kanthari

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you know the CHANGE that society needs!

we give you the tools!

Apply today to become a kanthari participant

Have you always wanted to start and run your own impact-making organization?
Or have you already registered one and are you looking to gain more skills in running it?
THEN… kanthari is the place for you.

Many people are searching for what they want to do in life, however, kanthari is for those who have already decided to initiate an organization/NGO that makes a difference. For them, kanthari is the last stop before getting started!

The twelve-month full time scholarship-based program helps participants develop all the necessary skills to effectively run CSOs/NGOs, Social enterprises, or social ventures.

To understand what the kanthari course is all about, first read all about the kanthari Curriculum (and watch the video below) and the kanthari colors

Requirements

Who can apply

  • Who can apply
    You may be a good fit for kanthari if you:

    • Are at least 22 years old (there is no upper age limit).
    • Have faced and overcome significant life challenges, or have witnessed an issue in society that you feel deeply compelled to change.
    • Carry a clear idea, plan, or existing initiative that addresses a social or environmental problem.
    • Dream of starting or strengthening an NGO, social enterprise, or other impact-driven organization.
    • Can communicate in basic English.
    • Have basic computer skills.

What we expect from applicants

At kanthari, you are not just a participant, you are a changemaker in the making. We look for individuals who are driven by purpose and ready to fully invest themselves in their journey.

Before applying, take a moment to reflect:

  • Are you truly committed to bringing your idea to life, especially beyond the 12-month course?
  • Are you ready to challenge yourself, learn actively, and work with dedication?
  • Will you act with integrity, openness, respect, and a spirit of collaboration?
  • Are you willing to both support others and share your own experiences and strengths?
  • Can you dedicate yourself fully to this 12-month, immersive learning experience?

If your answer is a confident “yes,” you may be the one we are looking for.

What kanthari offers

  • Selected participants will qualify for a scholarship provided by our donors to cover the training fee, return economy flight and accommodation.
  • A practical 12-month course focused on leadership, social entrepreneurship, and building impact-driven organizations.
  • Access to a global network of change-makers from more than 55 countries.
  • The course covers a range of topics that are relevant to start and run an impact making organisation:
topics covered in the kanthari course

What to do before applying

FIRST important step: carefully read the FAQ 

It includes important information about the scholarship, what is and is not covered, the admissions process, curriculum, finances, campus life, medical concerns, and other key details.

  • Use a laptop or desktop computer, not a phone or tablet.
  • Write all answers in English.
  • Write in your own words. Do not use AI-generated text, we want to hear your own voice.
  • Carefully check the required document formats and file size limits before uploading.

How to apply

  1. Register with your name and email address.
  2. Check your email for the verification message. If you do not see it, check your spam folder.
  3. Complete all sections of the application form.
  4. Submit the form only after everything is complete.
  5. After submission, check for the confirmation email that shows your application was received.

If you do not receive a confirmation email, check your spam folder first. If it is not there, contact the kanthari team and include your name, the date and time of submission, and the browser and operating system you used.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

We have developed a brand new kanthari intake system. Even when we have done a lot of tests, with anything new, of course, there could be still some issues/problems. In case you come across an error or problem, please do not despair. Do take a detailed note of what is not working (Especially in which stage of the application you were facing the issue) and if possible take a screenshot and send all this to it@kanthari.org. We will check and get back to you as soon as we can.

FOR BLIND / PARTIALLY SIGHTED APPLICANTS: 

We have been working hard to make the intake system accessible. Yet, there might still be some errors/issues. Whenever you come across one, please send an e-mail to it@kanthari.org. In this e-mail, please describe the issue and include which operating system and which speech software you are using. We will then try to solve the issue as soon as possible.  Thank you for your understanding and support.

FOR DEAF/HEARING IMPAIRED APPLICANTS: 

The interactive and strongly verbally nature of our four times 90-minute sessions on 4 days each week, as well as debates, group work outside of sessions, would require at least three to four sign language interpreters to ensure effective communication for all participants.
We currently do not have the resources to accommodate this specific need for individual Deaf/hearing impaired participants. We understand that this may be disappointing, and we genuinely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

In recognizing the importance of inclusivity, we are committed to making our programs accessible to everyone. Therefore, should a sufficient number of deaf / hearing impaired applicants express interest in our course, we are considering dedicating an entire year exclusively for such a group.

SO, DON’T WAIT, APPLY NOW! 


Please note: By clicking the apply button below, you confirm that you have read the FAQ page.

APPLY HERE

Voices of graduates and others

"the kanthari training is a goldmine! There is no better place to learn how to become a Social Entrepreneur. When I got to kanthari in 2012, my project was scattered here and there but through the transformation concepts and several other sessions, I was able to transform my project and ideas into a Social Enterprise that would make meaningful impact. I realized my potential during the course, learned about the importance of collaborating with your beneficiaries and creatively solve problems. The experience gave me wings to fly with my dream and today, kanthari makes me an agent of change all the time, everywhere! "
Lawrence Afere
founder of Springboard - Nigeria
kanthari is an everlasting experience for me. Since I graduated from kanthari, I continued living the experiences in several ways. It shaped my project, helped me to overcome crises, expanded new networks, and enabled me to develop fundraising and management strategies. Overall, kanthari helped my personal and professional growth, always directing me to the right path and making me stronger every day.
Sristi K.C.
founder Blind Rocks! - Nepal
“kanthari is one of the top NGOs working in this part of the world, they have been impacting people around the world and have an international program that they run out of their Campus by the side of Lake Vellayani in Trivandrum.”
G Vijaya Raghavan
Vijayaraghavan - Hon Director at Center for Autism and other Disabilities Rehabilitation Research and Education (CADRRE)
"Coming to kanthari was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I feel like I am at the right place at the right time. - I feel like for the last two years I have been running aimlessly. Now I know what I am doing and why I am doing it. I clearly understand the problem I am trying to solve "
Mary Mutua
Founder Twajali - Kenya