The India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI) is a not for profit Trust established in 2008 by Government of India with the approval of the Cabinet to serve as a credible institutional avenue to enable overseas Indians to engage in philanthropy to social and development projects in India. The New Delhi-based Trust is chaired by Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon'ble Minister for External Affairs and is exempt from the provisions of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010.
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The Minister’s belief is that “although Indian Diaspora is a very heterogeneous group, there is a common factor which binds them, their desire to maintain their connection with their homeland and to contribute to the social and development efforts in India. We are seeking to strengthen and deepen our relationship through IDF-OI”.
The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees is Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Minister for External Affairs; the CEO is Niti Aayog
Mandate
IDF-OI’s mandate is to promote the following projects for funding by Overseas Indians: a. Central Government’s flagship programmes – National Mission for Clean Ganga and Swachh Bharat Mission. b. Social and Development projects identified by State Governments. c. Projects identified by donors provided they meet criteria as set by IDF-OI.
Periodical written reports & photographs on progress in project and outcomes are sent to donor by recipient organisations through IDF-OI.
Projects Funded
IDF-OI has facilitated contributions from overseas Indians for social development projects in states like Assam, Rajasthan and Gujarat and raised funds for areas like water conservation, rainwater harvesting, educating and mainstreaming differently abled children, women’s education and sustainable livelihood.