Shraddha Maanu Foundation (SMF) Fellowship 2025-26
About Shraddha Maanu Foundation (SMF)
Shraddha Maanu Foundation (SMF) is a pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering marginalized women and children through sustainable education and livelihood initiatives. Since its inception, SMF has been committed to the vision of mainstreaming the marginalised women and children, through educational pathways in Tamil Nadu.
Our Presence & Impact
- Operating in 18 districts across Tamil Nadu.
- Empowered 370 women through the UPASANA program, training them to become educators.
- Enhanced the learning outcomes of 4,000+ children through VIPASANA-Foundational Learning Program.
- Mission: To impact 5,000 students by 2025 by setting up VIPASANA centers in primary schools.
Core Programs
- UPASANA is a rigorous multiple-intelligence-based educator training program designed to develop physical, conceptual, cognitive, emotional and social skills in prospective teachers. Its objective is to empower women through employment, sustainable livelihoods, and community engagement, driving societal transformation.
- VIPASANA is a foundational literacy and numeracy program for underprivileged primary school children, utilizing the "Multiple Intelligences" methodology to make learning engaging and student-centered which results in happy and effective classrooms. It focuses on social, emotional, and cognitive skills, while emphasizing value education to nurture empathetic, strong, and patriotic individuals.
About the SMF Fellowship
The Shraddha Maanu Foundation Fellowship is a one-year program designed to provide hands-on experience in the social sector to 3 individuals. Fellows will work across multiple departments at SMF, gaining practical insights into education, community engagement, program implementation, and fundraising.
Key Features :
Duration: 1 year
Location: Chennai (Office & Fieldwork at SMF Project Sites)
Cross-Departmental Experience: Fellows will work across multiple areas, including:
- Program Implementation – Overseeing SMF’s education and community initiatives.
- Curriculum Content Strategy & Creation – Developing educational materials and lesson plans
- Social Media Management for NGOs – Managing digital outreach and storytelling.
- Fundraising & Grant Writing – Assisting in fundraising and proposal writing.
- People Management – Working with educators, volunteers, and partner organizations.
- Assessments & Impact Measurement – Evaluating program effectiveness.
- Field Operations – Engaging with beneficiaries, schools, and communities.
The fellowship provides a holistic, hands-on learning experience, preparing individuals for leadership roles in the development sector.
Eligibility Criteria
- Final-year students or graduates from any discipline. The age limit for graduates is 27 years.
- Passion for education, community development, and grassroots social change.
- Alignment with SMF’s mission and values
- Proficiency in Tamil is preferred.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
- Ability to commit full-time for one year.
Offerings & Benefits
- Stipend: ₹25,000 per month.
- Hands-on experience in the education and development sector.
- Mentorship & Training from industry leaders.
- Certificate of Completion after successful fellowship completion.
- Networking Opportunities with NGOs, policymakers, and educators.
- Career Development: Exposure to various career paths in the social sector.
Selection Process
Application Submission (via Google Form)
- Basic Information
- Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Candidates must submit a well-articulated SOP that includes:
- Their motivation for applying and what drives them toward social impact.
- How the fellowship aligns with their career aspirations and long-term goals.
- Their potential contribution to the program, showcasing relevant skills and experience.
- Demonstrated effort to understand SMF’s work, mission, and impact.
- Letter of Recommendation: Candidates must submit a letter of recommendation from either:
- A professor/administrator from their college, OR
- A supervisor from an organization they have worked/interned with.
Screening of Applications
- Review of SOP and MCQ performance
- Shortlisting based on alignment with SMF’s mission
Online Group Discussion (GD)
- Evaluates communication skills, teamwork, and analytical thinking
Personal Interview
- One-on-one discussion with the SMF selection panel
- Assessment of motivation, leadership potential, and alignment with fellowship goals
