About

The North East Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award seeks to identify, recognize, document, publish, and promote innovative CSR community and social development initiatives in North East India, comprising all eight States, including Sikkim. This is towards building, strengthening and contributing to an inclusive, innovative, and robust CSR ecosystem in the region. 

The North East CSR Award provides a holistic and dynamic platform to strengthen the development network that includes various non-profits, donors, companies, and CSRs contributing towards sustainable growth and development in the region.

2nd NORTH EAST CSR AWARD 2024

Nominations and applications are invited for the 2nd North East CSR Award 2024. Projects applied should be implemented on ground for at least 12 months and projects implemented during 2021-2024 are eligible to apply.

Objectives

  • To scout, recognise, acknowledge and felicitate the CSR good sustainable development practices in North-East India aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India;
  • Collate, build, and share evidence in CSR practices for research, knowledge building, and sharing;
  • Provide a platform to exchange, share and network amongst the CSR practitioners, stakeholders, and doers in the region for meaningful engagement and collaboration;
  • Contribute, build and strengthen a robust CSR ecosystem in the region with improved processes, governance, implementation, output, outcome, and impact;

CSR Award Categories

  1. CSR Initiative in Education & Learning:
    Nominations / applications are invited for good CSR practices, initiatives, innovations to promote and strengthen education and learning in any State / region of North East India in terms of – pedagogy, teaching methodology, addressing learning levels, digital education and learning; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) based learning; mental health in education, financial education and learning; vocational education; health and education, and others [nominations are not encouraged to apply for only investing in educational infrastructure like school buildings, classroom infrastructure].
  2. CSR Initiative in Health & Well Being
    Nominations are invited for good CSR practices in health and well-being in terms of – Access to Healthcare by supporting the development of healthcare infrastructure (clinics, hospitals, mobile health units), providing medical equipment, and funding healthcare programs, especially in underserved areas; Preventive Care by sponsoring health awareness campaigns, vaccination drives, health screenings, and educational programs on disease prevention, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles; Addressing mental health stigmas through education initiatives, supporting counselling services, and promoting stress management programs; using digital tech, solutions and platforms, to improve health access like tele-health based health services support; Collaborating with NGOs, healthcare institutions, and government bodies to amplify the impact of CSR initiatives and ensure sustainability.
  3. CSR Initiative in Livelihood & Employment Generation
    This award recognizes CSR initiatives that significantly improve livelihoods and create sustainable employment in North East India. Eligible projects might focus on skill development for youth, micro-finance for communities (especially women), enhancing connectivity for various sectors, building market linkages for artisans and farmers, or promoting sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism, organic farming, or renewable energy.
  4. CSR Initiative in Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
    The category invites CSR initiatives that fuel entrepreneurial aspirations in North East India. These initiatives could encompass: Skill development programs: Equipping young people, women and others with industry-relevant skills to thrive in formal employment or launch their own businesses. Mentorship and incubation: Providing aspiring entrepreneurs with guidance, networking opportunities, and business development support. Micro-finance schemes: Empowering individuals, especially women, to access capital and launch their entrepreneurial ventures.
  5. CSR Initiative in Environment & Climate Change
    The “Green Guardian CSR Award” recognizes outstanding CSR initiatives tackling environmental challenges and promoting climate resilience in North East India. These initiatives could encompass: Conservation programs in protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity through habitat restoration or anti-poaching initiatives. Renewable energy projects including promoting clean energy solutions like solar power installations or biogas plants in rural communities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Climate-smart agriculture including supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices like water conservation techniques or organic farming methods to mitigate climate change impacts. Waste management initiatives including developing programs for waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal, promoting a circular economy.
  6. CSR Initiative in Agriculture & Rural Development
    The “Cultivating the Future” award seeks to recognize exceptional CSR initiatives driving positive change in North East India’s agriculture and rural development. These initiatives could encompass: Skill development programs including equipping farmers with modern agricultural practices, including sustainable techniques and post-harvest management. Micro-finance schemes including empowering rural communities, particularly women, to invest in agricultural equipment or value-added processing of crops. Market linkages including creating direct connections between farmers and consumers or high-value markets, improving their incomes and reducing exploitation by middlemen. Promoting agri-preneurship including fostering the growth of rural businesses like organic farming cooperatives, farm tourism ventures, or local food processing units.
  7. CSR Initiative in Youth & Women Empowerment
    The “Empowering Change” award recognizes CSR initiatives that champion youth and women in North East India. These initiatives could focus on: Skill development programs equipping young men and women and girls with vocational skills for better job prospects or entrepreneurship. Financial literacy workshops empowering women and men to manage finances effectively and break economic dependence. Mentorship programs connecting young women and men with successful role models to foster leadership and confidence.
  8. CSR Initiative in Art, Culture & Tourism
    The “Celebrating Heritage” award invites CSR initiatives that revitalize art, culture, and tourism in North East India. These initiatives could encompass: Restoration and preservation of historical sites, traditional crafts, or indigenous art forms. Cultural exchange programs fostering understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich heritage. Supporting local artisans by facilitating market access, skill development workshops, or design collaborations. Promoting sustainable tourism practices that empower communities and minimize environmental impact.
  9. CSR Initiative in Sports & Music
    The category recognizes CSR initiatives that champion the vibrant sports and music scene in North East India. These initiatives could focus on: Grassroots sports development programs providing equipment, coaching, and infrastructure to nurture young talent. Promoting traditional music and dance forms through workshops, competitions, and artist mentorship programs. Building cultural centers or performance spaces that serve as platforms for local artists and attract cultural tourism.
  10. CSR Initiative in Digital Inclusion & Empowerment
    The “Bridging the Digital Divide” award recognizes CSR initiatives fostering digital literacy and inclusion in North East India. These initiatives could encompass: Digital literacy training programs equipping communities, particularly in remote areas, with essential computer skills and internet safety knowledge. Providing low-cost or subsidized access to internet connectivity in underserved regions, bridging the digital gap. Donating or refurbishing computer equipment to schools and community centers, expanding access to technology. Developing local-language digital content to ensure inclusivity and cater to the region’s diverse communities.

Eligibility

  1. CSRs applying for North East CSR Award must have business operations/presence in the North-East Region (NER);
  2. CSRs and donors have no business operations or presence in the region but the corporates that have CSR programmes in the North-East are eligible;
  3. Companies registered under The Companies Act 2013 and compliant with Section 135 of the Act eligible;
  4. All corporates who are compliant to the rules and regulations of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, especially under CSR Act of 2013 and its various provisions.
  5. Projects and interventions during the period 2019-2021 (3 years) are eligible to apply.

Application Process

  1. The Award brief and nomination details are available at https://necsrf.csddindia.in/
  2. Nomination form can be downloaded https://necsrf.csddindia.in/ and filled in form with attachments must be shared at @ northeastcsraward@gmail.com on or before the last date of application.

North East CSR Award Jury

The jury of the North East CSR Award 2024 will be held in two phases:

  1. Pre-screening of nominations / applications and shortlisting of nominations based on criteria.
  2. Final Jury process shall be held on offline mode with presentations by shortlisted finalists before a panel of experts.

2nd North East CSR Award Summit 2024

The final event to be held offline in Guwahati in December7, 2024, in Guwahati, Assam.

Important Dates

  • Nominations / Applications open: May, 2024
  • Nominations / Applications Closed: August, 2024
  • Jury Evaluation: October, 2024
  • North East CSR Award Summit: December, 2024, Guwahati

Contact

2nd North East CSR Award 2024 Council for Social & Digital Development (CSDD) / North East Development Foundation 5A/B, 5th Floor, Babylon Palace, Dispur, Sorumotoria, Behind Aurus Mall, Guwahati – 781006 Email: northeastcsraward@gmail.com | Web: https://necsrf.csddindia.in/ | Tel: 73024-74178; 9818292524