What We Do
Strengthen small/medium and rural Grassroots NGOs through our OCM Programs
Partner with social sector Federations to make policy work
Nurture Grassroots Ecosystem
- Engage with Donors/CSRs towards impactful funding
- Enable Alumni for continuous learning and networking
Collaborate and Co-create through partnerships – adding value
Provide technology solutions for the social sector
Our Vision
A Vibrant and Credible Social Sector
Our Mission
To gain consensus across stakeholders for common professional standards
Enhance Visibility, Transparency, Accountability and Efficiency through better use of process and technology in the social sector
Enlarge the quality resource pool for the social sector
Our Guiding Principles
Mutual respect for all is the cornerstone of our interactions
We will expose ourselves to scrutiny from all stakeholders
We will be outcome driven without compromising on ethics
Our positions will be based on sound research and a professional approach
Our Journey So Far
2006–2016
Beginnings & Early Initiatives
- We started Dhwani Foundation (DF) in 2006 in Bangalore, with the intention and purpose of strengthening Grassroots NGOs – this was the essence of the seed idea around which DF was formed.
- In the early years this meant grants to small NGOs and support for computerisation; and then an expansion of coverage of grants to more NGOs.
- Goonjan was introduced - a cloud-based MIS platform designed and developed exclusively for the social sector.
- Along the way, we widened our lens, broadened our sights and articulated our Vision: to create a ‘Vibrant and Credible Social Sector’.
2017–2019
Proof of Concept 1st Batch, Stabilisation & New Initiatives
- We embarked on an extensive research project in 2017, surveying over 100 varied stakeholders in the social sector – NGOs, donors, government agencies, academics, think-tanks and beneficiaries.
- ‘What makes a credible NGO?’
- 161 parameters across 8 Domains get crystallised.
- Out of this, Niranthara was born, with a singular focus on capacity building for Grassroots NGOs.
- Launched in Karnataka with a 1st cohort of 23 NGOs.
- Updeshak, a Governance Enhancement Program begins by bringing experienced professionals onto NGO boards.
- Titan CSR partnership begins.
- The 8 Domains get put to test in the field and get cemented.
2019–2020
Covid Initiatives Added to Core DF Workstreams
- Graduation ceremony of 1st cohort of Niranthara.
- Covid hits! NGOs and Grassroots need an entirely different kind of help.
- DF becomes state nodal partner for Karnataka Govt, lends support in running shelter homes.
- Publishes process manual to run quarantine centres jointly with Govt and trains all Panchayat task forces in the State.
- DF publishes its second strategic plan document 2019–2022.
- Niranthara 2nd cohort in Karnataka, 3rd cohort in Tamil Nadu supporting 62 NGOs.
- APF partnership begins.
2020–2021
Goonjan and Niranthara Scale Up; DrishtE Launches
- DrishtE eLearning platform for OCM launched in Kannada and English.
- Niranthara 2 cohorts continues.
- Sahayak conceived as a Capacity Building program that leverages shared services.
- Fundraising managers concept introduced for Grassroots NGOs.
- Goonjan grows to the next level with over 100 NGOs usage across 13 States.
- Cumulative beneficiary database reaches 3 lakhs.
- Introduces Program Management module.
- Covid work continues with Govt of Karnataka and NGOs.
2021–2022
DF Workstreams Expand with VOICE & Sahayak
- VOICE launched to work with and enable NGO federations.
- Work begins with 2 federations in Karnataka.
- Niranthara, Updeshak and DrishtE continue to evolve and drive strengthening efforts to Grassroots NGOs.
- Goonjan introduces Volunteer Module.
- Niranthara Sahayak introduced in Karnataka.
- Shikshak program in Assam expands geographical reach to Northeast through a train-a-trainer model.
- Collaboration with RCRC supports 14 NGOs.
- Covid Wave 2 hits – DF actively works with Govt.
- Publishes process manual for vaccination drive across the state.
- Joins state review committee and takes direct responsibility for vaccination drive in 5 districts.
- DF publishes its strategic plan document 2022–2025.
2022–2023
Multiple and Simultaneous Initiatives Across Verticals and Horizontals
- Niranthara Sahayak becomes a full-fledged program in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- First cohort impact study on Niranthara published by IIM Bangalore.
- Niranthara cohorts 2 & 3 graduated.
- DrishtE eLearning materials published in Tamil.
- DF partners with Dasra to support Rebuild India initiative.
- Sahayog begins in Tamil Nadu in partnership with Caring Friends.
- Goonjan Version 2.0 initiated with sophisticated capability and features.
- SAT, a Self-Assessment Tool in OCM, introduced and implemented.
- 45 NGOs used this tool.
2023–2024
Institutional Partnerships; NGO Outreach Expansion; New Geographies; Lateral Collaborations
- APF second phase partnership begins.
- Expansion of Niranthara Classic to Odisha in Aug 2023 and Jharkhand in Feb 2024.
- DF hosts National Conclave on the Status of NGO Federations in India.
- VOICE reshaped and launched in partnership with 6 federations in South India.
- Remodelled Niranthara Sahayak expands to Andhra Pradesh.
- Grants+ donor engagement initiative begins.
- Webinar and Round Table Discussions begin in collaboration with CSRs in Bengaluru.
- DrishtE eLearning materials published in Hindi and Telugu.
- Niranthara Lite introduced.
- Sahayog program expands to partners in Karnataka.
- Dasra Rebuild India program expands to DF partners.
- Groundwork for expanding OCM to Northeast begins.
2024–2026
2 Years of Growth
- 8 parallel cohorts.
- Federations work through VOICE program deepens.
- Reassessment of parameters – 175 finalised.
- Niranthara Northeast Launch.
- Anaha Trust funding OCM for the 1st time; Ford Foundation joins with DF to fund OCM in Karnataka and Jharkhand.
- Testing the BOT Shikshak model with RNBA.
- Donor education work continues.
- Niranthara Odisha and Jharkhand deep work with Boards and Governance proves critical and shows results.
- Goonjan MIS upgrade.
- Niranthara Lite redesigned as Saksham - 5 Batches running parallel across 4 States
- Niranthara– our flagship OCM Program– returns to Karnataka after 8 years.
- NAVDHARA – a new initiative – a Leadership Transition Program launched in June 2026. 1st Cohort of 20 Founder/Leaders join this Program from across Karnataka.
2800+ Grassroots NGOs reached and growing
- Looking ahead, we at Dhwani Foundation firmly believe in the OCM approach to building resilient and sustainable Grassroots NGOs. We hope to continue to expand our reach and help build capacity of more NGOs in existing and newer territories.
- More sector collaborations and initiatives to build a strong social sector ecosystem.
- We intend to get even busier in the near future and drive our mission of Organisational Change Management (OCM), to build a Vibrant and Credible Social Sector.
Our People
Board/Advisory/Trustees
Trustees
Manju Kuchhal
Managing Trustee
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Krishna Kumar
Hon. Secretary & Trustee
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Ramesh Emani
Trustee
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Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy (Krishna)
Trustee
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Harish Babu
Trustee
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Yashodhamma PH
Trustee
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Advisory Board
MJ Aravind
Founder
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Rajiv Kuchhal
Co-founder
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Jayachandra B
Advisory Board
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Ashish Patel
Advisory Board
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Sonali Srivastava
Advisory Board
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Ashok Kamath
Advisory Board
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Adil Katrak
Advisory Board
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Nimesh Sumati
Advisory Board
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Dimgonglung Rongmei
Advisory Board
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Our Team
K N Gopinath
Executive Director
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Mihir Mohanty
Asst. Director – Eastern and Northeast Regions
Odisha
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Vinaya Mallya
Asst. Director – Southern Region
Karnataka
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Sunita Suresh
Assistant Director
Karnataka
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Govindan Soundararajan
Asst. Director – Central Training & M&E
Karnataka
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Abhishek Shivu
Manager – Finance & Compliance
Karnataka
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Alin Naik
Senior Trainer
Odisha
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Amarendra Narayan Ghana
State Head – Odisha
Odisha
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Anjana Guru
Manager – Program Implementation
Odisha
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Arpita Singh
Manager – Communications
Karnataka
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Ayyappan
Manager – Federation Enablement
Karnataka
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Bindhya B A
Assistant Manager – MIS & Tech
Karnataka
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Chandrakala S
Assistant Manager MIS-Technology
Karnataka
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Debasis Rout
Executive – Finance & Admin
Odisha
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Dhanashree
Asst. Manager – MIS & Technology
Karnataka
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Donson DSouza
Executive – MIS & Technologies
Karnataka
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Dr. Anangadev Singh
State Head – Jharkhand
Jharkhand
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Giridharan HC
Manager – Alumni
Karnataka
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Harish TP
Programme head – Assessment
Karnataka
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Hemalatha I
Executive – Finance & Admin
Tamil Nadu
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Himanshu Singh
Regional Manager - Donor Engagement & Resource Mobilisation
Odisha
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Isan Magimaidoss
Head – Central Training and Helpdesk
Karnataka
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J. Jayanth
State Head – Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
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Jacob D’Souza
Program Head – DrishtE & N.Online
Karnataka
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Jhanvi Rajpurohit
M&E Executive
Karnataka
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Kempanna Shegunasi
Trainer
Karnataka
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Kumari Reshma Singh
Master Trainer
Jharkhand
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Lalitha Mohan
Sr. Manager – Donor Engagement & Alumni
Karnataka
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Leelavathi Ranoji Rao
Manager – HR
Karnataka
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Mamatha Rajesh
Manager – MIS & Technology
Karnataka
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Manoj Kumar A
Program Implementation Manager
Tamil Nadu
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Meena T
Assistant Manager – MIS & Tech
Tamil Nadu
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Naveen Kumar S A
Manager – Program Implementation
Karnataka
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Nikil KP
Asst. Director- Shared Services and Alumni
Tamil Nadu
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Praveen Kumar
Manager – Programme Implementation
Tamil Nadu
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Preeti Pawar
Asst. Manager – MIS & Technology
Karnataka
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Rachana Renukumar
Manager- Donor Engagement
Karnataka
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Raghunandan M S Rao
Head – Training & Program Implementation
Karnataka
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Rahul Satish
Executive- Monitoring & Evaluation
Karnataka
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Rajesh Yadav
Manager – Program Implementation
Jharkhand
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Ramireddigari Sangeetha
Technical Helpdesk – MIS & Tech
Karnataka
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Ranjita Jena
Manager – Updeshak
Odisha
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Ranjit Kumar Sahoo
Master Trainer
Odisha
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Ravi Shanker
Manager – Program Implementation
Jharkhand
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Rebekah C
Executive – Finance & Admin
Karnataka
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Rohini N
State Head, Karnataka
Karnataka
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Saket Kumar Mishra
Sr. Manager – Programme Implementation
Jharkhand
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Sanjay Kumar
Manager – Marketing & Fundraising
Odisha
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Satyam Shivam
Executive – Finance & Admin
Jharkhand
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S C Monalisa
Manager – MIS & Technology
Karnataka
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Shabari Padaki
Head of Communication
Karnataka
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Shrishaila Dambal
Implementation Manager
Karnataka
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Shruthi B R
Coordinator – Program Implementation
Karnataka
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Siddique Ahamed
Manager – Program Implementation
Karnataka
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Srikanth Bichali
Asst. Manager – Program Implementation
Karnataka
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Suganya V
Manager - Program Implementation
Tamil Nadu
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Suresha
Manager – Second Line Program Implementation
Karnataka
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Suresh Kumar Pradhan
Program Head – Central Program Implementation
Odisha
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Swatishree Maharana
Assistant Manager – Monitoring & Evaluation
Odisha
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Vanitha Shree S
Junior Trainer
Karnataka
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Veerabhadra Rao Kalluri
Program Head - MIS
Karnataka
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Vijay Kulkarni
Sr. Consultant – VOICE (Federations Enablement)
Karnataka
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Vinod Kumar
Manager – Enrolment
Karnataka
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Wungmaya Lunghar
State Head – Northeast
Assam
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