DBS Foundation Grant Application Form 2026

The DBS Foundation Grant is a leading initiative that provides equity-free funding to social enterprises and SMEs driving positive social change across Asia, including India. Since 2015, the foundation has committed around SGD 26 million in grants, supporting over 180 businesses to expand their impact. The program targets two key areas: providing essential needs like food, nutrition, basic education, healthcare, and mental health support; and fostering financial inclusion through skills development, digital literacy, and upskilling for better employability. The grant aims to help vulnerable communities become more resilient and to support dignified aging. Businesses can use the funding for market expansion, R&D, product improvement, and infrastructure growth. Non-financial benefits include mentorship, networking, and capacity building.

• Grant up to SGD 250,000 (approx. ₹1.54 crore)
• Equity-free funding
• Open to social enterprises and SMEs
• Focus on essential needs & financial inclusion
• Available in 5 Asian markets (including India)
• Mentorship, networking, and capacity building

This grant is open to innovative, for-profit social enterprises and SMEs with at least a two-year track record of measurable social impact. Businesses must be legally registered and operating in one of five eligible markets: Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, or Taiwan. Ineligible entities include not-for-profits, sole proprietorships, charities, cooperatives, religious organizations, and businesses where impact is not integral to the core model. For Indian entities, FCRA approval or meeting specific criteria (profitability from sales, no definite CEERS program, and grant not funding other FCRA-required entities) is mandatory. Applicants must demonstrate how the grant will scale their business and impact over two years, aligned with essential needs or financial inclusion.

DBS Foundation Grant Application Form 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for DBS Foundation Grant Application Form 2026 closed on 13 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected businesses receive an equity-free grant of up to SGD 250,000 (approximately ₹1.54 crore). Beyond capital, grantees get access to mentorship from DBS employees and industry experts, networking opportunities with funders and partners across Asia, and capacity-building programs. The funding is flexible and can be used for market expansion, R&D, enhancing products or services, and building infrastructure for scalable growth.

DBS Foundation Grant Application Form 2026 is offered by DBS Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by DBS Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process involves multiple stages. First, DBS Bank employees screen and evaluate applications using a scoring guide from DBS Foundation, assessing innovativeness, scalability, financial sustainability, two-year social impact track record, and leadership team strength. Shortlisted candidates proceed to a final round where they pitch in person to a panel of expert judges, who then recommend grantees. All submitted materials are treated confidentially. Decisions are final.

Before you apply to DBS Foundation Grant Application Form 2026, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

DBS Foundation Grant Application Form 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹1.5Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.