Scheme of Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organisations Working for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides financial support to voluntary organisations and NGOs that work for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes across India. Under the Scheme of Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organisations Working for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes, registered NGOs can get grants to run education, health, and livelihood projects in tribal areas. The NGO portal for FY 2026-27 was open from 1st April to 30th April 2026, and eligible organisations can submit their proposals online.

This scheme helps bridge gaps in service delivery in remote tribal regions where government reach is limited. By funding grassroots initiatives, it supports activities like residential schools, mobile dispensaries, income generation programs, and emergency relief efforts. If your NGO has a proven track record and a solid plan for tribal development, this grant can help you scale your impact.

Scheme of Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organisations Working for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes

This central government scheme falls under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and targets voluntary organisations committed to improving the lives of Scheduled Tribe communities. The programme covers multiple sectors including education, healthcare, drinking water, agriculture, and social security. Grants are given for both new projects and continuation of already approved initiatives.

Organisations receive funding based on ceiling limits for regular and one-time expenses as laid down in the official guidelines. Priority goes to projects serving Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), those located in difficult terrain, LWE-affected districts, and the North Eastern states. During natural disasters or pandemics, extra funds may be released for food, water, and medical aid.

Grant Sectors and Project Categories

The scheme offers financial assistance across several key sectors. Each sector has specific project types that qualify for grants:

• Education - Running residential or non-residential schools and hostels for tribal children. Sponsoring tribal girls from North Eastern states, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep for schooling at reputed institutions.
• Healthcare - Operating hospitals or dispensaries with at least 10 beds. Managing mobile medical units that reach remote villages.
• Livelihood - Programs that boost income through farming, fishing, dairy, animal husbandry, and organic agriculture support.

Emergency relief projects also qualify when declared by the Ministry. Educational projects normally require a minimum of 75 beneficiaries, but some cases with state-level justification may start with 25 students.

Eligibility Criteria

Your organisation must meet these requirements before applying:

1. Must be a registered voluntary organisation or NGO working for Scheduled Tribe welfare.
2. Registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, as a Public Trust, or under any applicable state law.
3. Registered on the NITI Aayog NGO-Darpan portal.
4. At least three years of experience running similar projects.
5. Must implement the project directly without passing funds to other groups.
6. Willing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry.
7. Bank account linked to Aadhaar, operated jointly by the President and Secretary.
8. Valid PAN and TAN numbers, with Income Tax Returns filed for the last three years.
9. Registration under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act.
10. No bankruptcy proceedings or pending economic offence cases.
11. Ability to co-finance part of the project cost.
12. Detailed disclosure of trustees, promoters, and committee members along with their PAN and Aadhaar details.
13. Not blacklisted by any government body.

How to Apply Online

All proposals must go through the digital portal. Follow these steps to submit your application correctly:

STEP 1 - Make sure your organisation is registered on the NGO-Darpan portal first. You cannot apply without this registration.

STEP 2 - Visit the official NGO Grants Portal of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Physical applications are not accepted at all.

STEP 3 - Log in using your credentials and fill in all required project details. Upload every supporting document as listed below.

STEP 4 - For multiple similar projects, you may combine them into one application if recommended by your State Tribal Welfare Department.

STEP 5 - Track expenditure through the PFMS Receipt, Expenditure, Advance, Transfer (REAT) Module throughout the project period.

STEP 6 - Use the portal communication tool for queries or complaints. District and state authorities resolve issues online.

Note: The portal for FY 2026-27 opened on 1st April 2026 and remained open until 30th April 2026. An extension was granted till 15th May 2026 for ongoing project applications for FY 2025-26. Check the portal regularly for fresh notifications regarding new financial years.

Renewal of Ongoing Projects

If your project is already running, you must apply for renewal every financial year. Submit the Utilisation Certificate (GFR-12-A), audited accounts, and budget estimates online. Your State Tribal Welfare Department will verify field operations and forward the recommendation for continued funding.

Required Documents

Gather these documents before starting your application:

• PAN Card copy of the organisation.
• Detailed budget estimates prepared as per scheme norms.
• Audited accounts and Annual Report for the last two years.
• Complete staff list assigned to the project.
• List of current beneficiaries with details.
• Signed field inspection report.
• Section 12A registration certificate under the Income Tax Act.
• Management Committee member list along with beneficial owner details.
• Self-declaration confirming premises legitimacy.
• Surety bond and authorisation resolution from the governing body.
• Aadhaar-linked bank account proof.

Helpline and Contact

For any scheme or portal related queries, contact the Ministry at 011-23340485 or 011-23347216. Email queries can be sent to ngogrants-tribal@nic.in.

References

Ministry of Tribal Affairs Official Website | Scheme Guidelines PDF | NGO Grants Portal | NGO-Darpan Registration

FAQ's

What does this scheme provide?

It gives financial grants to registered NGOs for education, health, and livelihood projects serving Scheduled Tribe communities in tribal areas.

Who runs this scheme?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, administers and funds the programme.

Can new NGOs apply?

Only organisations with at least three years of experience in relevant activities can apply for new projects.

Is NGO-Darpan registration mandatory?

Yes, registration on the NITI Aayog NGO-Darpan portal is compulsory before submitting any proposal.

How much grant can an NGO receive?

Grants are sanctioned within ceiling limits for recurring and non-recurring costs as specified in the official guidelines.

What happens during emergencies?

The Ministry may release additional funds for food, water, and medical services during natural disasters or pandemics.

Which projects get priority?

Projects targeting PVTGs, those in remote or LWE-affected areas, and educational initiatives for tribal girls from special categories receive top priority.

How do I renew an ongoing project?

Submit the utilisation certificate, audited accounts, and budget estimates online each financial year through the portal.