
4. Focus on Localization
- Promote localization and community-led development by convening members and local stakeholders; disseminating success stories;
- Establish and document a network of at least 5 district chapters, led by local proximate leaders (including Dalit, OBC, Adivasi, and women), to drive community-driven initiatives.