Scheme Overview & Objective
ACT Grants, a premier venture philanthropy platform, provides catalytic non-dilutive funding to tech-driven social innovators. Founded by leaders from India’s startup, tech, and venture capital ecosystem, ACT Grants aims to address complex societal challenges through vertical-specific funding tracks. These include ACT Health, ACT EdTech, ACT Climate, and ACT Gender Inclusion. The program offers grants ranging from ₹15 Lakh to ₹1 Crore, focusing on scalable, tech-enabled solutions that benefit underserved populations.
Eligibility Criteria & Scope
To qualify for ACT Grants, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Entity Type: For-profit tech startups, social enterprises, NGOs, Section 8 companies, and research teams based in India.
- Focus Verticals: Solutions must align with core areas: Public Health Systems, Digital Education & Skilling, Climate Action & Clean Energy, or Gender Inclusion.
- Tech-Driven Interventions: Projects must have a strong technological component, such as software platforms, AI, diagnostics, or hardware devices, enabling rapid scaling.
- Stage Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum functional prototype, pilot-ready product, or early field validation with demonstrated impact metrics.
- Target Population: Interventions must benefit low-income communities, rural demographics, or public service systems.
- Team Capabilities: A strong, dedicated founding team with proven execution capabilities and transparency in financial operations is essential.
Key Financial & Growth Benefits
ACT Grants offers a range of benefits to selected recipients:
- Non-Dilutive Funding: Grants between ₹15 Lakh to ₹30 Lakh, scaling up to ₹1 Crore for mature models, without equity dilution or loan debt.
- Mentorship Network: Access to leading VC partners and seasoned unicorn founders for strategic guidance.
- Pilot Deployment Networks: Opportunities to deploy solutions across partner hospitals, schools, and grassroots NGOs.
- Government & Ecosystem Pathways: Support for navigating government procurement, public policy integration, and unlocking follow-on CSR capital.
- Intellectual Property Retention: 100% ownership of intellectual property and venture with 0% equity sacrifice.
Application Procedure & Documents
The application process for ACT Grants involves submitting the following documents:
- Entity Registration: Certificate of Incorporation, DPIIT recognition, or 12A/80G (for NGOs).
- Team Profiles: Founding team LinkedIn profiles and executive backgrounds highlighting relevant domain experience.
- Pitch Deck & Executive Summary: Detailed problem statement, technology architecture, solution demo, and target audience.
- Traction Evidence: User engagement metrics, pilot outcomes, and clinical/academic validation (where applicable).
- Budget & Milestones: Grant utilization plan with a breakdown of expenses across product engineering, field trials, and hiring.
- Social Impact Logframe: Measurable impact metrics and beneficiary reach projections.
- Financial Statements: Bank statements for the past 1-2 financial years or current runway status.
For a seamless application process, ensure all documents are accurate and align with the ACT Grants eligibility and application guidelines.
Official FAQs
Q1: What is the funding range for ACT Grants?
A: ACT Grants offers funding between ₹15 Lakh to ₹30 Lakh, with the potential to scale up to ₹1 Crore for advanced deployments.
Q2: Are NGOs eligible to apply for ACT Grants?
A: Yes, NGOs, along with for-profit tech startups, social enterprises, Section 8 companies, and research teams, are eligible to apply.
Q3: What are the key focus verticals for ACT Grants?
A: The program focuses on Public Health Systems, Digital Education & Skilling, Climate Action & Clean Energy, and Gender Inclusion.
Q4: Is there any equity dilution required for ACT Grants?
A: No, ACT Grants provides 100% non-dilutive funding, meaning there is no equity dilution or loan debt involved.
Q5: How can I access mentorship through ACT Grants?
A: Selected recipients gain access to a mentorship network of leading VC partners and seasoned unicorn founders for strategic guidance.