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India Development Review

India Development Review (IDR) is India’s first independent online media platform for leaders in the development community. Our mission is to advance knowledge on social impact in India. We publish ideas, opinion, analysis, and lessons from real-world practice.

Articles by India Development Review

Advocacy & Government
September 21, 2020

FCRA Bill 2020: Latest updates

A curated list of resources and information pertaining to the FCRA Bill 2020.
by India Development Review | 3 min read
image of upside down emojis-nonprofit humour
Humour
September 14, 2020

Sh*t nonprofits say: Part IV

Now, more than ever, we need to constantly say, 'Now, more than ever'.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
glass chess pieces_pixabay
Perspectives
September 09, 2020

We need new ideas and practices

The pandemic offers civil society the opportunity to reflect on some of its inner failings, and reframe its dynamic with the government and business.
by India Development Review | 4 min read
Have you bathed today?
Humour
September 07, 2020

Nonprofit flow chart | Should you put on your video camera?

Experiencing Zoom call fatigue? Use this guide to figure out whether you should put on your video camera for your next call.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
I've cried over cake, I have shouted at pie
Humour
August 31, 2020

Are your pandemic-induced breakdowns the same as these chefs’?

It's possible.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
six matches in the sand and one is lit and burning-civil society in India
Perspectives
August 27, 2020

The social sector is facing an Armageddon right now

Ashish Dhawan on the long-term survival of the social sector, beyond the pandemic.
by India Development Review | 5 min read
Harry Potter hogwarts letters_nonprofit humour
Humour
August 17, 2020

Get donor attention, guaranteed

Sending out cold emails to philanthropists? Here are 11 subject lines no one will ignore.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Kashmir_365 days
Social Justice
August 05, 2020

365 days without Article 370

A compilation of articles and resources, tracing the history of events in Kashmir, the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, and the impact it has had on the everyday lives of Kashmiris, one year on.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
Friends characters eavesdropping
Humour
August 03, 2020

Overheard in the social sector

Disclaimer: These quotes are fictional, but the feelings are real.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
photo collage of sima taparia-indian matchmaking
Humour
July 27, 2020

#IndianMatchmaking: The nonprofit edition

Was this not the advice you were hoping for? You probably need to be more flexible.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Calendar_illustration_rawpixel
Humour
July 13, 2020

Nine work from home milestones

It's been more than three months since work from home routines began. How many of these milestones have you reached?
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Audio cassette unspooled_pexels
Humour
June 08, 2020

Sh*t nonprofits say: At home

Instead of saying “this uncertain time,” what if we said “this uncertain OPPORTUNITY”?
by India Development Review | 1 min read
The Seinfeld cast
Humour
June 01, 2020

My life as a series of Seinfeld moments

You know how over-the-top each character is and how exaggerated their reactions are? That’s me now.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
cat asleep in front of computer_nonprofit humour
Humour
May 25, 2020

12 reasons I missed your webinar

Was it one of these reasons? Was it a mix of all of them? We can’t keep track.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
covid_nonprofit humour_rajaravivarmamemes1
Humour
May 18, 2020

More memes for the quarantined

The present-day re-imagination of Raja Ravi Varma's paintings that you didn't know you needed.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
The Office 'World's Best Boss' mug
Humour
May 11, 2020

TV shows with a nonprofit twist

What would Friends or House of Cards look like if they were based on the development sector?
by India Development Review | 1 min read
feature_image_inthetimeofcorona
Humour
April 20, 2020

Comics in the time of COVID-19

Anushka Gupta's illustrations reimagine everyday emotions and activities in the context of the pandemic.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
microphone-podcast
COVID-19
April 15, 2020

Listening to the pandemic

Six podcasts on the COVID-19 pandemic that you should be listening to.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
Penny-Big-Bang theory_nonprofit humour_covid
Humour
April 13, 2020

12 signs that you've adjusted to being in quarantine

Maggi now counts as a legitimate dinner.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Humour
April 10, 2020

A new work from home dictionary

We decided to come up with new, more accurate definitions for some popular 'work from home' terms.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
tom and jerry-FCRA
COVID-19
April 08, 2020

The government's COVID-19 mandate to FCRA nonprofits

As per an order by the Ministry of Home Affairs, nonprofits with an FCRA licence must undertake and report their COVID-19 activities.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
a construction worker in india_coronavirus_Wikimedia Commons
Livelihoods
April 07, 2020

COVID-19: Voices from the margins

A rapid assessment survey of the impact of COVID-19 on migrant workers paints a dismal picture. Here are recommendations for the central and state governments to alleviate the situation.
by India Development Review | 7 min read
covid_workfromhome_nonprofit humour_feature image_fb
Humour
March 30, 2020

10 of our favourite work from home memes

Finding the perfect spot to work from is a real problem and no one can convince us otherwise.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
they left me on read-hasan minhaj
Leadership & Talent
March 27, 2020

Five ways to manage teams while working remotely

As many people practise physical distancing, here are five things that managers can do to support their teams.
by India Development Review | 4 min read
sanitay panels_nonprofit humour_feature image
Humour
March 23, 2020

Sanitary Panels | Eggshells for you to walk on

Comic strips on feminism, women in science, and more.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
COVID-19
Health
March 16, 2020

The social sector response to COVID-19

From working from home, to what field workers and donors can do, here’s how organisations in India are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
by India Development Review | 5 min read
India_in_the_New_Global_Reality_Economic_Summit_2011_nonprofit humour
Humour
March 16, 2020

Donors, how #OnTrend are you?

Wicked problems, big bets, Davos… Are you keeping up with the latest trends in philanthropy? Take this quiz to find out.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
womens day nonprofit humour
Humour
March 09, 2020

Good morning, friends

This Women's Day, we found a way to sneak the radical notion of women's rights into your family WhatsApp groups.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
tennis court and ball_jcomp freepik_nonprofit humour
Humour
March 02, 2020

Preparing for the annual donor meeting

Are nonprofits and donors talking about the same meeting?
by India Development Review | 1 min read
angry email graphic_nonprofit humour
Humour
February 24, 2020

Email lingo, and what it actually means

How many of these are you guilty of using?
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Radhika Apte "Excuse me"
Humour
February 03, 2020

Sh*t nonprofits say: Part II

"I chose nonprofits because I wanted a career more soul-crushing than teaching."
by India Development Review | 1 min read
group of women with raised fists-democracy
IDR Explains
January 28, 2020

IDR Explains | Local government in India

In just seven minutes and five questions, get an introduction to local government in India—what it is, its structure, functions, sources of funding, and some of the challenges it faces.
by India Development Review | 7 min read
Subhas Chandra Bose quote (nonprofit version)
Humour
January 26, 2020

If historic leaders worked in today's development sector

This Republic Day, we're reimagining what it might sound like if India's most famous figures had to negotiate with funders or manage programmes.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Hasan Minhaj homecoming king nonprofit humour
Humour
January 13, 2020

The anatomy of a corporate crossover

Hasan Minhaj helps us chart the roller-coaster of emotions that comes with shifting to the development sector.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
a smashed pinata_nonprofit humour
Humour
December 23, 2019

Pin the blame, and other party games

Planning an office party at your nonprofit this holiday season? We've got you covered.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Humour
December 20, 2019

2019 Wrapped: Nonprofit edition

A summary of your feelings and activities in 2019.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
plain black background-feature
Rights
December 16, 2019

In solidarity

Explainers, reportage, and social media coverage of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and of the state response that is violating citizens' human rights.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Policeman facing women in a protest march, Calcutta_gender based violence
Rights
December 13, 2019

What's missing when we talk about gender-based violence?

A recap of #16DaysOfActivism at IDR.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
question marks on a blackboard_nonprofit humour
Humour
December 02, 2019

Your new age nonprofit needs a new age name

You want to tell people you’re credible, while also ensuring you’re creating the right ‘vibe’.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Gloved hand holding a stained petridish
IDR Explains
November 12, 2019

IDR Explains | Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)

In just seven minutes and six questions, get a quick introduction to RCTs—how they work, why they're used, and what some of the criticisms and challenges around them are.
by India Development Review | 7 min read
Diwali crackers vector
Humour
October 23, 2019

Diwali gifts: Nonprofit style

Move past giving generic Diwali gifts to your nonprofit colleagues. Here are some ideas to make the festival really special. 
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Oprah WInfrey_what is going on_nonprofit humour
Humour
October 14, 2019

If talk-show hosts were panel moderators

Imagine how brutally honest they would be.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Philanthropy & CSR
October 08, 2019

Take part in #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesdayIndia turns three today—here are some lesser-known facts about this global movement and five ways you can participate
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Macro shot of financial concept
IDR Explains
September 25, 2019

IDR Explains | Impact investing

In just six minutes and six questions, get a quick introduction to impact investing—what it is, the size of the market, and how we can make the ecosystem more robust.
by India Development Review | 6 min read
Brooklyn 99 gif_nonprofit humour
Humour
September 23, 2019

#NonprofitPickupLines Part III

Contrary to popular belief, working in the social sector might actually help your love life.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
woman on a typewriter graphic_nonprofit humour_pxhere
Humour
September 16, 2019

Nonprofit flow chart | Should you write that research report?

Thinking about writing another research report? Find out if you really need to, using this flow chart.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Humour
September 09, 2019

Sh*t nonprofits say

"We are science-based, but we’re also major-donor’s-random-idea-based."
by India Development Review | 1 min read
The godfather_nonprofit humour
Humour
August 26, 2019

If the Godfather ran a nonprofit

Would the mafia don's negotiation skills work with donors in the development sector?
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Improving learning outcomes_nonprofit humour
Humour
August 19, 2019

Nonprofits vs social enterprises

Which approach would you fund?
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Leadership & Talent
July 30, 2019

Here’s how you can hire and retain talent better

A landscape report on talent management in the social sector reveals gaps, and highlights efforts that nonprofits and funders can take to address them.
by India Development Review | 4 min read
P Sainath giving a talk on India's agrarian crisis, water scarcity, and farmer suicides - India Development Review IDR - Photo courtesy: Dextrus
Agriculture
July 25, 2019

P Sainath: The water crisis is not caused by drought

Magsaysay award winner and founder-editor of PARI, P Sainath analyses India's water scarcity, the agrarian crisis, and farmer suicides, before asking the question: what can we do about it?
by India Development Review | 1 min read
dwight schrute the office yelling
Humour
June 24, 2019

#SixWordHorrorStory | The nonprofit edition

Nonprofit horror stories in six words or less, all based on real life experiences.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Dog leading another dog by the leash _ IDR love language
Humour
June 17, 2019

How to upward manage your boss

Have you heard of the five love languages? Doesn’t matter. Here’s how you can use them to upward manage like a boss.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
bird with glasses reading dictionary_nonprofit humour_pxhere
Humour
June 03, 2019

A new dictionary for nonprofits - Part II

Sometimes, the words we use in our daily nonprofit life don't do justice to the way things actually work. So, we decided to take those words, and add, subtract, or change a few letters to come up with a new, more accurate definition.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Old files and folders in a messy stack
IDR Explains
May 21, 2019

IDR Explains | FCRA

In just nine minutes, get a quick introduction to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act—its history, how it affects Indian nonprofits, who is eligible for it, the controversy around it, and more.
by India Development Review | 9 min read
Young adults sitting on a bench looking down at their smartphones _ India
Livelihoods
May 14, 2019

The jobs crisis severely affects educated youth and women

India is witnessing a rise in the number of educated youth with a simultaneous fall in the generation of jobs; a problem that requires immediate government-led intervention.
by India Development Review | 5 min read
Everyday people walking on a street in a city in India_everyday giving
Philanthropy & CSR
April 25, 2019

The largest study on India's everyday giving market

The first-ever in-depth attempt to quantify everyday giving in India, a new report aims to shine a spotlight on the ways in which Indians can contribute to the country's social development.
by India Development Review | 6 min read
piles of books_FCRA
Philanthropy & CSR
April 23, 2019

The most accurate data on FCRA today

This report makes sense of, and simplifies the publicly available numbers and trends in FCRA.
by India Development Review | 4 min read
Shakespeare quote_nonprofit humour
Humour
April 22, 2019

What would Shakespeare say?

There is enough drama that happens in the social sector. Here's how you can channel your inner bard to get you through it all.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Stacks of coins
Philanthropy & CSR
April 09, 2019

CSR giving in India is heavily skewed

Drawing from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs database, this report finds that more than 50 percent of companies have not reported their net profit or CSR spends, and amongst those who did, there are noteworthy disparities in giving.
by India Development Review | 3 min read
A group of adolescent boys in India sitting together
Perspectives
April 04, 2019

Looking forward: What the social sector can expect in 2019-2020

What trends can civil society look out for in the year ahead? We asked development sector leaders to share their predictions on what lies ahead.
by India Development Review | 5 min read
Months and dates shown on a calendar whilst turning the pages
Perspectives
April 03, 2019

Trends that shaped the social sector in 2018-2019

Over the last year, the social sector has seen shifts in both ideology and investment. To examine this further, we asked development sector leaders to speak about the changes they thought to be most significant.
by India Development Review | 5 min read
Collection of speech boxes
Perspectives
April 02, 2019

10 things that stayed with us in 2018-2019

Reflecting on the year gone by, we put together some of our most powerful pieces – ideas that resonated deeply, and have stuck with us since.
by India Development Review | 6 min read
female health community worker in India
Humour
April 01, 2019

Lower salaries lead to higher impact

While professionals in the social sector have long been advocating for better salaries, new research indicates that nonprofits that don't reward high performance monetarily have higher impact on ground.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
fcra licence
Humour
March 18, 2019

Nonprofit flow chart | Will I get my FCRA licence?

What are the chances that your nonprofit will get its FCRA licence? Here is a friendly guide to help you find out.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
brooklyn nine nine cast nonprofit humour
Humour
March 11, 2019

Is Brooklyn Nine-Nine actually about nonprofits?

Using our favourite TV show to express our everyday angst.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
hand book reading magnifying glass close up eye
Humour
March 04, 2019

A new dictionary for nonprofits

Sometimes, the words we use in our daily nonprofit life don't do justice to the way things actually work. So, we decided to take those words, and add, subtract, or change one letter to come up with a new, more accurate definition.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs for Nonprofits
Humour
February 18, 2019

Hierarchy of needs for nonprofits

What would Maslow's famous model look like for nonprofits?
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Handloom weaving sustainable livelihoods
Livelihoods
February 13, 2019

The funding landscape of sustainable livelihoods

Do funders prefer certain occupations over others? Who are their target groups? What methods do they use? This report looks at the rationale driving donor decisions within the sustainable livelihoods sector.
by India Development Review | 5 min read
post its
Humour
February 11, 2019

So much 'work', so little time

Here's a glimpse into the daily calendar of a nonprofit team. We agree, the programme coordinator deserves a raise.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
digital security
IDR Select
January 29, 2019

IDR Select: Toolkits and upskilling

How to assess organisational capacity properly, ensure your work is digitally secure, and get your organisation's message across clearly through social media.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
livelihoods, jobs in India, basket weaver
Livelihoods
January 23, 2019

Sustainable livelihoods: Where donors need to focus

After interviewing sector experts and 44 organisations, this report tells donors exactly what the sustainable livelihoods sector wants and needs.
by India Development Review | 6 min read
still from Grease
Humour
January 14, 2019

An ode to your younger, less-jaded self

GIFs from our favourite 70s teen romance, Grease, paying tribute to who you were when you joined the sector.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
comic on feminism
Humour
December 17, 2018

Webcomic | Some of our favourite Sanitary Panels

Comic strips on manels, gender stereotypes and #NotAllMen.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
3 alarm clocks, each having different expressions
Humour
December 03, 2018

Four pie-charts that describe how we spend our time

If you don't relate to any of these, you're probably kidding yourself.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
two men carrying bricks on a cart
IDR Explains
November 28, 2018

IDR Explains | Development Impact Bonds

In just five minutes and five questions, get a quick introduction to Development Impact Bonds—what they are, how they work, and why there is so much debate around them.
by India Development Review | 5 min read
A seesaw with a block on one side and several things on the other side
IDR Select
November 20, 2018

IDR Select: November's picks

From demystifying caste-based myths, blockchain, and M&E, to discussing women in the workplace, this month's selection has something for everyone.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
GIF from office
Humour
November 19, 2018

How to appear broke ‘enough’ on your next donor visit

Twelve foolproof ideas to show your donors exactly how much in need of money you are.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
poster for Me Too Rising
IDR Select
October 30, 2018

IDR Select: #MeToo

Amidst the storm of coverage on the movement, here are some of the useful resources, points of view, and ideas that stood out for us.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
Disney GIF
Humour
October 08, 2018

12 Disney gifs that describe your nonprofit life

Because Disney makes everything - including your work-related anxiety - more palatable.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
CIVICUS-map
IDR Select
September 25, 2018

IDR Select: What caught our attention this September

This month's picks really make you consider: are we forcing our ideas of 'opportunity' and 'development' on the communities we work with?
by India Development Review | 2 min read
A female doctor smiling with a few women in the background
IDR Explains
September 19, 2018

IDR Explains | Frontline Health Workers

In just eight minutes and five questions, get a quick introduction to Frontline Health Workers—who they are, what they do, why they matter, and their challenges.
by India Development Review | 7 min read
bricks
Programme
September 04, 2018

Does bottom-up development work?

Though it may seem like an ideal paradigm—with community members themselves actively participating—the impact of community-driven development may not be as significant as it seems.
by India Development Review | 4 min read
Humour
September 03, 2018

Nonprofit flow chart | Will you get funding?

Ever wondered what goes on while you are waiting to hear on your funding request? Here is a handy flow chart to help you get through those long hours, and evaluate whether you are going to succeed this time.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
A drawing of a woman doing various tasks
IDR Select
August 28, 2018

IDR Select: On our radar this August

What does it mean to be born into inequality? Can singing about celebrating pleasure spark a conversation around consent? Want to refine your digital content? Find out in this month's selection of what's caught our attention.
by India Development Review | 3 min read
ESG Investing
Philanthropy & CSR
July 25, 2018

Driving ESG Investing in Asia

Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investments may seem daunting. However evidence shows that it creates value for organisations. This AVPN report looks at how this can be achieved in the context of the Asian market.
by India Development Review | 5 min read
IDR Select
July 24, 2018

IDR Select: Our favourite picks

We've brought together a list of things that are on our radar; take a few minutes to read what's caught our interest.
by India Development Review | 2 min read
SRA housing buildings in India
Urban
July 18, 2018

The gaps and opportunities in low-income housing

A study on this underserved area gives us a comprehensive idea of what the low-income housing landscape looks like, and how it can improve.
by India Development Review | 6 min read
Female athletes competing in a hurdles race
Philanthropy & CSR
June 20, 2018

How funders become their own enemy

The findings from this analysis provide the first-ever empirical dataset on 'what goes wrong' in nonprofit programmes. The results are unexpected, but familiar.
by India Development Review | 5 min read
Nonprofit Venn Diagram
Humour
June 04, 2018

Four Venn diagrams that perfectly describe nonprofit life

All your pain points captured neatly in four illustrations.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Humorous flow chart on the chances of getting promoted
Humour
May 14, 2018

Nonprofit flow chart | Will I get promoted?

It's time for those dreaded conversations at work again. Have you done what it takes to make the cut for promotions this year? Find out with this flowchart.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Ecosystem Development
April 24, 2018

We are one! Thank you for helping us get here

As we celebrate our first birthday, here’s a short video on our journey and milestones so far.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
nonprofit colleagues as FRIENDS characters
Humour
April 16, 2018

Your nonprofit colleagues as F.R.I.E.N.D.S characters

If your colleagues were 'Friends' characters from the popular 90s sitcom, they'd best be described as...
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Feature Image Do you have what it takes to be a philanthropist
Humour
March 12, 2018

Do you have what it takes to be a philanthropist?

Being a philanthropist takes work. (Or, does it?) Here's a handy flow chart to help you figure out whether you've got what it takes to become one.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Women's Day quote
Humour
March 09, 2018

We fixed your Women's Day WhatsApp forwards

We tried to be funny, but we couldn't. We were too busy rolling our eyes.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Development Valentines
Humour
February 19, 2018

Our favourite #DevelopmentValentines

Didn't get the valentine you were dreaming of? Don't worry, we got you. Here's a collection of our favourite #DevelopmentValentines tweets from this year.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
nonprofit flow chart
Humour
February 05, 2018

Nonprofit flow chart | Will I get funding?

There are many tools to help us improve our decisions: flow charts, 2X2 matrices, decision trees, and so on. Here's one to help you decide whether or not to pursue a funder. Caution: Use at your own risk.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
nonprofit Christmas
Humour
December 18, 2017

Your nonprofit Christmas wish list

This year, we started making a wishlist for a #nonprofitchristmas. And then it hit us: why not approach our readers to crowdsource ideas? So that’s what we did. And as expected, you did not disappoint.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
An illustration of a regular day at work
Humour
November 27, 2017

Your nonprofit life in graphs: There just isn't enough time

From getting that morning cuppa to the next promotion, nonprofit life can be all sorts of fun AND drudgery. Here it is, explained visually for easy reading on a busy Monday.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
Buggs bunny's heart furiously beating
Humour
October 30, 2017

#NonprofitPickupLines Part II

Back by popular demand, here's another collection of our favourite #NonProfitPickupLines. Because sometimes the sequel is just as good as the original.
by India Development Review | 1 min read
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