Dalit Foundation is the first grant-making institution in South Asia working for the empowerment of Dalit communities.
The Foundation supports individuals, community-based organisations, and networks that work to secure social change and protect the rights of Dalit with a mission to eradicate caste based discrimination and atrocities. It is to ensure equality and equal rights for all.
The foundation provides small grants and fellowships towards strengthening the Dalit Movement and nurturing future leaders for the movement.
The Dalit Foundation pursues the world’s most important value – equality – and works to end the injustice of caste discrimination. By so doing, the Foundation works for the whole of humankind.
The Foundation focuses on those states/areas of India, where Dalit concerns need to be addressed urgently. Since the approach to Dalit issues in the southern sector is more organised, Dalit Foundation is giving more emphasis to the northern sector. The major thrust is on support to new and nascent initiatives in neglected areas while strengthening existing movements and groups.
Objectives
- Create public understanding on the situation of Dalits and their right to equality.
- Promote exemplary Dalit leadership to address the issue of social justice
- Promote Dalit art and culture for development and empowerment of dalits.
- Promote Dalit women leadership.
- Eradicate untouchability, social discrimination and caste-based atrocities, with special focus on Dalit women.
- Provide support for livelihood – minimum wages, education, health, housing and insurance for laborers in the unorganized sector.
- Rights over land, water bodies, villages, forests and other means of production.
- Create public understanding and favorable public opinion
Please visit next page for information regarding eligibility for grant and fellowship programs.
