Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organisations and Individuals

Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organisations and Individuals is a state scheme run by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Mizoram. It gives financial support to voluntary organisations and eligible individuals working for the welfare of at-risk groups such as children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The scheme is still open and follows the Mizoram Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organisations and Individuals Rules, 2018.

This scheme helps NGOs, societies, trusts, and individual applicants carry out welfare work like rehabilitation, skill training, health support, and awareness programmes. It covers both regular and one-time expenses and encourages voluntary bodies to work with the government in solving social and economic problems. The department reviews each proposal on merit and releases grants for approved projects.

Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organisations and Individuals - Overview

The rules were notified by the Governor of Mizoram on 27th June 2018 and came into force from the date of publication in the official gazette. They replaced the earlier 1986 rules for grant-in-aid to non-official voluntary social organisations. The department provides support for welfare services for women, children, disabled persons, senior citizens, and people affected by drug use and alcoholism.

Support is given for projects that reach the target groups without any distinction of race, caste, religion, or language. Organisations working in remote and backward districts can get relaxation in the rules if they face real difficulty in raising resources. Grants are released only after the organisation agrees to follow the terms and conditions set by the department.

Key Information

Benefits

The scheme offers financial support to organisations and individuals in several ways. The exact amount depends on the merit of each project and the approval of the department.

• Up to 75% of the approved project cost is covered by the government, and the organisation has to arrange the remaining 25%.
• Maximum regular grant is ₹5,00,000 per year for an approved project.
• Equipment, furniture, and non-recurring asset support is available up to ₹3,00,000 over three consecutive years.
• Individual help for self-employment ventures is available up to ₹75,000, including ₹15,000 as working capital.
• Maintenance support for homes and institutions, disability pensions, and stipends for disabled students are also provided.

Eligibility

Both organisations and individuals can apply, but the conditions are different for each. The department checks the registration, experience, and financial health of every applicant before approving a grant.

For Organisations:

• Must be a society registered under the Mizoram Societies Registration Act, 2005 or the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or a public trust, registered trade union, or charitable company.
• Should have at least three years of practical experience in welfare work, though this can be relaxed in deserving cases.
• Must have a properly constituted managing body and be in a sound financial position.

For Individuals:

• Senior citizens aged 65 years and above belonging to BPL families.
• Destitute women, orphans, and children in difficult situations.
• Persons with disability of 40% or more, certified by the state medical board.
• Victims of domestic violence, trafficking, or substance abuse.
• People affected by HIV/AIDS.

Application Process

Applicants have to submit their request in the prescribed format given in Annexure IV of the rules. The application should be sent to the Director of the Social Welfare Department through the local District Social Welfare Officer or the Child Development Project Officer.

STEP 1 - Download the application form from the official website of the Social Welfare Department, Mizoram, and fill in all the required details about the organisation, its members, and the proposed project.

STEP 2 - Attach the required documents such as the registration certificate, constitution, audited accounts, annual reports, and the list of managing body members.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed application in duplicate to the District Social Welfare Officer or the Child Development Project Officer of your area, who will forward it to the Director.

STEP 4 - Make sure the application for a particular financial year reaches the department by 30th June. Late applications are considered only if funds are available.

Access the official application form and rules here: Download Application Form and Rules

Documents

Organisations must provide the following documents along with their application:

• Copy of the registration certificate and the constitution, articles of association, and memorandum.
• Audited statement of accounts for the last three years.
• Annual reports for the last three years.
• List of current members of the managing body.
• Full disclosure of grants received or applied for from other government or voluntary bodies.
• Certified statement of receipts and expenditures, including the balance sheet from the previous year.

References

Official Scheme Guidelines PDF

Official Grants-in-Aid Rules Page

FAQ's

What is the primary objective of this scheme?

The scheme supports welfare activities for at-risk groups through targeted financial help to organisations and individuals in Mizoram.

Who is eligible to apply?

Registered societies, trusts, NGOs, and vulnerable individuals meeting the specified criteria may apply.

What is the upper limit for regular grants?

The maximum regular grant is ₹5,00,000 per year for an approved project.

Is there a deadline for applications?

Yes, applications for a particular financial year should be submitted by 30th June.

Are organisations required to contribute funds?

Yes, the government provides up to 75% of the project cost, and the organisation must arrange the remaining 25%.

What reporting is required?

Beneficiaries must submit progress reports every six months and utilization certificates to keep the grant going.