Kochi : Efforts will be made to provide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds amounting to Rs 500 crore to voluntary organizations in Kerala over the next three years, as announced at the National NGO Confederation's first Social Innovation Summit. The CSR funds available in Kerala for the financial year 2021-22 amount to Rs 240 crore, with Ernakulam district receiving the highest share.

The summit witnessed the launch and closing session of the Sahayog App, inaugurated by Hybi Eden MP. The app is designed to assist voluntary organizations in Kerala by raising awareness about CSR issues and helping design projects that address the state's social needs.

Notable participants included BJP state vice president AN Radhakrishnan, senior Congress leader Adv. Lali Vincent, National NGO Confederation Coordinator Ananthu Krishnan, Professor Sivan Ambatt from the Entrepreneurship Institute in Ahmedabad, Nari Gunjan Founder Padmasree Sudha Varghese, CSR Advisor Nikhil Pant, National NGO Confederation Board Members Baby East and Sheeba Suresh, and HiFiC Consultancy General Manager Mukundan K Madam.

Organized by HiFiC Consultancy under the auspices of the National NGO Confederation, the two-day summit featured expert-led sessions on various topics, including CSR fundraising and strategies for social startups.

Ananthu Krishnan emphasized that the Sahayog app is a valuable resource for voluntary organizations, social startups, and newcomers eager to volunteer in Kerala. He highlighted that there are currently 8000 voluntary organizations operating in the state, and the confederation aims to coordinate their efforts and provide essential support. The confederation is focusing on utilizing CSR funds by initiating more schemes in backward districts like Wayanad. Mr. Krishnan added that voluntary organizations in Kerala are collaborating with the government to design and implement numerous projects aimed at fostering social change.

The summit aimed to unite voluntary organizations to foster awareness and equip them with the skills to develop and implement innovative solutions to societal challenges. This is the first time such a summit has been exclusively organized for voluntary organizations in Kerala.

Approximately 2000 volunteers and organizations from various states in South India and different districts of Kerala participated in the summit, showcasing a strong commitment to social innovation and development.