They call us "grassroots," but we carry the weight of change.

They call us "grassroots," but we carry the weight of change.

India’s most vulnerable communities are counting on small, local NGOs like HEEALS—yet we remain invisible to the CSR lens. 




At HEEALS, we are not just an NGO—we are a movement rooted in the streets, slums, and schools of India. Our mission is clear: to build a vibrant civil society that thrives in health, education, environment, and livelihood. Since 2010, we’ve been the quiet force behind change—delivering menstrual hygiene education, water and sanitation projects, mental health support, and skill-building programs across rural and underserved regions.
Yet, despite our unwavering dedication and community presence, we are systematically excluded from mainstream CSR funding. Here's the hidden reality:
The Facts CSR Often Overlooks:
• Over 90% of India’s 3.4 million NGOs are grassroots-level, but less than 10% receive any form of structured CSR funding.
• Large NGOs, often headquartered in metros, absorb more than 80% of corporate CSR budgets.
• Section 135 of the Companies Act mandates CSR, but lacks clear mechanisms to prioritize small, high-impact NGOs.
• Part IV of the Indian Constitution highlights the importance of equitable development, but funding rarely reaches the organizations closest to the need.
We serve the most marginalized—yet we're last in line for support.
Why Grassroots NGOs Matter:
Grassroots NGOs like HEEALS are deeply embedded in the communities they serve. We:
• Understand cultural barriers first-hand (e.g., menstrual stigma, water taboos)
• Deliver low-cost, high-impact programs
• Can scale faster in rural pockets where large organizations often don’t operate
• Are trusted by the communities—something no MOU can manufacture
The Change We Need:
We urge the government to revise CSR guidelines to mandate a minimum allocation for grassroots NGOs. This will:
• Ensure fairer access to development funds
• Promote bottom-up innovation
• Align India’s CSR ecosystem with true sustainable development goals
We also invite CSR bodies, foundations, and philanthropists to partner with us. Your support will not just fund a project—it will fuel a movement that touches lives where it matters most.

Get involved: communications@heeals.org | WhatsApp: +91-7982316660
www.heeals.org | 

Instagram: @heealsindia.