The Foundation
Who are we?
SKOCH Development Foundation is a not-for-profit company dedicated to promoting inclusive development; working on the motto of mainstreaming the marginalised. Grounded in primary field research, the Foundation bridges the gap between actual conditions and policy design, turning grassroots insights concerning actionable knowledge for governments, institutions and development practitioners.
The Foundation combines research with action. It conducts field outreach, capacity-building programmes, training workshops and knowledge initiatives that strengthen institutions as it expands opportunities for communities. Since its inception, it has worked extensively to empower women, particularly through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), while promoting financial literacy, strengthening local capacities and bolstering sustainable livelihoods.
SKOCH Development Foundation is a Section 8 company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 and is recognised as a charitable institution under Sections 80G and 12AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Learn MoreWho are We?
Founded in 2008, SKOCH Development Foundation is an autonomous, policy-oriented, not-for-profit company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 1956. It does not undertake any commercial activity.
It is recognised by the Government of India as a Charitable Organisation under Section 12AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It also qualifies for exemptions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The Foundation ensures transparency, accountability and compliance with corporate governance norms. Its mission is to advance inclusive development by empowering marginalised communities using rigorous research, grassroots interventions and evidence-based policy engagement.
Over the past two decades, the Foundation's senior leadership and founding members have travelled extensively across India to understand development challenges first-hand and to identify practices that can be adapted and scaled.
These engagements have produced one of the country's richest repositories of governance and inclusion practices, capturing what works, why it works and how successful models can be adapted and scaled. In doing so, the Foundation has brought together policymakers, administrators, businesses, civil society organisations, academic institutions and citizens to encourage informed dialogue and translate knowledge into action.
The insights generated through this work have informed public policy, strengthened institutional capacity and promoted the replication of successful models across sectors and states.
What we do?
- Grassroots initiatives across India focusing on women's empowerment, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), financial literacy, livelihood generation and community capacity building.
- Setting up of computer labs in remote schools in North East and Uttarakhand region under Project HOPE.
- Independent research and assessment of national flagship programmes covering financial inclusion, digital governance, rural development, health, education, infrastructure, social protection and public service delivery, contributing to evidence-based policy dialogue.
- MoU with premier government institution under Ministry of Rural Development to create a Rural Technologies Bank (TeBank) with the goal to enhance the livelihood opportunities for rural communities, tribal groups, farmers, landless and rural citizens.
- Academia platform Thinkers & Writers Forum to encourage research inputs into policy to deepen social, digital and financial inclusion.
- Engagement with governments, academia, industry and civil society through conferences, consultations, capacity-building programmes and knowledge platforms, strengthening the ecosystem for governance reforms.
- Landmark books, policy reports and research studies on governance, digital transformation, financial inclusion and inclusive growth, contributing to national conversations on public policy and development.
- Research into emerging areas including Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, ESG, Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR), Responsible Technology Frameworks and digital governance, responding to the changing needs of a rapidly transforming economy.
- Centre of Excellence with Ministry of Tribal Affairs to create a digital knowledge repository of Best Practices in Tribal Affairs.
- India 2047 - Centre of Excellence to develop research, proof-of-concepts, administrative frameworks, global benchmarks and indices that strengthen India's leadership from a Global South perspective and support the vision of Viksit Bharat.
- Today - the Foundation continues to connect research, field experience, policy engagement and institutional capacity building to strengthen governance, foster inclusive growth and shape India's development journey towards 2047.