Pragati: AI for impact
Supporting nonprofits to harness AI for impactful change
Applications for The/Nudge accelerator are through referrals only. If interested to apply for the accelerator, please read the eligibility criteria below and write to socent@thenudge.org.
The/Nudge Institute presents Pragati: AI for Impact
A CSR initiative of Meta powered by The/Nudge Institute for empowering nonprofits to integrate AI into their solutions, accelerating progress in tackling challenges across agriculture, healthcare, and skilling. With grants, mentoring, and ecosystem support, we’re enabling nonprofits to scale their impact
Abhishek Gupta
Having worked with The/Nudge Incubator and Accelerator for over 4 years now, I can’t reinforce enough on how instrumental The/Nudge has been to our mission of providing Software Engineering employment to young women from rural and tribal India. With the launch of The/Nudge Institute, we can only wish for more power to The/Nudge to do the unthinkable.
Simeen Kaleem
The/Nudge has brought urgency in the Indian social sector to alleviate poverty within our lifetime. Now, with The/Nudge Institute, it has put the spotlight on the most important lever to do this – livelihoods. I am hopeful that in its unique style, The/Nudge will mobilize resources and forge collaborations across the board to strengthen existing solutions and innovate models around new livelihoods streams.
What we offer
Grants that enable growth
Receive grants between INR 40 lakhs - INR 150 lakhs to integrate AI into your solutions. This includes support for AI development, IT infrastructure, capacity building, and institutional overheads.
Mentorship and guidance
Learn from leading AI and social innovation experts through masterclasses, workshops, and tailored mentoring sessions.
A collaborative ecosystem
Tap into a network of funders, policymakers, and innovators dedicated to driving social change through technology.
The/Nudge Accelerator in numbers
Our application process
Submit your proposal
Submit your proposal using the provided application link before the final submission deadline (January 26, 2025). Ensure to review our FAQ for additional details.
Selection process
Shortlisted candidates will have upto 3 interviews in January and February 2025.
Final selection
Final selections will be announced by February 19, 2025.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for four rounds of personal interviews with The/Nudge team and Socent partners.
Submit your proposal:
Submit your proposal using the provided application link before the final submission deadline (January 26, 2025). Ensure to review our FAQ for additional details.
Detailed review:
Shortlisted candidates will have upto 3 interviews in January and February 2025.
Final selection:
Final selections will be announced by February 19, 2025.
Interview with CSI partners.
Interview with CSI partners.
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Frequently asked questions
Pragati: AI for Impact is a program designed to support nonprofits by financing AI-driven projects that create meaningful and sustainable change in improving the lives and livelihoods of underserved communities. The program is dedicated to empowering nonprofit organisations by providing funding and support to harness the power of AI in addressing critical challenges across livelihoods, skilling, healthcare, agriculture, education, etc.
The program offers:
- Grants ranging from INR 40 lakhs to INR 150 lakhs.
- Support for AI development, content creation, IT infrastructure, capacity building, team costs, and institutional overheads.
- Masterclasses, workshops, and expert sessions facilitated by The/Nudge Social Entrepreneurship team.
To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit entities registered in India (under Section 8 or as a Trust) with valid 80G, 12A, or provisional certificates effective until 31st March 2026. The organisation should be operational for 1 to 10 years or should be a part of The/Nudge Incubator or Accelerator. It should have at least one founder working full-time. All proposals must be in alignment with Schedule VII of Companies Act, 2013. Further the developed solution cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Applicants must submit all corporate documentation as specified in the RFP, including:
- 80G or Provisional 80G
- 12A or Provisional 12A
- Financial statements for Financial Year 2023-24
- Latest Corporate Presentation
- Grant Proposal Document as per the following format.
- Application Submission Deadline: January 26, 2025
- January-February 2025: Shortlisting process, followed by Round 1 interviews conducted by The/Nudge team and technical experts, and Round 2 interviews led by an eminent jury.
- February to March 2025: Signing of agreements and grant disbursements.
- Development of AI solution: By April 30, 2025
- Pilot of the solution: By June 30, 2025
- Full-scale deployment of AI solution: Start by July 15, 2025
The program will select around 10-12 nonprofit organisations.
You will need to demonstrate the ability to secure the shortfall from other sources to be eligible for the grant.
Yes, this is a requirement of the grant.
Yes, you can use vendors to develop the AI for Impact Solution. The credentials of both the in-house team and vendor will be evaluated to develop the AI for Impact Solution.
