NGOGrant guide
Fish Welfare Initiative Grant 2026: Up to ₹10 Lakh, India
Last verified 22 Oct 2026 against FWI’s open-call page (grant amounts and the 18 November 2026, 18:00 IST deadline re-checked)
Short answer: Fish Welfare Initiative (FWI) is funding new ideas to improve the welfare of farmed fishes in India. Standard grants go up to ₹10 lakh, and exceptional grants up to ₹50 lakh. Brief proposals must reach FWI by 18 November 2026, 6:00 pm IST.
This is not guaranteed funding. FWI says it may make no grants at all.
At a glance
| Item | What FWI says |
|---|---|
| Funder | Fish Welfare Initiative (FWI) |
| Support | “standard grant amounts up to INR 10,00,000” and “exceptional grant amounts up to INR 50,00,000” |
| Who can apply | “companies, academic or government institutions, non-profit organisations, or individuals”, based in any country |
| Where | The project must be “directly applicable to Indian aquaculture”. No Indian state is excluded |
| Deadline | Phase 1 brief proposal: 18 Nov 2026, 6:00 pm IST |
| Duration | Not fixed; FWI will prioritise shorter projects, “e.g. results expected within six months of project initiation” |
What FWI wants to fund
FWI wants field interventions, technology or actionable research that could become a future FWI programme for Indian aquaculture. Ideas FWI says it has explored itself include water-quality monitoring, better feed, improved slaughter methods and early detection of lice.
– It will not fund basic research with no direct link to a potential future programme.
– Traditional fisheries are out of scope. The RFP covers “Projects relevant for Indian aquaculture only”.
Who can apply
Any interested party can apply, from any country, as long as the project is directly applicable to Indian aquaculture. NGOs in any Indian state can apply. The RFP sets no minimum years of registration and no audited-accounts rule.
FCRA: check before you accept money
Foreign grant: Indian NGOs normally need FCRA registration or prior permission (FCRA 2010) to receive these funds. General information only, not legal advice.
How to apply: two phases
- Phase 1 (now): Write a brief proposal on FWI’s template, covering the concept, testing plan, key personnel, timelines and estimated budget. Upload it to FWI’s online form by 18 Nov 2026, 6:00 pm IST.
- Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JEj1EEJ0rygdjvINrJ8X8j5ksFrlwHvgaDJYFXSSMS0/copy
- Online form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7Z0riUBYhNz-XyeQwQwamsogtqRr4pod6jMqETHeg6Ml9UQ/viewform (Google sign-in required)
- Phase 2: FWI contacts shortlisted parties in early December. The full proposal is due by early January 2027. FWI says these timelines are “subject to change”.
Questions go to nathaniel@fwi.fish with the subject “RFP–Enquiry”.
What you agree to if funded
Grantees submit a research report and field data. They must also give FWI “a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license” to the project outputs. Read this clause with your board before you apply.
Is this call right for you? A quick check
- Your idea is about farmed fish in India, such as water quality, feed, slaughter or disease detection. River and sea fishing projects are out of scope.
- It can become a practical programme. FWI will not fund basic research with no link to a future field programme.
- You can show results fairly soon. FWI prioritises shorter projects, for example results within six months of starting.
- You accept the licence clause. FWI asks for a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive licence to project outputs. Take it to your board first.
- You have checked FCRA. Ask FWI about the source of funds before you accept any money. General information only, not legal advice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing a full proposal now. Phase 1 asks only for a brief proposal on FWI’s template.
- Asking for the ₹50 lakh exceptional amount without a clear reason. Standard grants go up to ₹10 lakh.
- Uploading late: the cut-off is 18 November 2026 at 6:00 pm IST, and the form needs a Google sign-in, so test it early.
- Skipping the estimated budget. FWI’s template asks for one; our NGO project budget guide can help.
FAQs
Can an individual apply? Yes. The RFP is open to individuals as well as companies, institutions and non-profits.
Can an NGO in any Indian state apply? Yes. There is no state restriction; the project must be directly applicable to Indian aquaculture.
Does it fund river or sea fishing projects? No. Traditional fisheries are out of scope.
Does FWI need FCRA? The RFP does not say. Ask FWI about the source of funds and check FCRA eligibility before accepting any funds.
Official sources (checked 21 Oct 2026)
- FWI open call: https://www.fishwelfareinitiative.org/post/rfp-india
- Full RFP: https://fwi.fish/India-RFP
Funding details change; check FWI’s page before you apply. NGOGrant.in is independent and not connected to FWI. FCRA points are general information, not legal advice. Inclusion here does not mean any applicant will be funded.
View the FWI funding-directory entry · Related: NGO project budget guide · All funding opportunities
Templates: NGO Project Proposal & Budget Templates. These are templates only and do not guarantee selection.
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