How Marpu Foundation Scaled Impact in 23 States Without Foreign Funding: A Case Study

Introduction In a country where many NGOs rely on foreign funding to survive, Marpu Foundation chose a different path — a bold and unconventional decision to scale social impact without accepting a single rupee in foreign aid . Despite the challenges, we expanded our reach to 23 states across India, driven purely by local support and ethical commitment. Founded with a vision to foster sustainable development at the grassroots level, Marpu Foundation takes immense pride in its self-reliant model . Refusing foreign grants isn’t just a funding decision for us — it reflects the very philosophy our organization stands for: creating impact with integrity, rooted in community-driven change. In this case study, we’ll explore: The challenge of scaling without foreign aid, The strategy and steps that made it possible, And the real-world impact achieved through our unique model. The Challenge In India, foreign aid acts as a lifeline for most NGOs . It helps them cover staff salaries, run awarenes...