Request for Proposals: Innovative Advocacy Seed Grant (India)

Deadline: 31-Aug-26

The Innovative Advocacy Seed Grant 2026 provides up to INR 30,000 per project to support community-led advocacy initiatives that advance the socio-economic inclusion, rights, and participation of transgender and Hijra persons in India. The grant supports activities addressing discrimination, access to housing and education, employment, healthcare, identity documents, livelihood opportunities, public facilities, and community acceptance.

About the Innovative Advocacy Seed Grant

The grant is part of TRANScend, an initiative of The Humsafar Trust focused on strengthening the socio-economic inclusion, resilience, and community leadership of transgender persons in India. The programme supports small, innovative, community-led advocacy projects that respond directly to the needs of transgender and Hijra communities. The initiative encourages applicants to work with government institutions, educational and medical institutions, employers, families, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create practical improvements in inclusion and access to rights. Grant Amount Successful applicants can receive a maximum grant of INR 30,000 (approximately US$360) per project. The funding is released in two installments: 50% advance payment at the beginning of the project. 50% final payment after submission of the required programmatic report and expenditure statement. All project activities and expenses must be completed between 28 September 2026 and 30 November 2026. No expenses incurred after 30 November 2026 will be eligible for support. What the Grant Supports The Innovative Advocacy Seed Grant is designed for projects that promote transgender rights, social inclusion, economic participation, equality, and community resilience.

Priority areas include:

Advocacy for equal access to housing. Improving access to education and educational institutions. Promoting access to public facilities and services. Supporting access to transgender identity cards and relevant documentation. Advocacy for anti-discrimination laws, policies, and practices. Promoting parental and family acceptance. Increasing social acceptance of transgender and Hijra persons. Engagement with educational institutions. Engagement with medical and healthcare institutions. Advocacy with state and central government authorities. Activities that improve the long-term sustainability of community organizations. Who Is Eligible? The grant is open to community-led applicants in India, including organizations, informal groups, and individual community leaders.

Eligible applicants include:

Registered community-based organizations (CBOs). Informal transgender or Hijra community initiatives. Community groups. Individual community leaders. The programme is particularly suited to applicants who understand local community needs and can implement practical advocacy activities within the short funding period. Required Documentation Documentation requirements depend on the applicant type.

Registered CBOs should provide:

Registration documentation. PAN documentation. Individuals and informal groups should provide: PAN. Aadhaar. Applicants should ensure that the required documents are complete and consistent with the information provided in the proposal. Priority Advocacy Themes The programme recognizes that transgender inclusion requires action across multiple areas of social and economic life. Housing and Public Services Projects can advocate for equal access to housing, public facilities, and essential services while addressing discrimination faced by transgender and Hijra persons. Education and Healthcare Applicants can work with educational and medical institutions to improve awareness, accessibility, respectful treatment, and inclusion. Government and Policy Advocacy Projects may engage with state or central government bodies to advocate for better policies, implementation of existing protections, identity documentation, and anti-discrimination measures. Projects should clearly explain the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, and how the activity will create measurable benefits for transgender or Hijra communities. Why This Grant Matters Transgender and Hijra communities can face barriers to employment, education, housing, healthcare, identity documentation, and public services. Community-led organizations and individuals often have direct knowledge of these challenges but may lack flexible funding for small advocacy interventions. The Innovative Advocacy Seed Grant provides relatively small-scale funding that can be used to test practical solutions, strengthen community leadership, build partnerships, and advocate for changes at the local or institutional level. Its short implementation period also makes it particularly suitable for focused advocacy activities with clearly defined outcomes. Project Period Funded activities must take place within the specified implementation window:

Start date: 28 September 2026

End date: 30 November 2026

Maximum funding: INR 30,000 per project

Payment structure: 50% advance and 50% after reporting

Applicants should therefore propose activities that can realistically be planned, implemented, and documented within approximately two months. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a concise one-page proposal explaining the proposed advocacy initiative.

The proposal should cover:

Background – Explain the community issue or challenge being addressed

Need – Describe why the proposed intervention is necessary. Proposed activities – Clearly explain what will be done. Budget – Provide a realistic breakdown of how the INR 30,000 grant will be used. Success metrics – Explain how the applicant will measure the project’s results. Applicant information – Provide the relevant organizational or individual details. Supporting documentation – Attach the required registration, PAN, Aadhaar, or other applicable documents. Applicants should keep the proposal focused on a specific, achievable advocacy ob