There was a time when the NGO sector in India was spoken about almost entirely in terms of goodwill and intent. Good work was assumed. Trust was implicit. Funding followed relationships more than results.
That time is clearly behind us.
In his op-ed “Philanthropy Transformed,” published in The Telegraph on 22 November 2025, Dr Nirmalya Mukherjee, Chief Executive of MANT, puts words to a shift many of us in the development sector have been sensing for years—but haven’t always articulated clearly.
This isn’t a nostalgic reflection on what NGOs once were. It’s a clear-eyed look at what the sector has become, why the rules are changing, and what organisations must do if they want to remain relevant, credible, and trusted in the years ahead.
A sector shaped by democracy—and scrutiny
One of the most compelling ideas in the article is the link Dr Mukherjee draws between the evolution of India’s NGOs and the evolution of Indian democracy itself. As democratic institutions mature, expectations rise. Citizens, donors, and regulators ask sharper questions. Transparency is no longer optional; accountability is no longer symbolic.
NGOs are no longer judged only by their intentions, but by their governance, their impact, and their ability to demonstrate real, measurable change.
This isn’t necessarily a threat. As the op-ed argues, it is also an opportunity.
Why funding dynamics are shifting
Dr Mukherjee speaks candidly about the changing nature of philanthropy. Funding today is more cautious, more outcome-driven, and often more short-term. Donors want evidence. They want alignment with larger social and economic goals. They want to know not just what an organisation does, but how it does it—and why it should matter.
For NGOs used to operating on trust alone, this shift can feel uncomfortable. But the article makes a crucial point: credibility in this new landscape is earned through systems, not sentiment.
Strong financial practices, transparent reporting, ethical leadership, and a willingness to be evaluated are no longer “nice to have.” They are survival skills.
Rebuilding trust from the inside out
Perhaps the most important takeaway from Philanthropy Transformed is that trust cannot be demanded—it has to be rebuilt deliberately.
Dr Mukherjee challenges organisations to look inward before looking outward. Are boards active and accountable? Are leadership structures clear? Are communities genuinely involved, or merely represented in reports? Are we adapting our models to changing realities, or clinging to legacy approaches because they feel safe?
This is not criticism for the sake of critique. It is an invitation to reform with purpose.
Staying relevant in a fast-moving landscape
The development sector is moving fast—driven by technology, policy changes, new forms of philanthropy, and rising public awareness. The op-ed makes it clear that NGOs that fail to adapt risk becoming invisible, regardless of their history or intent.
Relevance today means clarity of mission, honesty about limitations, and the courage to evolve. It means collaborating more, communicating better, and grounding advocacy in evidence rather than emotion alone.
Why this piece matters
Philanthropy Transformed is not just an analysis of the sector; it is a mirror held up to everyone who works within it. It speaks to practitioners, funders, policymakers, and civil society leaders who care about the future of development work in India.
For colleagues and peers who follow the evolution of civil society, this article is worth reading slowly—and reflecting on deeply. The pressures are real, but so are the opportunities. And as Dr Mukherjee’s vision makes clear, the organisations that will endure are those willing to reform, rebuild trust, and meet this moment with integrity.
A call to funders, partners, and policymakers
As the NGO landscape undergoes this transformation, the role of funders, institutional partners, and policymakers becomes even more critical. Sustainable social impact will not come from compliance alone, but from partnerships rooted in trust, long-term thinking, and a shared commitment to reform.
This is a moment to move beyond transactional funding and short project cycles—and towards investing in governance, leadership, learning systems, and institutional resilience. It is also a moment for policy audiences to recognise and support organisations that are striving to operate transparently, ethically, and at scale.
Dr Mukherjee’s op-ed is an invitation to engage more thoughtfully with civil society—not just as implementers, but as partners in strengthening democracy and development practice in India.
For those shaping funding strategies, collaborations, or policy frameworks, Philanthropy Transformed offers essential perspective on what will truly matter in the years ahead.
You can read the full op-ed in The Telegraph here: Philanthropy Transformed – The trajectory of India’s NGOs reflects the evolution of Indian democracy