Community Innovator Fellowship Program
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Quick Answer
A fellowship program by ACIC-VGU Foundation empowering individuals to address local challenges through innovative, community-driven solutions with financial support, mentorship, and capacity building.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹2L
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- ACIC VGU Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Rajasthan
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 24 November 2025. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by ACIC VGU Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this funding program
The Community Innovator Fellowship Program (CIF) by ACIC–VGU Foundation, implemented under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog, is designed to empower passionate individuals to tackle critical local challenges through innovative and community-centric solutions. This fellowship aims to foster grassroots innovations that contribute to sustainable development and strengthen local communities, including supporting artisans and promoting social entrepreneurship. Fellows receive crucial financial support in the form of a monthly stipend, enabling them to dedicate full-time effort to their projects.
Beyond funding, the program provides comprehensive capacity building through structured training in areas like design thinking, business modeling, project management, and community engagement. Fellows benefit from mentorship by a diverse network of domain experts, seasoned social entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. The program also facilitates vital ecosystem access, connecting innovators with relevant government agencies, NGOs, corporate partners, and impact investors. This holistic support structure is designed to bridge the gap between problem identification and solution implementation, particularly in underserved communities, thereby promoting long-term community impact and sustainable social entrepreneurship.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
ACIC-VGU Foundation is the Atal Community Innovation Centre at Vivekananda Global University in Jagatpura, Jaipur. Its full name is Atal Community Innovation Centre - Vivekananda Global University Foundation, and it describes itself as a startup incubator supported by the Atal…
Learn moreAtal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Government of India's innovation and entrepreneurship initiative under NITI Aayog, set up in 2016. It does not run a single incubator or fund. It supports schools, institutions and companies to set up labs and incubators, and it runs the Atal…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹2L
What You Get
Selected Community Innovator Fellows will receive funding support of up to ₹2 lakh to facilitate project development and cover living expenses, disbursed as a monthly fellowship stipend. This financial assistance enables fellows to dedicate themselves fully to their community-driven solutions. Beyond funding, the program offers robust capacity building through structured training sessions covering design thinking, business modeling, project management, and community engagement strategies. Fellows will gain access to a valuable mentorship network of domain experts, experienced social entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Additionally, the program provides ecosystem access by connecting fellows with government agencies, NGOs, corporates, and impact investors, and offers visibility and recognition through various events and media platforms.
- Disbursement
- Monthly Stipend
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for the Community Innovator Fellowship Program undergo a rigorous evaluation process. The initial screening assesses the clarity and relevance of the problem statement submitted by the applicant, alongside the innovation and feasibility of their proposed solution. The potential for measurable community impact is a critical factor, as is the applicant's demonstrated commitment and capability to execute the project. The sustainability and scalability of the proposed community-driven solution are also key considerations. Shortlisted candidates proceed to an interview round, where they will present their ideas and vision to a selection committee comprising experts from ACIC-VGU Foundation and potentially representatives from Atal Innovation Mission or NITI Aayog. The final selection will be based on a holistic assessment of these criteria, aiming to identify individuals with the most promising and impactful community innovation proposals.
Application Process
- 1
Fill Online Application
Complete and submit the online application form with all required details.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of problems does the fellowship aim to solve?
The fellowship encourages innovators to address critical local challenges within their communities. This includes areas such as sustainable livelihoods, education and skill development, health and sanitation, renewable energy, handicrafts and heritage preservation, agriculture, digital inclusion, and climate action.
What is the total funding amount a fellow can receive?
Each selected Community Innovator Fellow can receive funding support of up to ₹2 lakh. This amount is provided as a monthly stipend to help cover living and project development expenses.
What kind of support is provided beyond financial assistance?
Beyond the monthly stipend, fellows benefit from extensive capacity building through training in design thinking, business modeling, and project management. They also receive mentorship from experts, gain access to an ecosystem of government agencies, NGOs, and investors, and achieve visibility for their work through ACIC-VGU Foundation's platforms.
Are there any restrictions on how the funding can be used?
Yes, the support can be used for prototype development, community outreach, training workshops, awareness campaigns, branding, and impact reporting. However, it cannot be used for personal debts, personal assets unrelated to the project, political or religious activities, or non-project-related travel or luxury expenses.
What are the key eligibility criteria for applicants?
Applicants must be between 18-35 years of age, hold a Bachelor's degree or diploma, reside within 30 km of the ACIC-VGU Foundation campus in Jaipur, and possess intermediate English proficiency. Crucially, they must be individuals actively working for and with their community to solve local problems.
What is the selection process for the fellowship?
The selection process involves an initial online application, followed by the submission of required documents such as a community problem brief and project proposal. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an interview. Final selection is based on the clarity of the problem, innovation of the solution, potential community impact, applicant's commitment, and the sustainability of the proposed project.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
