RFP Leap CSL 1748426730
RFP Leap CSL 1748426730
Prepared by:
SBI Foundation
35, Arcade, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai – 400005
www.sbifoundation.in
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Index
1. Index 2
2. Introduction 3
3. Invitation for Proposals 4
4. Key Events and Dates 5
5. Instructions to the Agencies 6
6. Scope of Work 11
7. Selection Criteria for Agencies 14
8. Guidelines for Proposal 15
9. Annexure I 16
10. Annexure II 20
11. Annexure III 21
12. Annexure IV 22
13. Annexure V 23
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Introduction
SBI Foundation
SBI Foundation (SBIF) was incorporated to bring all the CSR activities of the State Bank Group under
one umbrella and contribute to the efforts made by the State Bank Group to support and uplift the
underprivileged sections of society. The focus areas of SBIF are Livelihoods & Entrepreneurship,
Education, Environment, Sports, Rural Development, Healthcare, Disability & Inclusion, and Women
Empowerment.
So far, SBIF has impacted the lives of more than 30 million beneficiaries through its various CSR
initiatives and aims to continue improving the socio-economic well-being of society, particularly of the
less fortunate and underprivileged members, and enable them to live up to the potential that they all
possess.
SBI Foundation’s work through its flagship program, SBIF LEAP - Livelihood and Entrepreneurship
Accelerator Programme’, is geared towards achieving the UN SDG 1 ‘’No Poverty” and SDG 17
“Partnership for Goals” for eradicating poverty in all forms.
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Invitation for Proposals
SBI Foundation hereby invites proposals seeking funding under SBIF LEAP: Climate Smart
Livelihoods. The budget for a proposal should be in the range of Rs. 50.00 Lakhs to Rs. 5.00 Cr. for
a support period of 1-3 years starting this Financial Year. Multiple submissions will be disqualified.
( For project proposals between 50 Lakhs to Rs. 1.00 Cr, the cumulative CSR revenue of the
organization for the last 3 financial years (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25), should be a minimum of Rs.
2.00 Cr
and,
For project proposals above Rs. 1.00 Cr, the cumulative CSR revenue of the organization for the last
3 financial years (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25), should be a minimum of Rs. 5.00 Cr)
The RFP document, proposal forms, document checklist, grant utilisation format, quarterly
reporting format is available on SBI Foundation’s website: sbifoundation.in/Request for
Proposals
Applicants are requested to study this RFP document carefully and check their eligibility with the
‘Document Checklist’ and other criteria mentioned in the RFP before submitting their proposals in
response to the call for RFPs. Submission of a proposal in response to this notice shall be deemed
to have been done after careful study and examination of this document with full understanding
of its terms, conditions and implications. Prospective agencies are requested to check the
prequalification criteria before submission of proposal (both Technical and Financial).
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Key Events and Dates
3 Last Date and Time for submission of proposals 19th June 2025
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Instructions to the Agencies
1. Submission of Proposal
a. The agency can only submit one proposal at a time.
b. The agency should submit the proposal if it meets all the criteria mentioned in this RFP.
No deviations are allowed. No reference is entertained, it might also lead to
disqualification.
2. Completeness of Response:
a. The agencies are requested to study all instructions, forms, terms, requirements and
other information in the RFP document carefully (including proposal format, document
checklist, reporting formats etc.). Submission of proposal shall be deemed to have
been done after careful study and examination of the RFP document with full
understanding of its implications.
b. The RFP and all the annexures should be downloaded and filled from the link
furnished- https://www.sbifoundation.in/request-for-proposal. All completed formats
should be sent to the email id [email protected] by 19th June 2025. The
shortlisted NGOs will be requested to submit hard copies at a later date.
c. The response to this RFP should be complete in all respects. Failure to furnish all
information required by the RFP documents or submission of a proposal not
substantially responsive to the RFP documents in every respect will be at the agency's
risk and may result in rejection of its proposal.
3. Agency Inquiries/Clarifications:
a. The agency shall send their queries at [email protected] with a subject
line ‘SBIF LEAP- RFP Queries, before 14th June 2025. Queries received after the
aforesaid due date will not be responded/acted upon.
b. Queries on telephone, Social media or any other medium will NOT be entertained.
5. Language of Proposal:
a. Proposals should be submitted in English language only.
b. Proposal Evaluation form shall be submitted with authorized signature and official seal
on each and every page of the Proposal Evaluation Form and accompanying
documents (as per the document checklist) by the agency.
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c. Performance Track record: The Agency will be expected to have:
• Minimum 3 years of experience in implementing Climate-Smart Livelihoods
Projects
Demonstrated a minimum of 3 years of implementation success in designing and
delivering programs focused on sustainable agriculture, horticulture, agroforestry,
or ecosystem-based livelihoods in specified vulnerable regions (hilly/coastal).
• Track Record in Community Mobilization and Institution Building
Proven ability to form and strengthen community-based institutions like SHGs,
FPOs, seed banks, or water user groups with active member participation and
sustainability.
• Implementation of Projects in Similar Geographies
Prior work experience in comparable ecological contexts (e.g., hilly terrain, saline-
prone coastal areas) with adaptation strategies relevant to climate vulnerabilities.
• Ability to Integrate Technology and Innovation
Evidence of using digital tools, renewable energy, ICT platforms or other
innovations in enhancing farm productivity, risk reduction, or market access.
The past work done by the organisation must have included the following broad scope:
• Natural Resource Management: Participatory management of soil, water, forests,
irrigation and coastal ecosystems (e.g., watershed, spring-shed, mangrove, dune
restoration).
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture & Horticulture: Promotion of indigenous seeds,
organic/regenerative practices, multi-layer farming, and sustainable irrigation.
• Livelihood Diversification: Implementation of models like goatery, aquaculture,
mushroom/honey production, NTFP-based enterprises, and agro-processing.
• Institution Building: Formation and strengthening of SHGs, FPOs, JLGs, and other
grassroots institutions, including training in governance and enterprise
management.
• Technology & Innovation: Use of digital tools, ICT platforms, renewable energy, or
AI-based solutions for resilience, productivity, and market linkage.
• Monitoring & Knowledge Management: Experience in participatory monitoring,
impact assessment, and documentation of field learnings.
• Government Convergence: Demonstrated partnerships with government
departments and alignment with schemes like MGNREGA, NRLM, PMKSY, MIDH,
and others.
7. Evaluation Process:
a. SBI Foundation will shortlist the proposals based on its internal Shortlisting criteria.
SBI Foundation will shortlist the proposals based on the Shortlisting criteria as
mentioned on Page No. 14 of the RFP titled ‘Selection Criteria for RFP’.
b. The Internal Committee of SBI Foundation shall evaluate the shortlisted proposals
based on the parameters defined on Page No. 14 titled ‘Selection Criteria for RFP’ of
the RFP and submit its recommendation to the Competent Authority whose decision
shall be final in all aspects.
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submission of invoice and all other supporting documents being in order.
e. A grant agreement/MoU will be executed between SBIF and grantee with details of
additional terms and conditions. The Project will be executed as per the terms and
conditions of the grant letter or MoU and shall be binding on the Agency.
9. Penalty
Selected agencies will have to sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure) with SBIF.
The agency shall submit proposal at its own cost and SBIF shall not be held responsible for
any cost incurred by the agency. Submission of proposal does not entitle the agency to claim
any cost and rights over SBIF and SBIF shall be at liberty to cancel any or all proposals
without giving any notice. All materials submitted by the agencies shall be the absolute
property of SBIF and no copyright/patent, etc. shall be entertained by SBIF.
The proposal submission shall comprise of the duly filled in proposal format uploaded on
the website, along with all the annexures as mentioned in the document checklist uploaded
on website.
Any proposals received by SBIF after the deadline for submission of proposal shall be
declared late and will be rejected.
15. Disclaimer:
ii. This RFP is not an offer by SBI Foundation, but an invitation to receive responses from the
eligible implementing agencies.
iii. The purpose of this RFP is to provide the implementing agencies with information to assist
preparation of their proposals. This RFP does not claim to contain all the information each
implementing agency may require. Each implementing agency should conduct its own
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investigations and analysis and should check the accuracy, reliability and completeness of
the information contained in this RFP and where necessary obtain independent
advice/clarifications. SBI Foundation may in its absolute discretion, but without being under
any obligation to do so, update, amend or supplement the information in this RFP.
iv. The SBI Foundation, its employees and advisors make no representation or warranty and
shall have no liability to any person, including any Applicant under any law, statute, rules or
regulations or tort, principles of restitution for unjust enrichment or otherwise for any loss,
damages, cost or expense which may arise from or be incurred or suffered on account of
anything contained in this RFP or otherwise, including the accuracy, adequacy, correctness,
completeness or reliability of the RFP and any assessment, assumption, statement or
information contained therein or deemed to form or arising in any way for participation in
this process.
v. The SBI Foundation also accepts no liability of any nature whether resulting from negligence
or otherwise, howsoever caused arising from reliance of any implementing agency upon
the statements contained in this RFP.
vi. The issue of this RFP does not imply that SBI Foundation is bound to select an implementing
agency or engage an agency and SBI Foundation reserves the right to reject all or any of
the implementing agencies or proposal without assigning any reason whatsoever.
vii. The implementing agency is expected to examine all instructions, forms, terms and
specifications in the RFP Document. Failure to furnish all information required by the RFP
or to submit a proposal not substantially responsive to RFP in all respect will be at the
implementing agency’s risk and may result in rejection of the proposal.
16. Modification and Withdrawal of Proposals:
i. The implementing agency may modify or withdraw its proposal after the proposal
submission, provided that written notice of the modification, including substitution or
withdrawal of the proposal, is received by SBI Foundation, prior to the deadline prescribed
for submission of proposals.
ii. No modification in the proposal shall be allowed, after the deadline for submission of
proposal.
SBIF shall award the contract to the selected/identified agency at the Quality & Cost Based Selection
(QCBS) method. Allocation of marks will be done by assigning weightage to Technical proposals (80%)
and Financial Proposal (20%).
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Scope of Work
The proposed projects under the theme of ‘Climate Smart Livelihoods’ will be part of the SBI
Foundation’s program SBIF LEAP: Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program.
Since 2020, the LEAP (Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Accelerating Program) vertical has been
working to promote climate-smart and sustainable livelihoods in India’s most climate-vulnerable
regions. Through strategic collaborations with grassroots organizations SBIF has implemented pilot
initiatives that focus on community-led resilience building and eco-regenerative practices. These
pilots have demonstrated scalable and replicable models for enhancing community resilience and
well-being.
In FY 2025-26, LEAP (Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Accelerating Program) has expanded its scope to
include climate-smart livelihoods as a central theme, with a focus on building resilience in vulnerable
communities across hilly regions and coastal zones. This year, LEAP aims to address the pressing
challenges of climate change adaptation by promoting sustainable resource management, eco-friendly
agricultural practices, diversified livelihood models, and community-driven climate resilience. The
program will engage youth, women, and marginalized groups in climate-vulnerable regions,
empowering them through green technologies, sustainable agriculture, eco-enterprises, and climate
adaptation strategies.
1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Assam
3. Bihar
4. Chhattisgarh
5. Jharkhand
6. Mizoram
7. Odisha
8. West Bengal
Preference will be given to the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks listed by NITI Aayog, under the
above-mentioned states.
Organizations are suggested to select up to 3 districts or blocks.
Minimum number of beneficiaries: At least 1,000–1,500 direct beneficiaries per region, with a strong emphasis
on youth, women, and marginalized groups.
A. Project Scope
• Baseline & Planning: Climate vulnerability mapping, agro-ecological profiling, traditional knowledge
documentation, and socio-economic assessments.
• Capacity Building: Training SHGs, youth, farmers, and community resource persons on climate-
smart agriculture, NRM, regenerative practices, and enterprise development.
• Demonstration & Livelihoods: Model plots for resilient crops, indigenous seed banks, water
harvesting, renewable energy tools, alternative livelihood and integrated livelihoods (e.g.,
aquaculture, NTFPs).
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• Technology Integration: AI-based early warnings, digital MIS, mobile advisories, and market access
tools—only empanelled/patented/approved technologies (ICRISAT, ICAR, MoRD, etc.).
• Convergence & Policy Alignment: Integration with key schemes (MGNREGA, NRLM, PMKSY, RKVY,
etc.), collaboration with government line departments, and model replication guidelines.
• Monitoring & Knowledge Sharing: Real-time tracking, impact assessments, and dissemination of
success stories, toolkits, and IEC materials.
The livelihood program shall be designed to cater to the demand of the targeted locations.
Organizations are encouraged to apply for only 1 component (Climate resilient Agriculture &
Horticulture or Diversified livelihoods & Green enterprise development). A broad list of activities
are listed below:
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D. Targeted Outcomes of the Project
• Increased Yields: 50% increase in yields of resilient crops (drought-tolerant, millets, pulses).
• Adoption Rate: 70% of farmers using resilient crops and indigenous seed systems.
• Training Impact: Number of youths, farmers, and CRPs trained in climate-smart agriculture.
• Institution Strengthening: Number of nano/micro enterprises and CIGs formed or strengthened.
• Livelihood Diversification: 25% of beneficiaries engaged in activities like beekeeping, aquaculture.
• Income Growth: Double income increases from diversified livelihoods in 3 years.
• Market Linkage: 60% of enterprises and CIGs linked to markets, government mandis, e-commerce
platforms, etc.
• Tool Adoption: 80% farmers using mobile advisories and digital tools.
• Risk Reduction: 30% reduction in crop losses through adoption of emerging technology based early
warnings and notifications.
• Monitoring Systems: 70% of regions implementing real-time MIS for climate tracking.
• Increased Resilience: 70% of households reporting improved resilience to climate shocks.
*The disbursement of the final installment of the allocated funds is contingent upon the NGO successfully
meeting predefined programmatic and/or financial objectives
E. Baseline Study:
The proposal to have a provision for a Baseline study from an independent agency which should
include:
1. LOCATION PROFILE
• Agro-ecological profile
o Soil type, rainfall pattern, cropping systems, and water resources
• Climate vulnerability and environmental stressors
o Incidence of droughts, floods, soil erosion, salinity, etc.
• Livelihood patterns and income sources
o Distribution of agricultural, allied, and non-farm livelihoods
• Resource availability and infrastructure
o Access to irrigation, markets, renewable energy, digital connectivity
3. TARGET BENEFICIARIES
• Socio-economic status
o Household income, landholding size, occupation profile
o Access to basic services (health, education, finance)
• Demographic details
o Age, gender, caste/tribe, disability status
• Skill levels and climate awareness
o Knowledge of sustainable practices, tech familiarity, digital access
• Aspirations and constraints
o Interest in agriculture or non-farm enterprises
o Migration trends, credit access, market barriers
Partner organizations applying for a project must follow the broad framework given above for
SBIF LEAP: Climate Smart Livelihoods.
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Selection Criteria for Agencies
The evaluation of the agencies shall be done by the competent authority on the following
parameters:
A. Project Proposal
1. Alignment with ‘SBIF LEAP: Climate Smart Livelihoods’ framework.
2. Clear and concise details of the proposed solution, implementation plan and outcomes.
3. Innovation in the project.
4. Risk-mitigation measures.
5. Comprehensiveness of the Log frame & Project timelines.
6. Project Monitoring & Evaluation Process.
7. Proportion of admin and overhead costs, in comparison to the total project budget.
8. Project exit strategy & sustainability of the solution.
B. Experience
1. The NGO should have a minimum of 3 years of existence on the date of publication of this
RFP.
2. The NGO should have a minimum of 3 years of overall work experience in the proposed
thematic area and should have a presence in the proposed state.
3. The NGOs having demonstrated capability to improve measurable outcomes to ensure
effectiveness and efficiency of the intervention will be preferred.
4. The Agency must have a proven track record of designing and implementing climate smart
livelihoods in the mentioned areas/regions.
5. The NGO must have completed at least 3 assignments/projects of a similar nature funded by
a Public sector/Govt. Organizations/Central/State government authority/ Foundations.
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Guidelines for Proposal
1. The proposals must be direct, concise, and complete. All information not directly relevant to
this RFP should be omitted. The implementation plan should be mentioned in a step-by-step
approach, Log frame with means of verification and Work plan with clear timelines should be
part of the proposal. SBIF will evaluate the agency’s proposal based upon its clarity and the
directness of its response to the requirements of the project as outlined in this RFP.
2. Prices shall be quoted entirely in Indian Rupees. The price quoted would be inclusive of all taxes,
duties, charges, and levies as applicable. The detailed financials have to be submitted including
cost breakups.
3. The proposed projects that work with and are supported by the government will be preferred.
4. The proposed interventions should be sustainable and scalable and can be replicated across
geographies and demographics.
5. The NGOs having demonstrated capability to improve measurable outcomes to ensure
effectiveness and efficiency of the intervention will be preferred.
6. Projects should be inclusive in nature, targeting beneficiaries from all strata and groups of the
society
*Guide for Filling RFP Forms for SBIF LEAP: Climate Smart Livelihoods: find the link Guide to fill RFP Form.docx
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Annexure I
Non-Disclosure Agreement
This Non-Disclosure Agreement ("Non-Disc") is made and entered into
_____ of __________ by and between SBI Foundation (SBIF) and ________________ (Non-profit
organizations Name) and whereas, SBIF and
________________________ (Hereinafter referred to as service provider) have entered into a
Non-Disclosure Agreement effective from____________.
And,
Whereas, each party desires to disclose to the other party certain information in oral or written
form which is proprietary and confidential to the disclosing party, ("CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION").
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreements contained
herein, the parties agree as follows:
(b) The term, “SBI Foundation (SBIF)” shall include the officers, employees, agents, consultants,
contractors and representatives of SBIF.
(c) The term, “Service Provider” shall include the directors, officers, employees, agents,
consultants, contractors and representatives of _______________, including its applicable
affiliates and subsidiary companies.
pg. 16
2. Protection of Confidential Information:
With respect to any Confidential Information disclosed to it or to which it has access, Service
Provider affirms that it shall:
(a) Use the Confidential Information as necessary only in connection with Project and in
accordance with the terms and conditions contained herein;
(b) Maintain the Confidential Information in strict confidence and take all reasonable steps to
enforce the confidentiality obligations imposed hereunder, but in no event take less care with the
Confidential Information that the parties take to protect the confidentiality of its own proprietary
and confidential information and that of its clients;
(d) Not disclose or in any way assist or permit the disclosure of any Confidential Information to
any other person or entity without the express written consent of the other party; and
(e) Return to the other party, or destroy, at SBIF’s discretion, any and all Confidential Information
disclosed in a printed form or other permanent record, or in any other tangible form (including
without limitation, all copies, notes, extracts, analyses, studies, summaries, records and
reproductions thereof) immediately upon the earlier to occur of (i) expiration or termination of
either party’s engagement in the Project, or (ii) the request of the other party therefore.
(f) Not to discuss with any member of the public, media, press, any or any other person about the
nature of arrangement entered between SBIF and Service Provider or the nature of services to be
provided by the Service Provider to the SBIF.
3. Onus: Service Provider shall have the onus of proving that any disclosure or use inconsistent
with the terms and conditions hereof falls within any of the foregoing exceptions.
4. Exceptions: These restrictions as enumerated in section 1 of this Agreement shall not apply to
any Confidential Information:
(a) Which is independently developed by Service Provider or lawfully received from another
source free of restriction and without breach of this Agreement; or
(b) After it has become generally available to the public without breach of this Agreement by
Service Provider; or
(c) Which at the time of disclosure to Service Provider was known to such party free of restriction
and evidenced by documentation in such party’s possession; or
pg. 17
(e) Which is received from a third party not subject to the obligation of confidentiality with
respect to such Information;
5. Remedies: Service Provider acknowledges that (a) any actual or threatened disclosure or use of
the Confidential Information by Service Provider would be a breach of this agreement and may
cause immediate and irreparable harm to SBIF; (b) Service Provider affirms that damages from
such disclosure or use by it may be impossible to measure accurately; and (c) injury sustained by
SBIF may be impossible to calculate and remedy fully. Therefore, Service Provider acknowledges
that in the event of such a breach, SBIF shall be entitled to specific performance of Service
Provider’s obligations contained in this Agreement. In addition, Service Provider shall indemnify
SBIF of the actual and liquidated damages which may be demanded by SBIF. Moreover, SBIF shall
be entitled to recover all costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) which it or they may incur in
connection with defending its interests and enforcement of legal rights arising due to a breach of
this agreement by Service Provider.
6. Need to Know: Service Provider shall restrict disclosure of such Confidential Information to its
employees and/or consultants with a need to know (and advise such employees of the obligations
assumed herein), shall use the Confidential Information only for the purposes set forth in the
Agreement, and shall not disclose such Confidential Information to any affiliates, subsidiaries,
associates and/or third party without prior written approval of the disclosing party.
7. Intellectual Property Rights Protection: No licence to a party, under any trademark, patent,
copyright, design right, mask work protection right, or any other intellectual property right is either
granted or implied by the conveying of Confidential Information to such party.
8. No Conflict: The parties represent and warrant that the performance of its obligations
hereunder do not and shall not conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the respective
parties to which they are a party or by which the respective parties are bound.
9. Authority: The parties represent and warrant that they have all necessary authority and power
to enter into this Agreement and perform their obligations hereunder.
10. Dispute Resolution: If any difference or dispute arises between the SBIF and the Service
Provider in connection with the validity, interpretation, implementation or alleged breach of any
provision of this Agreement, any such dispute shall be referred to the Managing Director, SBIF.
11. Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of
the parties, and supersedes all previous or contemporaneous agreement or communications, both
oral and written, representations and understandings among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof.
pg. 18
13. Binding Agreement: This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
14. Severability: It is the intent of the parties that in case any one or more of the provisions
contained in this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, such
provision shall be modified to the extent necessary to render it, as modified, valid and enforceable
under applicable laws, and such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the other provisions
of this Agreement.
15. Survival: Both parties agree that all of their obligations undertaken herein with respect to
Confidential Information received pursuant to this Agreement shall survive till perpetuity even
after any expiration or termination of this Agreement.
16. Term: This Agreement shall remain valid up to 1 years from the “effective date”.
IN WITNESS HEREOF, and intending to be legally bound, the parties have executed this
Agreement to make it effective from the date and year first written above. For SBIF
India, For Service Provider
pg. 19
Annexure II
Due Diligence Document Checklist
• * In case the IT Return and Annual Report for FY 2024–25 are not yet available, the organization may
submit documents for the preceding three consecutive financial years, i.e., 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–
24, along with a declaration stating that the documents currently unavailable will be submitted at the
time of the presentation.
pg. 20
Annexure III
Technical Form (Evaluation Form) –
Section 1: Organisation Details & Section 2: Project Proposal The proposal shall be evaluated
out of 100.
pg. 21
Annexure IV
Financial Format
pg. 22
Annexure V
Format of Agreement/MoU
MoU & Grant Letter Format Link:
pg. 23