DBS Foundation offers grants up to SGD 250,000 (approx. INR 1.54 crore) to innovative social enterprises and SMEs focused on essential needs and financial inclusion across Asia, including India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the closing date for application?
To be eligible for evaluation this year, you need to submit your application before 13 July 2026, 2359 hrs SGT (which is 13 July 2026, 2129 hrs IST).
How will I know if my grant award application has been received?
Successful submissions will receive an auto-generated acknowledgement of receipt of your online application via email and will be redirected to a confirmation page.
Is there a way to save my answers in the application form so that I can come back to it later?
No, there is no save button in the online application form. It is recommended to download the form template, prepare and save your draft responses offline, and then copy them into the online submission form for final submission.
Can I submit my application via email?
No. All applications must be submitted exclusively through the online form provided. Submissions via other means will not be considered.
There are some mistakes in my application. Can I submit a new form again?
Only one application will be accepted per entity. If multiple applications are submitted for the same entity for the same grant type, only the most recent submission received before the closing date will be considered.
What happens after I submit my application?
If your application is shortlisted, you will receive an email inviting you to submit another form, which will require you to upload additional documents such as your pitch deck, financial statements, and letters of recommendation (if any).
My business is working on many different impact solutions. Can I submit a different application for each solution?
No. Only one application per business entity is accepted. If multiple applications for the same entity are submitted for the same grant type, only the most recent submission will be considered before the closing date.
When will I know the results of my application?
Applicants will be notified of their application outcome by December 2026. The actual dates for notification will be communicated later.
Will DBS Foundation take up an equity stake in the companies that are awarded grants?
No, DBS Foundation does not take up any equity stakes in the grantee businesses. The grant is equity-free.
Can I use the Grant to fund expansion plans, product developments, marketing expenditure or hiring in other countries?
Yes, the use of the grant is flexible as long as it supports the business in scaling its growth and social impact sustainably. This can include entering new markets, R&D, enhancing product/service offerings, and building infrastructure required for growth.
Can I apply if my business is creating either social or environmental impact?
DBS Foundation will only review applications from social enterprises (SEs) and SMEs that are primarily focused on creating social impact aligned with their two focus areas: Providing essential needs and Fostering financial inclusion. Environmental impact alone may not qualify unless it directly supports social outcomes in these areas.
My business is registered as a not-for-profit organisation, can I apply?
Entities registered as not-for-profit organizations, sole proprietorships, charities, cooperatives, religious organizations for religious purposes, election campaigns, general fund-raising drives, or event sponsorships are not eligible for this grant.
My business is not a social enterprise but has CSR programmes. Can I apply?
Eligibility is for businesses where impact is an integral part of their core business model, and revenue generation is tied to delivering that impact. If your impact primarily comes through donations and projects separate from your core business, it does not align with the program's focus. Businesses should be independent, commercial entities not owned by state governments.
If I have already obtained a grant from another organisation, will it limit my chances?
No, grants received from other organizations will not inherently limit your chances. However, the purpose for which you seek the DBS Foundation Grant must be distinct from prior funding, and you must clearly substantiate how this grant will achieve its stated outcomes. Disclosure of prior funding is required.
Can I apply to this program if I am a past grant awardee of DBS Foundation?
Yes, past grant awardees from DBS Bank or DBS Foundation may reapply, provided their previously awarded grant(s) have expired. Each application is assessed independently on its own merits.
Can I apply as an individual before incorporating my business?
No. Grants are awarded exclusively to for-profit businesses that are already registered as legal business entities in one of the five eligible markets: Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Applications from individuals or pre-incorporation entities are not accepted.
My business is currently based in India, but I have not obtained an approval under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Can I still apply?
Business entities in India receiving foreign grants require FCRA approval or must meet specific criteria: (1) Profitability solely from sales revenue, not grants/awards; (2) Absence of a definite cultural, economic, educational, religious or social (CEERS) program; and (3) Grant not used to fund other entities requiring FCRA. DBS Foundation cannot award grants to entities not meeting these criteria.
About this grant
The DBS Foundation Grant is a flagship program designed to scale innovative social enterprises (SEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are creating a more inclusive world and bringing enduring change to vulnerable communities across Asia.
Since 2015, DBS Foundation has committed approximately SGD 26 million in grant funding, supporting over 180 businesses to expand their models and deepen their societal impact. The program specifically seeks businesses that improve the lives of those in need, helping them become more socially and financially resilient. Furthermore, with increasing life spans, DBS Foundation aims to support solutions that enable individuals at all stages of life to age with dignity, purpose, and joy. The grant focuses on two critical areas: Providing Essential Needs: This includes businesses that offer access to fundamental services such as food and nutrition, basic education, and healthcare, including mental health support. Solutions that equip people with tools to manage daily stress, build self-esteem, and foster stronger community connections are highly encouraged. Fostering Financial Inclusion: This focus area looks for businesses that provide skills and tools to enhance financial and digital literacy, as well as those that improve access to upskilling opportunities, ultimately leading to better employability. The program aims to catalyse the growth of these businesses, enabling them to scale their positive impact on society sustainably. The grant funding can be strategically utilized for various growth initiatives, such as market expansion, research and development for new products, enhancement of existing product or service offerings, and building the necessary infrastructure for scalable growth.
Eligibility
This grant targets innovative social enterprises and SMEs with at least a two-year track record of delivering measurable social impact.
Businesses must be for-profit, legally registered, and operating in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, or Taiwan.
Excluded entities include not-for-profits, sole proprietorships, charities, cooperatives, and religious organizations.
Benefits & Funding
Offers up to ₹1.55 Cr
Equity-free (non-dilutive)
Non-repayable grant
Disbursed as grant
Disbursement: Milestone Based
The DBS Foundation Grant offers substantial equity-free funding of up to SGD 250,000 (approximately INR 1.54 crore) to catalyse the growth and social impact of eligible businesses.
