The National Foundation for India (NFI) works to empower marginalised communities and strengthen civil society in pursuit of social justice, equity, and inclusive development. Founded in 1990 by Bharat Ratna Shri C. Subramaniam along with other eminent leaders, NFI has been a platform for diverse social actors advancing women’s empowerment, climate action, gender rights, peacebuilding, and democratic values. In recognition of Shri C. Subramaniam’s legacy, NFI launched the C.S. Awards in 2003 to honour mid-career community leaders and voluntary sector workers who have dedicated over a decade to grassroots change. The Awards celebrate those building local leadership,nurturing future changemakers, and promoting constitutional values across India.

Award Details

1. Award Amount: ₹1,00,000 and a memento
2. Categories:

• Community Leaders - Individuals who have built local leadership and solidarity within communities.

• Voluntary Sector Workers - Grassroots workers in civil society organisations driving social change.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:

•  Have at least 8 - 10 years of grassroots work experience.
•  Be working with marginalised and excluded communities (Dalit, Adivasi, Tribal, NT-DNT, Muslim, women, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, etc.).
•  Demonstrate leadership in promoting constitutional values of equity, democracy, inclusion, and social justice.
•  Be nominated by their organisation, community group, or social movement (Be based anywhere in India).

How to Apply
Interested applicants are requested to complete the C.S. Award Application Form and submit it along with the required documents by the 24th of October 2025. Please ensure your responses are concise, grounded in your grassroots experience, and supported by evidence
wherever possible.
1. Completed Application Form (available online).
2. Brief Write-up about yourself and your journey (max 1 page): Your grassroots journey, thematic focus, and achievements.
3. One-page Note: The specific work you would like to pursue with the Award support.
4. Nomination Letter: From your organisation’s Chief Functionary (for Voluntary Workers) or from community members/social movements (for Community Leaders).
5. Two References: Contact details of people who can vouch for your work.
6. Resume & Photo: Upload in required formats.

Selection process:
1. Screening: Applications checked for eligibility (category, experience, nomination,completeness) for first shortlist.
2. Shortlisting: Shortlisted applicants reviewed for impact, leadership, and work with marginalised communities and accordingly shortlisted for next round.
3. Jury Evaluation: Final list of shortlisted applicants assessed by jury with members from different areas of expertise. The jury will assesses shortlisted candidates on grassroots impact, constitutional values, innovation, and future plans.
4. Final selection: The applications selected by the Jury as final awardees are informed and next steps shared.
5. Award Ceremony: Selected awardees honoured at a national ceremony.
6. Post-Award: Winners join NFI’s changemakers’ network and receive mentorship and
capacity-building support.

Submission

For any query or concern, please write to: nfiawards@nfi.org.in

The last date for receipt of application is 24th October 2025

Why Apply?
Awardees will not only be recognised at a national ceremony but will also:

•  Join a network of changemakers across India
•  Receive opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and capacity building
•  Contribute to strengthening India’s civil society and constitutional values through their work and learning

NFI strongly encourages applications from women, Dalit, Adivasi, Minority, NT-DNT, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ leaders who have been at the forefront of grassroots change.
*Incomplete submissions will not be considered.