HCLTech Grant — Edition XII
HCLTech Grant is a CSR initiative by HCLTech that awards financial grants of up to ₹5 Crore to NGOs committed to transformative rural development across Water, Biodiversity, Health, and Education sectors in India.
- Funding amount
- ₹50L – ₹5Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- HCL Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed (5 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
Launched in 2015 by HCLTech through its HCLFoundation, the HCLTech Grant is a major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that supports and recognizes Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India. The grant treats NGOs as the 'Fifth Estate,' acknowledging their role as catalysts for social change, especially in rural India. The focus is on funding award-winning projects by NGOs with a proven track record, high credibility, and ability to deliver sustainable socio-economic and environmental development in marginalized, isolated, underserved rural communities. The programme seeks innovative, replicable, and sustainable models aligned with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. For Edition XII, the total committed funds are ₹24 Crores.
Highlights
- Grants up to ₹5 Crore
- Supports 4 thematic areas: Water, Biodiversity, Health, Education
- Specifically for NGOs working in rural India
- Open to registered non-profit entities nationwide
- Minimum 5 years operational experience required
- Average expenditure of ₹50 Lakhs+ in last 3 FYs
Who can apply
This grant is open to registered not-for-profit entities in India (Societies, Trusts, Section 8 Companies) working in Water, Biodiversity, Health, or Education. Organisations must have at least 5 years of functional existence by March 31, 2026, and an average annual expenditure of ₹50 Lakhs or more over the last three financial years. They must be fully compliant with all regulatory requirements, including 80G, 12A/10(23C), and CSR-1 registration. A proven track record of implementing projects in rural India is required.
HCLTech Grant — Edition XII is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for HCLTech Grant — Edition XII closed on 5 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The HCLTech Grant provides financial backing for rural development projects. Winning NGOs in each of the four categories (Water, Biodiversity, Health, Education) receive a ₹5 Crore grant for a 4-year project. Additionally, eight runners-up NGOs are awarded ₹50 Lakhs each for a two-year project. Beyond funding, selected NGOs gain significant recognition as leaders in social change, enhanced credibility, networking opportunities with sector experts and other impactful organisations, and a platform to showcase their innovative models for rural transformation.
About the provider
HCLTech Grant — Edition XII is offered by HCL Foundation. It is delivered directly by HCL Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The HCLTech Grant uses a rigorous, multi-stage jury process. First, applications are screened against eligibility criteria and submitted documents. Then, the organisational profile and project abstract are reviewed by independent domain experts, HCLFoundation sector experts, and a Governance Partner, assessing problem relevance, solution innovation, and potential impact. Shortlisted organisations submit detailed proposals for review, focusing on capacity, financial modelling, sustainability, inclusive approach, and scalability. This is followed by a field audit by the HCLFoundation team and domain experts, along with diligence by the governance partner. A 12-member Sub-jury panel reviews further shortlisted applications, with the top three per category progressing. The final stage involves detailed due diligence by the Governance Partner, including background checks and site visits, culminating in a 6-member eminent Jury panel selecting one winner (₹5 Crore) and two runners-up (₹50 Lakhs each) per thematic category.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to HCLTech Grant — Edition XII, 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.
Who this is best for
HCLTech Grant — Edition XII is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L – ₹5Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HCLTech Grant?
The HCLTech Grant is a CSR initiative by HCLTech, through HCLFoundation, that provides financial grants to NGOs for transformative rural development projects in Water, Biodiversity, Health, and Education.
Who is eligible to apply?
Registered not-for-profit entities in India (Societies, Trusts, Section 8 Companies) with at least 5 years of existence by March 31, 2026, average annual expenditure of ₹50 Lakhs or more over the last three financial years, and full compliance with 80G, 12A/10(23C), and CSR-1 registration. They must have a proven track record of implementing projects in rural India.
How much funding is offered?
The winning NGO in each of the four thematic categories receives a ₹5 Crore grant for a 4-year project. Eight runners-up receive ₹50 Lakhs each for a two-year project.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for Edition XII is July 5, 2026.
Which sectors and regions are covered?
The grant supports projects in Water, Biodiversity, Health, and Education, focusing on rural India. It is a pan-India initiative with no state-specific restrictions.
Does the grant take equity?
No, the HCLTech Grant is a grant, not equity. It does not take any stake in the organisation.
What documents are typically needed?
Documents include registration certificates, audited financial statements for the last three years, 80G and 12A/10(23C) certificates, CSR-1 registration, and other statutory compliance documents.
How do I apply?
Visit the official HCLTech Grant website at https://www.hclfoundation.org/hcltech-grant, review eligibility criteria, complete the online application form with organisational profile and project abstract, and upload all mandatory supporting documents before the deadline.
What is the selection process?
The process includes application screening, abstract review by experts, detailed proposal review, field audit, sub-jury review, due diligence, and final jury selection to choose one winner and two runners-up per category.
Is DPIIT recognition required for HCLTech Grant — Edition XII?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for HCLTech Grant — Edition XII, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers HCLTech Grant — Edition XII?
HCLTech Grant — Edition XII is offered by HCL Foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to HCLTech Grant — Edition XII
Not sure HCLTech Grant — Edition XII is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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