Community Innovator Fellowship Program

About This Scheme

We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.

The Community Innovator Fellowship Program (CIF) by ACIC–VGU Foundation, implemented under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog, is designed to empower passionate individuals to tackle critical local challenges through innovative and community-centric solutions. This fellowship aims to foster grassroots innovations that contribute to sustainable development and strengthen local communities, including supporting artisans and promoting social entrepreneurship. Fellows receive crucial financial support in the form of a monthly stipend, enabling them to dedicate full-time effort to their projects.

Beyond funding, the program provides comprehensive capacity building through structured training in areas like design thinking, business modeling, project management, and community engagement. Fellows benefit from mentorship by a diverse network of domain experts, seasoned social entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. The program also facilitates vital ecosystem access, connecting innovators with relevant government agencies, NGOs, corporate partners, and impact investors. This holistic support structure is designed to bridge the gap between problem identification and solution implementation, particularly in underserved communities, thereby promoting long-term community impact and sustainable social entrepreneurship.

Benefits

Selected Community Innovator Fellows will receive funding support of up to ₹2 lakh to facilitate project development and cover living expenses, disbursed as a monthly fellowship stipend.
This financial assistance enables fellows to dedicate themselves fully to their community-driven solutions.
Beyond funding, the program offers robust capacity building through structured training sessions covering design thinking, business modeling, project management, and community engagement strategies.
Fellows will gain access to a valuable mentorship network of domain experts, experienced social entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
Additionally, the program provides ecosystem access by connecting fellows with government agencies, NGOs, corporates, and impact investors, and offers visibility and recognition through various events and media platforms.

Selection Process

Applications for the Community Innovator Fellowship Program undergo a rigorous evaluation process.
The initial screening assesses the clarity and relevance of the problem statement submitted by the applicant, alongside the innovation and feasibility of their proposed solution.
The potential for measurable community impact is a critical factor, as is the applicant's demonstrated commitment and capability to execute the project.
The sustainability and scalability of the proposed community-driven solution are also key considerations.
Shortlisted candidates proceed to an interview round, where they will present their ideas and vision to a selection committee comprising experts from ACIC-VGU Foundation and potentially representatives from Atal Innovation Mission or NITI Aayog.
The final selection will be based on a holistic assessment of these criteria, aiming to identify individuals with the most promising and impactful community innovation proposals.

Quick Info

Amount / Funding

Up to ₹2L

About This Scheme

We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.

Benefits

Selected Community Innovator Fellows will receive funding support of up to ₹2 lakh to facilitate project development and cover living expenses, disbursed as a monthly fellowship stipend.

This financial assistance enables fellows to dedicate themselves fully to their community-driven solutions.

Beyond funding, the program offers robust capacity building through structured training sessions covering design thinking, business modeling, project management, and community engagement strategies.

Fellows will gain access to a valuable mentorship network of domain experts, experienced social entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

Additionally, the program provides ecosystem access by connecting fellows with government agencies, NGOs, corporates, and impact investors, and offers visibility and recognition through various events and media platforms.

Selection Process

Applications for the Community Innovator Fellowship Program undergo a rigorous evaluation process.

The initial screening assesses the clarity and relevance of the problem statement submitted by the applicant, alongside the innovation and feasibility of their proposed solution.

The potential for measurable community impact is a critical factor, as is the applicant's demonstrated commitment and capability to execute the project.

The sustainability and scalability of the proposed community-driven solution are also key considerations.

Shortlisted candidates proceed to an interview round, where they will present their ideas and vision to a selection committee comprising experts from ACIC-VGU Foundation and potentially representatives from Atal Innovation Mission or NITI Aayog.

The final selection will be based on a holistic assessment of these criteria, aiming to identify individuals with the most promising and impactful community innovation proposals.