Spotlight on the Dalit Foundation, GFCF grant partner

The GFCF is pleased to announce a new grant for $10,000 to the Dalit Foundation in India to strengthen community-run initiatives within the Dalit community through grantmaking and local philanthropy (asset) development.

The word ‘Dalit’, in Sanskrit, means “oppressed” or “downtrodden”. In Marathi, the language in which the word was first used for social and political mobilization by the ‘untouchable’ communities means “broken” or “broken to pieces”. Dalits are placed at the lowest rung of the caste hierarchy, based on ritual purity and occupation.

Godna art, promoted by the Dalit Foundation

Dalit Foundation, a non-government organisation, is the first grant-making institution in South Asia working for the empowerment of Dalit communities. The Foundation supports individuals, community-based organisations, and networks that work to secure social change and protect the rights of Dalit. Dalit Foundation provides small grants and fellowships towards strengthening the Dalit Movement and nurturing future leaders for the movement. Learn more about the Dalit Foundation.