Development aid and community philanthropy: Building a new world at the margins in India

This paper reflects on the changing landscape of development, shaped by contemporary politics, aid regimes and policy shifts in India. Drawing on examples from the author’s NGO practice, it examines the dilemmas faced by civil society organizations amid shrinking civic space. The paper argues for community philanthropy, the value of local knowledge and people’s mobilization as powerful, values-driven alternatives to dominant aid and charity-led development models.

The report summarizes the author’s conclusions about what works in community philanthropy – and how community-led development can be supported – based on the experience of the Keystone Foundation supporting and engaging communities.

Author: Snehlata Nath, Keystone Foundation and 2024 / 2025 #ShiftThePower Fellow

Published by: GFCF

Published: June 2026

Download: Development aid and community philanthropy: Building a new world at the margins in India