Ep 1: Dhruvi Shah on what it takes to build a strong funder-non profit partnership

In the first episode of Philanthropy Forward, Arun Nathan, Partner at Sattva Consulting, speaks with Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee and CEO of Axis Bank Foundation, about what stronger CSR-nonprofit partnerships can look like in practice. The conversation explores how funders can build long-term partnerships with nonprofits, what makes organisations credible partners, how overheads and capacity building should be viewed in relation to impact, and how grantmaking processes such as fund releases and compliance can shape outcomes on the ground. Drawing on Axis Bank Foundation’s experience, the episode offers practical perspectives for both CSR leaders and nonprofit organisations on designing partnerships that are more thoughtful, sustainable and impact-oriented. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:02 What is Philanthropy Forward? 02:30 Evolution of ABF’s Grant Making Approach 06:02 Building Long-Term Non Profit Partnerships 15:20 Grant Design and Institutional Costs 25:28 Managing Grant Releases and Cash Flow 31:44 Balancing Branding and Impact 34:44 Key Takeaways and Final Reflections #CSR #nonporfits #overheads #longterm #ongoing #grants #capacitybuilding