The eight states of Northeast India have a combined population of over 4.48 crores (Census 2011) constituting 3.7% of the total population of India. Although characterised by rich biological and cultural diversity, large parts of the region lags behind in socio-developmental aspects which gets compounded by ethnic strife. NGOs or Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) based in the region working with vulnerable communities have a significant role to play in improving these challenges.

Compared to the other parts of the country, the social development sector in the Northeast region is still at a nascent stage. There is a need for many CSOs that are professionally governed, well managed and effective. Many CSOs struggle with organisational aspects, such as clear vision & strategy, governance, systems & processes, leadership, management, effective programmes and resource mobilisation. However, on an average Northeast gets 1.5% of the total nationwide CSR spend. There is, thus, a high need for appropriate organisation building and programmatic support for the CSOs in the Northeast region, to nurture a vibrant civil society in Northeast India.