Reiterating its commitment to creating positive change at the grassroots by empowering individuals and nascent organizations, Smile Foundation organized a two-day trainer refresher program for its Change the Game India pool of trainers.

Built on Smile Foundation’s 20 years of experience working at the grassroots in India, Change the Game Academy brings Change the Game India program to strengthen the capabilities of social changemakers and grassroots organizations working for better governance and self-sustainability. The program enables such organizations to gain credibility and support. It also helps them become self-sufficient by honing their skills in identifying, accessing, and mobilizing locally available resources.

“The last two years of the pandemic proved the importance of having strong networks that can support and strengthen communities at the last mile. With Change the Game India Program, we aim to train small organizations working at the grassroots to create the maximum impact and utilize resources to their potential. Following the philosophy of Social Venture Philanthropy, we have been working to empower such organizations towards better governance and help them design their own funding strategies to advance towards sustainability,” said Vikram Singh Verma, Executive Director, Smile Foundation addressing the closing session of the program.

Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation said, “Social entrepreneurs are the key in helping develop grassroot programs and initiatives that make a real impact and help the country tread the path of development. Their contribution is immense. With in-depth training programs such as these, we look at strengthening efforts of organizations working at the grassroots to help build a sustainable and stronger India.”

The senior leadership, while appreciating the initiative, impressed upon the need for introspection on how as a CtGI trainer one has benefited personally so one could convey the same to the participants.

Change the Game India has developed an innovative blended-learning program that helps change-makers from civil society organizations and social entrepreneurs from all over the country learn and imbibe fundraising best practices. Currently, through Change the Game India initiative, Smile Foundation  has supported 185 organizations in India.